Photo: Nissan
It's not the most affordable Nissan in the United States, but it's the cheapest sport utility vehicle offered by the Japanese automaker in this part of the world. The Kicks is just about alright in many respects, but not even the mid-cycle refresh can hold a candle to segment rivals.
For starters, the 2021 model year doesn’t feature all-wheel drive while Honda is much obliged to equip the HR-V with this option for $1,500 over front-wheel drive. Secondly, the Thai-spec Kicks was revealed a few months ago with an e-Power hybrid option that isn’t available in the United States even though eco-friendly SUVs are in high demand.
Aimed at young buyers who think the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla are boring, the subcompact crossover now comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the 7.0-inch infotainment system. Nissan has also worked its magic with three USB ports as standard and USB Type-C on higher trims like the mid-range SV and top-of-the-line SR.
Revealed on the same day as the 2021 Armada, the 2021 Kicks has also been treated to a mild refresh of the exterior that includes a double V-motion grille and available LED headlights. New wheel designs, rear disc brakes for the SV and SR, and new body colors should also be mentioned, along with a 7.0-inch information display in the meter cluster.
The Japanese automaker didn’t forget to update the interior, which features new seat and door trim and a full center console with an armrest. Regardless of trim level, the Kicks is safer than before thanks to the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite that includes Rear Automatic Braking and more common systems like AEB with Pedestrian Detection.
Under the hood, the only engine-transmission combo leaves much to be desired in terms of driving experience. 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque from a 1.6-liter mill will have to make do, along with an Xtronic CVT designed and manufactured by JATCO.
On the upside, this drivetrain is the most efficient in the segment according to Nissan. If you drive like the Environmental Protection Agency expects you to drive, then look forward to 31 miles to the gallon in the city, 36 out on the highway, and a combined rating of 33 mpg.
Aimed at young buyers who think the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla are boring, the subcompact crossover now comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the 7.0-inch infotainment system. Nissan has also worked its magic with three USB ports as standard and USB Type-C on higher trims like the mid-range SV and top-of-the-line SR.
Revealed on the same day as the 2021 Armada, the 2021 Kicks has also been treated to a mild refresh of the exterior that includes a double V-motion grille and available LED headlights. New wheel designs, rear disc brakes for the SV and SR, and new body colors should also be mentioned, along with a 7.0-inch information display in the meter cluster.
The Japanese automaker didn’t forget to update the interior, which features new seat and door trim and a full center console with an armrest. Regardless of trim level, the Kicks is safer than before thanks to the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite that includes Rear Automatic Braking and more common systems like AEB with Pedestrian Detection.
Under the hood, the only engine-transmission combo leaves much to be desired in terms of driving experience. 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque from a 1.6-liter mill will have to make do, along with an Xtronic CVT designed and manufactured by JATCO.
On the upside, this drivetrain is the most efficient in the segment according to Nissan. If you drive like the Environmental Protection Agency expects you to drive, then look forward to 31 miles to the gallon in the city, 36 out on the highway, and a combined rating of 33 mpg.
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