Used 2021 Nissan Kicks for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

How much does the 2021 Nissan Kicks cost?

Prices have softened 7.09% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,062 listings available, which suggests you have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks a good car?

Yes — the 4.5/5 user rating and 8.67/10 expert rating point to a strong overall value proposition. The model scores 9/10 across Form and function, Cost effectiveness, Technology, and Safety.

The 2021 Kicks is a budget-friendly crossover that was refreshed with more features, and it keeps the appeal of a small, attractive runabout with just enough power for everyday use. It stands out for being fuel-efficient, offering standard advanced safety features, and packing an impressive stereo.

The trade-offs are clear: performance is fairly pedestrian, a manual transmission is not available, and cargo space is limited. If you want an affordable crossover with a practical footprint and you care more about efficiency, safety, and features than speed or utility, this year’s Kicks fits that brief well.

29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks reliable?

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

The 2021 Kicks is presented as a straightforward, value-focused subcompact SUV with a strong emphasis on safe, reliable, no-frills transportation. It also has a strong history of few recalls, with only one occurring over the last three model years.

Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder setup is described as delivering enough power for its size without being zippy, and the CVT is noted as a normal source of noise under heavy acceleration rather than a deal-breaker. For used buyers, that points to a vehicle that should be judged more on maintenance history and condition than on expectations of sporty performance.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re comparing multiple trims or higher-mileage examples. Focus on overall condition, tire wear, brake condition, and whether the equipment you want is actually present on the specific car you’re considering.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base S is the most stripped-down version, while the SV and SR add more convenience and appearance equipment. The SR also brings a sportier look, and the Premium Package adds Prima-Tex-appointed seating with three-tone design and stitching.
• Powertrain: Every 2021 Kicks 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, and the model is tuned more for efficiency than speed.
• Safety package: Every 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. SV and SR add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.
• Infotainment: The base S gets a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, three USB ports, keyless entry, push-button start, and Easy Fill Tire Alert. SV adds Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, a 7-inch driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port. A WiFi hot spot is available, and it allows for over-the-air updating.
• Fuel efficiency: The EPA rates the Kicks 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:

• S: This is the value play if you want the lowest entry point and still want the core Kicks formula. You get the 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, three USB ports, keyless entry, push-button start, and the full Safety Shield 360 suite, but you give up some of the nicer convenience and appearance upgrades found higher up.
• SV: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds a more complete everyday experience without jumping to the top price tier. You get Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, a 7-inch driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, a USB-C port, rear disc brakes, and the driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.
• SR: Choose this if you want the most upscale look and the most equipment. It adds LED headlights, LED fog lights, black heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, a rear roof-mounted spoiler, dark chrome grille accents, rear disc brakes, and the integrated dynamic-control module with active engine brake, intelligent trace control, and intelligent ride control. The Premium Package also brings the Bose Personal Plus sound system, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a security system, a tonneau cover, NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hot spot, and over-the-air infotainment updates.

Every trim gets Nissan Safety Shield 360, and the SR adds the most extra convenience and tech.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,062 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.09% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,492, 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 $14,537 sits slightly below last year's $15,646.

That softer pricing trend suggests the Kicks has become more accessible for used buyers, which can make it easier to move later if you buy at the right price. For a future seller, the key is to avoid overpaying now, because resale value will depend heavily on how much room you leave between your purchase price and the market average.

The model’s value-oriented reputation and strong equipment list should help keep it appealing to budget-minded shoppers. If you buy near the low end of the range and keep the car in good condition, you’ll be in a better position when it’s time to sell.

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?

The 2021 Kicks has not been crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, but the mechanically similar 2020 model scored all Good marks in crashworthiness testing. Its headlights were rated Acceptable or Poor depending on trim level, so the refreshed lighting on this model year is worth paying attention to.

It earns a four-star overall rating from NHTSA on the mechanically similar 2020 model, and it has a strong history of few recalls. 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. It also comes with 10 airbags and two LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats. SV and SR add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks reliable?

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

The 2021 Kicks is presented as a straightforward, value-focused subcompact SUV with a strong emphasis on safe, reliable, no-frills transportation. It also has a strong history of few recalls, with only one occurring over the last three model years.

Its 1.6-liter four-cylinder setup is described as delivering enough power for its size without being zippy, and the CVT is noted as a normal source of noise under heavy acceleration rather than a deal-breaker. For used buyers, that points to a vehicle that should be judged more on maintenance history and condition than on expectations of sporty performance.

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:

• 29.7% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.09% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It’s the refreshed year, with more features and updated styling.

The bottom line: The 2021 model is the right pick if you want the refreshed Kicks with more equipment, strong efficiency, and standard safety tech at a still-reasonable used price. If you’re especially price-sensitive, a nearby year may save you money, but the 2021’s added features and softer market pricing make it the more compelling all-around choice for many shoppers.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.