Used 2021 Nissan Kicks for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Nissan Kicks cost?

Prices have softened 6.70% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,107 listings available, which suggests you have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Nissan Kicks earns a 4.5/5 user rating and an 8.67/10 expert rating. The model scores 9/10 across Form and function, Cost effectiveness, Technology, and Safety.

It fits you well if you want a budget-friendly crossover that was refreshed for 2021 with more features, a small footprint, and a simple, affordable ownership experience. The strongest case for it is practical: it is fuel-efficient, comes with standard advanced safety features, and includes an impressive stereo.

The trade-offs are clear, though. Performance is fairly pedestrian, a manual transmission is not available, and cargo space is limited.

Good and great deals account for 33.6% of listings, 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 crossover with a strong emphasis on everyday usefulness. Its standard front-wheel-drive setup, modest power output, and fuel-efficient character point to a vehicle built for easy commuting rather than hard use, and that simplicity can work in your favor over time.

The performance notes also suggest a generally calm, predictable driving experience, with the CVT being the main source of noise under heavier acceleration. On the ownership side, the model’s strong history of few recalls is a reassuring sign for used buyers.

If you want a low-stress commuter and keep up with routine maintenance, the Kicks’ simple formula should help limit long-term ownership risk.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report on any listing you like, even if it looks clean on paper. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially if you are comparing multiple trims or considering a higher-mileage example. Focus on overall condition, since the Kicks is a value-oriented model and wear items can matter more than flashy equipment.

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, while higher trims add features such as Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, a 7-inch driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port. The top trim also adds LED headlights, LED fog lights, black heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, a rear roof-mounted spoiler, and dark chrome grille accents.
• Powertrain: Every 2021 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. It is tuned for efficiency and easy driving rather than quick acceleration, and 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. Higher trims add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.
• Infotainment: The base setup includes a 7-inch infotainment touch 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 Kicks is rated at 31 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined.

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 experience. You get the standard safety suite, the 7-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the fuel-efficient powertrain, 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 useful everyday upgrades like automatic climate control, Nissan Intelligent Key, a driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and rear disc brakes. It also gets the larger alloy wheels, making it the sweet spot if you want more comfort and convenience without jumping to the top trim.
• SR: This is the trim to choose if you want the most features and the sportier look. It adds the most upscale exterior touches, the integrated dynamic-control module, and access to the Premium Package, which brings the Bose Personal Plus sound system, Prima-Tex-appointed seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hot spot, and over-the-air infotainment updates.

Every Kicks comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, and the SV and SR add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.

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 reasonable opportunities.

• Deal availability: 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,107 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.70% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 76.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $14,493, 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 $14,563 sits slightly below last year's $15,608.

That price movement suggests the Kicks has become more affordable for used buyers, which can make it easier for you to enter the market now. For a future seller, the softer pricing means you should expect a more value-driven resale environment rather than a strong appreciation story.

Even so, the Kicks still has traits that support demand: it is efficient, practical, and well equipped for the money. Those qualities can help it stay relevant with budget-minded shoppers when it is time for you 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?

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

Every 2021 Kicks comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite that 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 the SV and SR add a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert.

The 2021 model itself has not been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA, but the mechanically similar 2020 Kicks earned all Good marks in IIHS crashworthiness testing and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA. The 2020 model’s headlights varied by trim, which is worth keeping in mind when you compare used examples.

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:

• 33.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 76.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.70% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It was refreshed for 2021 with more features, updated styling, and improved interior materials.

The bottom line: If you want the most polished version of this budget-friendly crossover, the 2021 model is the one to target because it adds more features while keeping the Kicks’ efficient, easygoing formula intact. If your main goal is to spend as little as possible, a nearby year may still make sense, but the 2021’s refresh gives you a better-equipped starting point for the money.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.