Although it was originally designed for developing markets of South America, this small crossover eventually ended up in North America as well. Soon after its launch, Nissan management realized its potential. So, they decided to offer it on the U.S. market, instead of the fancier Juke. Instead of fancy styling, the new model offers a high level of practicality and functionality at a really affordable price. It has been around for a couple of years and it looks like we are about to see some updates for the next year. The 2021 Nissan Kicks is expected to receive a mid-cycle update.
The international version has been presented already and we expect that the North American model will come with the same kinds of novelties. This means a revised front end and a couple of other styling tweaks. Also, we presume that this particular version will also come with a few more upgrades on the inside, particularly in terms of tech features. We expect to see it by the end of the year.
2021 Nissan Kicks Redesign
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2021 Nissan Kicks is about to receive an update. This will be a typical facelift, with a lot of styling changes. As you may presume, most of them will come to the front end and we count on the same design solutions we’ve seen on the version for the international market. This means a completely new face, with a new bigger grille, narrower headlights and a new bumper. Also, this update should include typical updates like new wheels, color options etc.
On the other side, the overall layout will remain the same. The 2021 Nissan Kicks will carry on with the same mechanics, as well as with the same proportions. To remind you, this model rides on a good-old V Platform, which may be old but still has a lot of good things to offer.
Interior
The international models didn’t come with too many interior changes but we expect that things will be a little bit different from the 2021 Nissan Kicks for the North American market. We don’t expect bigger changes in terms of the overall dashboard design, though some tweaks in terms of colors and materials are likely. On the other side, we would definitely like to see an updated infotainment system, with more advanced software and standard smartphone goodies like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
On the other side, the overall cabin design will certainly remain the same. We are about to see the same cabin, which is well-constructed and offers plenty of practicality and functionality. Both rows of seats are surprisingly spacious for the segment. Furthermore, the cargo area offers 25.3 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats and 53.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. These are pretty amazing ratings for a subcompact crossover.
Features
As we’ve just mentioned, the vast majority of interior changes should be in terms of new features, particularly in terms of tech goodies. The current model comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, but things like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are optional. We expect this will change with the 2021 Nissan Kicks. Also, we expect a few more additions to the list of standard equipment, such as a better sound system, more USB ports and similar things.
On the other side, things with safety features are a completely different story. The list is already pretty long and includes a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and high-beam assist. Therefore, most of the current options should remain optional. Those are things like surround-view parking camera system and driver drowsiness monitoring.
2021 Nissan Kicks Engine
The powertrain of the current model is both good and bad. It’s good because we are talking about a simple and reliable engine, which is one of the reasons for the model’s affordable starting price. Also, this engine provides pretty impressive mpg ratings, which go around 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. Those are some of the best ratings among subcompact crossovers.
On the other side, more demanding drivers definitely won’t find this engine satisfying. With just 122 horsepower. it can do nothing more than driving from point A to point B. Acceleration is pretty weak, as well as overall performance. The CVT is great for urban conditions but it definitely shows weaknesses on the highway.
2021 Nissan Kicks Release Date and Price
We expect to see 2021 Nissan Kicks by the end of the year. Bigger changes in price won’t happen, so base models should go around 19.000 dollars. Some of the key competitors will be models like Kia Soul, Hyundai Venue, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Toyota C-HR etc.