2021 Nissan Kicks vs. Its Competition

2021 Nissan Kicks
Robert Duffer Robert Duffer Senior Editor

Small crossovers are so popular, many automakers offer two cute utes instead of subcompact sedans or hatchbacks.

New for 2021, the Kia Seltos projects a more SUV attitude than the Kia Niro, and the same could be said for the attractive 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer compared to the budget-minded Chevy Trax.

Also new in the last 18 months, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 should shove the smaller CX-3 to the wayside.

Slotting below the heavily-cladded Hyundai Kona, the Hyundai Venue packs a ton of style and value.

The Ford Ecosport needs updating.

2021 Nissan Kicks2021 Nissan Kicks
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
2021 Ford Ecosport2021 Ford Ecosport
2021 Hyundai Venue2021 Hyundai Venue
2021 Kia Seltos2021 Kia Seltos
2021 Mazda CX-302021 Mazda CX-30
Quick Specs
5.2
The 2021 Nissan Kicks is a small crossover for a small budget but it comes packed with features and value.
5.6
The 2021 Chevy Trailblazer is a stylish but underpowered subcompact crossover.
3.5
The 2021 Ford Ecosport small crossover forsakes its name and doesn’t offer much by way of driving excitement or efficiency.
6.3
The 2021 Hyundai Venue courts bargain shoppers with department-store space and quality.
5.8
The 2021 Kia Seltos combines the practicality of the hatchback Soul in a larger package with the automaker’s low price and superlative warranty.
6.0
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is great-looking, spacious, and more polished and fun-to-drive than other compact competitors, but it’s a step behind in value and features.
MSRP From     
$19,600$19,000$20,395$18,750$21,990$22,050
Gas Mileage     
31 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy26 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy23 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy30 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy25 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy22 MPG City / 33 MPG Hwy
Engine     
Regular Unleaded I-4Gas I3Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-3Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4Regular Unleaded I-4
EPA Class     
Midsize CarsSport Utility VehiclesSmall SUV 2WDMidsize CarsSmall SUV 4WDSmall SUV 2WD
Style Name     
S FWDFWD 4-Door LS FWDSE IVTLX IVT AWD2.5 S FWD
Drivetrain     
Front Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity     
555555
Passenger Doors     
N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Body Style     
Sport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport UtilitySport Utility
Transmission     
CVT w/ODContinuously Variable RatioAutomatic w/ODCVT w/ODCVT w/ODAutomatic w/OD
Detailed Spec Comparison
 2021 Nissan Kicks vs. 2021 Chevrolet TrailBlazer2021 Nissan Kicks vs. 2021 Ford Ecosport2021 Nissan Kicks vs. 2021 Hyundai Venue2021 Nissan Kicks vs. 2021 Kia Seltos2021 Nissan Kicks vs. 2021 Mazda CX-30