DecodedCars2021 Nissan Kicks
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- CVT
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 33 combined · 31 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 169.7 in
- Curb weight
- 2,692 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2021 midsize car (27.4 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is a midsize car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 170 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,692 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (31 city / 36 highway), 20% better than the 2021 midsize car average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Kicks — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Kicks →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2021 Kicks configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV | 169.7 in | 69.3 in | 63.4 in | 103.1 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 2,692 lb | 61/39 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kicks | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 36 / 33 | +20% | $2,050 | 269 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Nissan Kicks SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 3★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2021 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Nissan Kicks (this car) | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Leaf | 226 mi | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Mazda 6 | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota C-HR | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 MINI Countryman | 29 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Jul 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V496000 · 11,824 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a steering column replacement, under recall number 22V-693. These vehicles will need to be reinspected for this recall.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Sep 15, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V693000 · 20,040 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.
Not every 2021 Nissan Kicks is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Nissan Kicks buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 24 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 11 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 83,015 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Nissan Kicks. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Kicks years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kicks | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Kicks | 31 | 172 in | Not rated | 3 | 9 |
| 2025 Kicks | 33 | 172 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 42 |
| 2024 Kicks | 33 | 169.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 39 |
| 2023 Kicks | 33 | 169.7 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 18 |
| 2022 Kicks | 33 | 169.7 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 24 |
| 2020 Kicks | 33 | 169.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 98 |
| 2019 Kicks | 33 | 169.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 134 |
| 2018 Kicks | 33 | – | Not rated | 1 | 86 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →