Nissan Kicks 2021 is a compact crossover that combines stylish design, efficiency and modern technology. This model was the Japanese brand's response to the growing demand for affordable urban SUVs, offering optimal value for money. In Russia Kicks positioned as an alternative to popular Hyundai Creta And Kia Seltos, but with unique features like an advanced multimedia system and adaptive safety features.

In 2021, the car received minor updates: modified front optics, new body color options and an expanded list of options in top trim levels. Time-tested engines remained under the hood, but engineers Nissan worked to improve acoustic comfort and handling. If you are looking for a reliable crossover for the city with minimal maintenance costs - This review will help you figure out if it's right for you. Kicks 2021.

2021 Nissan Kicks Specifications

Under the hood Nissan Kicks Two petrol engines are available for 2021, both paired with a CVT Xtronic. Basic 1.6 liter HR16DE develops 114 hp And 152 Nm torque - this is enough for confident acceleration in city traffic, but on the highway there may be difficulties when overtaking. More powerful 1.5-liter HR15DE turbo engine (in some markets) issues 150 hp, but in Russia only the atmospheric version is officially supplied.

The transmission—variator—provides smooth gear shifting, but some owners note noticeable delay when pressing the gas pedal sharply, especially in mode Eco. The suspension is tuned for comfort: front - type MacPherson, rear - semi-independent beam. Clearance in 190 mm allows you to confidently overcome city bumps, but for serious off-road conditions Kicks not intended.

  • 🔧 Engines: 1.6 HR16DE (114 hp), 1.5 HR15DE (150 hp, unofficial)
  • ⚙️ Gearbox: variator Xtronic with manual mode
  • 🛣️ Drive: front (full not provided)
  • ⛽ Fuel consumption (combined cycle): 6.2–6.8 l/100 km
  • 📏 Dimensions: 4315×1760×1605 mm, wheelbase 2620 mm
Parameter 1.6 HR16DE (atmospheric) 1.5 HR15DE (turbo, unofficial)
Power, hp 114 150
Torque, Nm 152 200
Acceleration 0–100 km/h, s 11.3 9.5
Max. speed, km/h 175 190
Fuel consumption (city), l/100 km 7.8 8.1
⚠️ Attention: CVT Xtronic requires regular oil changes every 60,000 km, otherwise the risk of breakdown increases by 3 times. Official dealers Nissan It is recommended to use only original liquid NS-3.

Options and prices for Nissan Kicks 2021 in Russia

In 2021 Nissan Kicks offered in four trim levels: Visia, Acenta, Tekna And Tekna+. Basic version Visia started from 1 499 000 ₽ and included a minimum set of options: air conditioning, two airbags and an audio system with 4 speakers. Considered optimal in terms of price/quality ratio Acenta (from 1 650 000 ₽), where there is already climate control, a rear view camera and NissanConnect with 7-inch screen.

Top Tekna+ cost about 1 950 000 ₽ and offered a complete package of electronics: adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring system, leather interior and Bose-audio system. Separately, it was possible to order a two-tone body paint (+40 000 ₽) or wood paneling (+25 000 ₽). On the secondary market prices for Kicks 2021 starts today from 1 200 000 ₽ for basic used versions.

📊 Which Nissan Kicks trim level would you choose?
  • Visia (basic)
  • Acenta (optimal)
  • Tekna (premium)
  • Tekna+ (maximum options)
  • I don't know
  • 💰 Visia: from 1,499,000 ₽ (air conditioning, 2 airbags, steel wheels)
  • 🔥 Acenta: from 1,650,000 ₽ (+climate control, rear view camera, NissanConnect)
  • 🌟 Tekna: from 1,800,000 ₽ (+leather steering wheel, parking sensors, LED headlights)
  • 👑 Tekna+: from 1,950,000 ₽ (+adaptive cruise, Bose, heated all seats)
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Nissan Kicks 2021 on the secondary market, be sure to check the service history of the CVT. Many owners save on oil changes, which leads to expensive repairs after 100,000 km.

Design and interior: pros and cons

Exterior Nissan Kicks 2021 made in corporate style V-Motion: massive radiator grille, pointed headlights and dynamic body lines. Compared to Hyundai Creta the design looks more aggressive, but some criticize it for the excess of plastic trim on the bumpers. Tail lights with LED-backlit and two-tone wheels (17" at the top) add modernity to the car.

Salon Kicks made of inexpensive but high-quality materials. The plastic is hard, but the assembly is at a high level - there are no backlashes or creaks even after 50,000 km. Ergonomics are well thought out: a steering wheel with convenient control buttons, a dashboard with an analogue speedometer and 4.2-inch display between pointer instruments. Rear passengers get plenty of legroom, but tall people may struggle with headroom.

What's hidden under the plastic covers on the bumpers?

System sensors are located under the front bumper Intelligent Ride Control, which analyze road irregularities and automatically adjust the stiffness of the shock absorbers. The rear covers mask the exhaust system and protect the body from chips when parking.

  • ✅ Design advantages: stylish front part, LED-optics, two-tone color options
  • ❌ Design Cons: excess black plastic in the cabin, narrow rear pillars impair visibility
  • 🪑 Pros of the salon: comfortable front seats, good sound insulation, intuitive multimedia
  • 🔊 Cons of the salon: The basic audio system is a bit weak, the rear seat doesn't fold flat

Security and Electronics

Standard Nissan Kicks 2021 equipped six airbags, stabilization system ESP and an assistant when starting off on a hill. In versions Tekna and above appear Intelligent Emergency Braking (automatic braking when an obstacle is detected), Lane Departure Warning (lane control) and Blind Spot Monitoring (blind spot monitoring).

