How much does the 2021 Nissan Kicks cost?

Prices have softened 6.67% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,026 listings available, which suggests you have room to compare prices and equipment across the market.

If you find a listing below $14,491.85, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks a good car?

Yes — the 4.5/5 user rating points to strong shopper satisfaction, and the expert score is 8.67/10. The model scores 9/10 across Form and function, Cost effectiveness, Technology, and Safety.

The 2021 Kicks is positioned as a budget-friendly crossover with a refresh that added more features, and its appeal is easy to see if you want an affordable small crossover that looks good from the sidewalk and delivers just enough power. The trade-offs are equally clear: performance is fairly pedestrian, there’s no manual transmission, and cargo space is limited.

That said, it fits best if you value efficiency, standard safety tech, and a well-equipped cabin over quick acceleration or utility-first packaging. With 28.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers some value opportunities.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks reliable?

Owners rate it 4.5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The 2021 Kicks is described as a practical, no-frills small crossover with a strong history of few recalls, and its refreshed design adds more features without changing its basic mission. The expert notes also point to a fuel-efficient, easygoing model that remains attractive to buyers looking for affordable transportation.

Its powertrain is straightforward: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. The expert notes say it has a good power-to-weight ratio for its size, and the CVT’s noise under heavy acceleration is presented as normal behavior rather than a deal-breaker.

On the ownership side, the model’s value-oriented setup and standard equipment help keep day-to-day costs manageable, and the Premium Package adds conveniences like heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and over-the-air infotainment updates. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that the same modest performance and limited cargo room that define the Kicks new will still shape your experience later.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Nissan Kicks?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still prioritize a history report and a pre-purchase inspection, even if the listing looks clean. Focus on overall condition, because the Kicks is a value-oriented crossover where equipment and trim differences can matter a lot more than flashy extras. Pay close attention to whether the features you want are standard on the trim you’re considering or only available on higher grades.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base model gets a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, three USB ports, keyless entry, push-button start, and Easy Fill Tire Alert. Higher trims add conveniences like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, a 7-inch driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port.
• Powertrain: Every model uses a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is not available.
• Safety package: Every Kicks comes with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Kicks SV and SR also add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.
• Infotainment: The base setup uses a 7-inch screen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and three USB ports. A WiFi hot spot is available, and it allows for over-the-air updating.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA rates it at 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, with 356 miles of range on a single tank of gas.

Which 2021 Nissan Kicks trim should I buy?

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is offered in 3 trim levels: S, SV, SR.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The S is the value play, but it lacks the upgraded wheels and rear disc brakes found higher up the range.
• Sweet-spot trim: The SV is the best balance if you want more convenience features and improved braking without stepping all the way to the top.
• Premium/top trim: The SR adds the most equipment, including LED headlights, LED fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and the integrated dynamic-control module.
• Off-road trim: The SR Premium Package is the one to watch if you want the best tech and comfort mix, but it adds cost rather than changing the Kicks into a different kind of vehicle.

The SR also gets the most advanced equipment in the lineup, while the Safety Shield 360 suite is standard across all trims.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Nissan Kicks?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find value.

• Deal availability: 28.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,026 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.67% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,491.85, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Nissan Kicks's resale value?

The current average of $14,903 sits slightly below last year's $15,968.

That price movement suggests the Kicks has softened enough to be attractive to used buyers now, but it also means future sellers may need to stay competitive on price. If you buy well today, you may have a better chance of limiting depreciation pressure later.

The model’s value-oriented reputation and standard safety equipment should help it remain appealing to budget-minded shoppers. Strong equipment for the money can support demand, especially when the market continues to reward efficient, well-equipped small crossovers.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks safe?

It earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Every 2021 Kicks comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Nissan also equips every Kicks with 10 airbags, and Kicks SV and SR add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.

The 2021 model was not crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA, but the mechanically similar 2020 Kicks earned all Good marks in IIHS crashworthiness testing. The 2020 model’s headlights were rated Acceptable or Poor depending on trim level, so the refreshed headlights on this model year are worth checking closely if safety is a priority.

Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Kicks or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 28.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.67% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It’s the refreshed model year, with more features and a stronger equipment story than the earlier version.

The bottom line: If you want the refreshed Kicks with more features and a better value story, the 2021 model is the one to target. If you’re mainly chasing the lowest possible purchase price, a nearby model year may be worth comparing, but the 2021’s softer pricing and stronger feature set make it the more balanced choice for most shoppers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.