Nissan Kicks 2021 Review

Looking to buy a small and inexpensive crossover SUV? The 2021 Nissan Kicks might be worth checking out. This is Nissan's smallest SUV and takes its place alongside its bigger and pricier siblings, the Rogue Sport and Rogue. Like many extra-small SUVs, the Kicks is a lot like a budget hatchback (think Volkswagen Golf) but with a slightly taller stance. It doesn't offer traction-enhancing all-wheel drive or the outdoorsy vibe you might otherwise expect from a traditional SUV, but you still get a higher ride height and extra cargo capacity compared to a sedan.

The Kicks gets a few updates for 2021. Nissan has updated the exterior styling, improved some interior materials, and added standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. You definitely get a lot of features for your money with the Kicks, but there are some drawbacks to the way it drives. Check our Expert Rating below to get our full report and help you decide whether you should get a Kicks or go with an alternative such as the Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul or Mazda CX-30.

Which Kicks does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is an extra-small crossover SUV that's offered in three trim levels: S, SV and SR. They primarily differ in the number of features you get. Highlights include:

S Starts you off with:

• 122-horsepower four-cylinder engine
• Continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive
• Steel wheels with plastic wheel covers
• Keyless ignition
• Air conditioning
• Cloth upholstery
• 7-inch touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Every Kicks also comes with:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Reverse automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
• Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)

SV The midrange SV trim adds some convenience with features that include:

• Alloy wheels
• Heated mirrors
• Roof rails
• Rear disc brakes (can enhance braking performance)
• Keyless entry with remote ignition
• Center armrest console between the front seats
• Automatic climate control
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Satellite radio
• Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the Kicks and the car in front)
• Drowsy driver monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)

SR The top-of-the-line SR model adds a handful of items as well as unique sport seats for front passengers.

• LED headlights
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Surround-view monitor (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
• Sport front seats

The SR trim is also eligible for the SR Premium package that adds:

• Remote monitoring and control via a smartphone app
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Simulated leather upholstery trim
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Cargo cover
• Bose premium audio