Based on crash test results Euro NCAP (2019) Kicks received 4 stars out of 5, losing to competitors in pedestrian protection. However, the rigidity of the body and the performance of the safety systems were highly rated. Separately, it is worth noting the function Intelligent Around View Monitor — cameras around the perimeter of the car, which help when parking in tight yards.

Security system Description Available with complete set
Intelligent Emergency Braking Automatic braking in the event of a risk of collision Tekna
Lane Departure Warning Lane Departure Warning Acenta (optional)
Blind Spot Monitoring Blind Spot Monitoring Tekna+
Around View Monitor All-round view from 4 cameras Tekna
💡

If in your Nissan Kicks the system worked Intelligent Emergency Braking, after stopping, press the gas pedal - the car will automatically turn off the brakes and allow you to continue driving.

Operation and reliability: what breaks most often

Nissan Kicks 2021 built on the platform B0, which also underlies Renault Duster And Nissan Terrano. This means that many components are unified, and spare parts are available and inexpensive. However, there are several “diseases” that are worth paying attention to:

1. CVT Xtronic: If the oil is not changed on time (every 60,000 km) jerking begins when switching, and after 120,000 km The belt may need to be replaced. The cost of a major overhaul of the variator is from 150 000 ₽.

2. Suspension: Wheel bearings and stabilizer links wear out 80,000–100,000 km. Replacement costs 15 000–20 000 ₽ for the axle.

3. Electronics: In some cars the system is glitchy NissanConnect — the screen may freeze or reboot spontaneously. Solved by flashing.

☑️ What to check before buying a used Nissan Kicks 2021

Done: 0 / 5
⚠️ Attention: If during a test drive Nissan Kicks you heard a grinding noise when turning the steering wheel in place - this is a sign of wear on the CV joints. Replacing them will cost 25 000–30 000 ₽ for a couple.

Comparison with competitors: which is better?

Main rivals Nissan Kicks 2021 — Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos And Renault Arkana. By price and equipment Kicks loses to the Koreans Seltos more powerful engines and richer equipment), but wins in the reliability of the variator and ease of maintenance. Arkana offers a hybrid version, but its interior is smaller and prices are higher.

Parameter Nissan Kicks 1.6 Hyundai Creta 1.6 Kia Seltos 1.6
Price (base), ₽ 1 499 000 1 599 000 1 649 000
Power, hp 114 123 123
Consumption (city), l/100 km 7.8 8.1 8.0
Warranty, years 3 5 7
Trunk volume, l 432 402 433

Who is it suitable for? Nissan Kicks? An ideal choice for city trips if you need:

  • 🚗 Low cost of ownership (cheap maintenance, available spare parts)
  • 🅿️ Compact dimensions for parking in tight yards
  • 🎵 Good sound insulation and comfortable suspension

Who is it not suitable for? For those who often drive on the highway or need all-wheel drive, it’s better to consider Hyundai Creta or Toyota RAV4.

💡

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is the best choice for a budget urban crossover with minimal maintenance costs, but not for long trips or off-roading.

Owner reviews: real operating experience

Reviews on forums and social networks about Nissan Kicks 2021 are divided into two camps. Some people praise the car for reliability, efficiency And ease of operation, others scold for weak engine And expensive variator repair. Here are typical opinions:

👍 Pros (according to reviews):

  • 💨 Fuel consumption is real 6.5 l/100 km on the highway at a speed of 90–100 km/h.
  • 🎧 Quiet interior at speeds up to 120 km/h, sound insulation is better than Duster.
  • 🔧 Cheap maintenance - changing oil and filters costs 5 000–6 000 ₽.

👎 Cons (according to reviews):

  • 🐢 The 1.6 engine is “dull” when overtaking, especially with the air conditioning on.
  • 🔄 The variator requires delicate handling - sharp starts reduce its resource.
  • 🚪 The rear doors open at a small angle, making it inconvenient to seat children.

On Drive2 And Avto.ru average rating Kicks 2021 — 4.2 out of 5. Most of the complaints are related to the dynamics, but the owners note that the car fully justifies its price.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2021 Nissan Kicks

❓ What is the real fuel consumption of the Nissan Kicks 1.6?

According to the owners:

  • 🏙️ City: 8.5–9.5 l/100 km (depending on traffic)
  • 🛣️ Route (90 km/h): 5.8–6.3 l/100 km
  • ⛽ Mixed cycle: 7.0–7.5 l/100 km

Consumption increases by 1–1.5 l when using climate control.

❓ Is it possible to install all-wheel drive on Nissan Kicks?

No, Nissan Kicks The 2021 is available with front-wheel drive only. Platform B0 does not provide for the installation of all-wheel drive even in a tuning studio. Alternative - consider Nissan Qashqai or Hyundai Tucson.

❓ What kind of oil should I pour into the Xtronic variator?

The official requirement is original liquid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KE909-99932). Analogs (for example, Mobil CVT or Idemitsu CVTF) can only be used during a complete oil change, and not when topping up. Replacement volume - 7.5 l.

❓ How long does the 1.6 HR16DE engine last?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 10,000 km, original filters) the engine life exceeds 300,000 km. The main problems begin after 200,000 km:

  • Ring wear and oil burn (1 l per 1,000 km)
  • Leaking crankshaft and camshaft seals
  • Problems with phase regulators (cracking when cold)

The cost of major repairs is from 80 000 ₽.

❓ What tires does Nissan recommend for the 2021 Kicks?

Factory sizes:

  • 205/60 R16 (basic configurations)
  • 215/55 R17 (Tekna And Tekna+)

Recommended models:

  • 🌨️ Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, Michelin X-Ice North 4
  • ☀️ Summer: Continental ContiPremiumContact 5, Yokohama BluEarth-A