As Nissan's newest nameplate, the Kicks compact crossover quickly established a reputation for offering an impressive array of class-leading features with equally attractive value. Introduced three years ago in the U.S. as the entry model to Nissan's lineup of six crossovers and SUVs, Kicks has attracted young, enthusiastic new buyers to the brand.
To maintain that momentum, Nissan refreshed the 2021 Nissan Kicks with updates to provide even more features, technology, customized style and value that buyers are seeking in a compact crossover.
New changes include:
• Standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• Standard 7.0-inch touchscreen with new 8.0-inch color touchscreen on SV and SR grades
• Three standard USB ports with new available USB Type-C for SV and SR
• Refreshed exterior styling with bold new "Double V-motion" grille and available LED headlights
• New wheel designs
• Updated interior with new center console, new seating and trim materials
• New 7.0-inch driver information display in the meter cluster
• Rear disc brakes added to SV and SR grades
• An array of bold new colors, including new two-tone combinations
Younger buyers expect technology to keep them connected, so Nissan now offers standard Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ on all 2021 Kicks as well as available NissanConnect® Services – a suite of convenience and security features that includes an available Wi-Fi hotspot with over-the-air updating for head unit firmware, remote vehicle commands like keyless entry and safety features including Automatic Collision Notification.
Fuel economy is another Kicks strong point with best-in-class1 ratings of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined2. And for peace of mind, standard on all Kicks is Nissan Safety Shield® 360, which includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, radar-based Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, High Beam Assist and class-exclusive Rear Automatic Braking.3
New exterior design makes a bold first impression
While maintaining Kicks' compact urban crossover dimensions – with its large interior space and nimble, city-sized exterior for easy maneuverability – the extensive exterior changes immediately set Kicks apart from the competition.
Starting with a bold front end, a more aggressive bumper blends with the new "Double V- motion" grille, giving Kicks a more powerful SUV look. New headlights offer a high-tech, modern and premium effect, which is even further enhanced on the SR grade's super-thin LED multi-reflector design. The SR also includes standard LED fog lights.
A stylish rear end begins with a new bumper and back door finisher and LED combination light that stretches from side to side, adding a strong horizontal line that emphasizes Kicks' wide rear structure. Like in front, the redesigned rear bumper imparts a sense of more "lifted" volume and a premium feel.
The 2021 Kicks continues with its "floating roof" with a "wrap-around visor" look to the windscreen and side glass. The wide C-pillar appears hidden, with a black finish that blends into the tailgate glass and still allows excellent outward visibility for all.
Standard exterior features include Intelligent Auto Headlights with adjustable sensitivity and timing, along with rear wiper and available roof rails, heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and rear roof spoiler.
Color is a hallmark of Kicks, and it continues to be available in a range of vibrant hues. For 2021, the energetic, premium palette includes three new colors: Electric Blue Metallic, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat (premium color) and Boulder Gray Pearl. Also available are Gun Metallic, Super Black, Aspen White TriCoat (premium color) and Fresh Powder.
Five two-tone paint combinations are also available, including three new options – Super Black/Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Super Black/Electric Blue Metallic and Super Black/Boulder Gray Pearl. Also offered are Super Black/Aspen White TriCoat and Super Black/Monarch Orange Metallic.
For even more personalization, there's an array of available Kicks Color Studio accessories. In total, Kicks offers over 100 million available color combinations4 which ensures that the customer will get a Kicks perfectly suited to their personal style.
Smart, stylish redesigned interior
The 2021 Kicks interior also has a new stylish and premium feel, highlighted by the SV and SR grades new seat and door trim design and full center console with an armrest.
The versatile interior offers a sporting flavor – provided by a D-shaped steering wheel, comfortable 6-way driver's seat, 4-way adjustable front passenger seat and 60/40-split fold-down rear seat. New seating materials include more saturated color, with the SR Premium Package featuring Prima-Tex™-appointed seating with three-tone design and stitching.
As in previous years, the 2021 Kicks provides ample passenger space throughout the cabin, including best-in-class5 front seat legroom.
For the ultimate audio experience, the Kicks SR Premium Package includes the class- exclusive6 Bose® Personal® Plus sound system, which uses eight speakers and proprietary Bose signal processing to provide what Bose calls "360 degrees of immersive sound." Key to its dynamic sound is a pair of lightweight 2.5-inch Bose UltraNearfield™ neodymium speakers located inside the Kicks' driver's seat head restraint.
A Bose PersonalSpace Control feature is built into the infotainment system's audio settings, providing adjustable listening options from front-focused sound to a wider, more enveloping experience. The system also includes a digital amplifier with six channels of custom equalization and digital system processing.
Among the other on-board technology, Kicks features an available Intelligent Around View® Monitor7, which provides a virtual composite 360-degree bird's-eye view of the Kicks' exterior.
A crossover for the adventurous
Every 2021 Kicks comes with a standard 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control System. The engine is rated at 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque and paired with a smooth, Xtronic transmission powering the front wheels.
Kicks offers a standard Traction Control System, Vehicle Dynamic Control and Hill Start Assist, front disc/rear drum Anti-lock Braking System (S grade) and electric power steering. Kicks SV and SR grades add new rear disc brakes.
New for 2021 as standard on SV and SR grades are Intelligent Cruise Control and an electronic parking brake with auto hold, which can ease driver workload in certain situations. Kicks SR also includes an Integrated Dynamic-Control Module, featuring Active Engine Brake, Intelligent Trace Control and Intelligent Ride Control, to help provide a higher level of driving enjoyment.
Nimble handling is provided by a front independent strut, stabilizer bar suspension matched with rear suspension featuring twist beam and twin-tube shock absorbers. Kicks S grade comes with 16-inch steel wheels mounted with 205/60R16 all-season tires. Kicks SV and SR grades are equipped with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with 205/55R17 all-season tires.
Kicks is also equipped with a total of 10 air bags. Intelligent Driver Alertness8 and Rear Door Alert are standard on SV and SR grades.
Three well-equipped, high-value models
The redesigned 2021 Nissan Kicks is available in three well-equipped models – Kicks S, Kicks SV and Kicks SR. Among the Kicks S grades' standard features are Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, 7.0-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System, Streaming Audio via Bluetooth®, three USB ports, keyless entry, push button start, Easy Fill Tire Alert and Intelligent Auto Headlights.
Kicks SV includes a long list of additional features –Nissan Intelligent Key™, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, body-colored heated outside mirrors, body-colored outside door handles, roof rails, Automatic Temperature Control, 7.0-inch Advanced Driver Alert Display, SiriusXM® Radio (subscription required, sold separately), Remote Engine Start9, an additional USB Type-C port (data and charge) and more.
Kicks SR adds a sporty flair with the addition of LED headlights with LED signature accents, LED fog lights, black heated outside mirrors with integrated turn signals, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather shift knob, SR seat fabric with interior trim and accents, front and rear bumpers with body color inserts, rear roof-mounted spoiler, dark chrome grille accents, Intelligent Around View® Monitor7 and more.
One option package is available for the SR model; the Premium Package includes Bose Audio with amplifier, eight speakers (including driver's headrest), Prima-Tex™ appointed seats, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, security system, tonneau cover, NissanConnect Service and available Wi-Fi hotspot with over-the-air updating for head unit firmware.
