Hardware upgrades highlight the 2021 Nissan Kicks. Changes include new wheel designs, a redesigned rear bumper, new headlights as well as interior revisions touching trim materials and seating. The compact crossover utility vehicle (CUV)’s standard fare list adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto interfaces. Standard features list for Kicks SV and Kicks SR now includes a new 8-inch color touchscreen, standard intelligent cruise control, and a center console with integrated armrest. The top level trim (SR) also offers a WiFi hotspot via NissanConnect.

Kicks is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower at 6300 rpm and 114 pounds-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. A week-long test drive showcased the CUV as a capable cargo carrier (more than 25 cubic feet with rear seat upright/53 cubic feet with rear seat folded) and a roomy passenger carrier (43.7 inches front legroom/33.4 inches rear legroom). The tested 103.1-inch wheelbase Kicks SR (with Xtronic continuously variable transmission) collects estimated fuel economy of 31 city/36 highway and carries a starting MSRP of $21,940.