53/100
2021Midsize CarsRegular

2021 Nissan Kicks

EPA ID: 43720
31
City MPG
33
Combined MPG
33MPG· Excellent
36
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2021 Nissan Kicks achieves an EPA-estimated 33 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 31 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios), this midsize cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2021 Kicks produces approximately 269 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Kicks performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $1,800, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would spend $1,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassMidsize Cars
Fuel TypeRegular
Engine1.6L 4-cyl
AspirationNaturally Aspirated
TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions269 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemNot Equipped
GHG Score7/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$1,800
5-Year Cost DeltaSpend $1,750

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
33.1
Impact vs EPA
$-3
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$549/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$16,000
48.6%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$7,955
24.1%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$8,600
26.1%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
1.2%
Total 5-Year Cost$32,955

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #23V496000·2023-09-08
critical
Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a steering column replacement, under recall number 22V-693. These vehicles will need to be reinspected for this recall.

Campaign #22V693000·2022-11-10
critical
Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Nissan Kicks configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$1,800
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Spend $1,750

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City31 MPG
Highway36 MPG
Combined33 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

53.8 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 67 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 4.5 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.