Shopping for a used Nissan Kicks in Dubai? Target the 2020 or 2021 model year, check whether it’s a base or fully loaded trim (the gap is only about 7% in price, so the loaded one is worth chasing), and pay close attention to the CVT transmission behaviour and interior wear. That’s the short checklist — here’s everything behind it.
The short version
- Best value year: The 2020 Kicks — listed around AED 50,000 with roughly 61,000 km, and it still holds over 80% of its newer value.
- Trim matters less than you’d think: A base Kicks costs only about 7% less than a fully loaded one, so push for the loaded version.
- Accident history is the real price mover: A minor accident on record knocks about 9% off — make sure the price reflects it.
- Warranty check: A Kicks still under manufacturer warranty carries roughly a 5% premium. Confirm it transfers before you pay that.
- Key wear points: CVT hesitation, soft interior plastics, and AC performance in summer — test all three.
Which Kicks model year hits the sweet spot?
The 2020 Kicks is where price and condition meet in the middle. According to CarSwitch listings data (July 2026), most 2020 models sit around AED 50,000 with about 61,000 km on the clock. That’s roughly 45% less than a new Kicks — a saving of around AED 41,000 — but the car is still young enough that major components haven’t worn out yet.
The 2021 and 2022 models are listed closer to AED 56,000–58,000. They hold value extremely well — a four-year-old Kicks still retains about 94% of what a one-year-old example costs. That’s strong, but it also means you don’t save much over a nearly new one.
Go older than 2020 and the value retention drops sharply. A seven-year-old Kicks (2019) keeps only about 57% of its newer value. At that age, you’re saving more money up front but inheriting more risk.
“The 2020 Kicks is one of the most popular crossovers we move in Dubai. Buyers like it because the mileage is still reasonable and the price is nearly half of new.”
Kamel Abbou, Country Manager, UAE, at CarSwitch
Kicks trim levels: base vs fully loaded
The Nissan Kicks in the UAE comes in a few trim levels — S (base), SV (mid), and SR (fully loaded). Here’s what actually changes between them and why it matters on a used example.
Base (S)
You get the 1.6L four-cylinder, a 7-inch screen, Bluetooth, and basic safety kit. Cloth seats, manual AC, and halogen headlights. It does the job, but it feels bare.
Fully loaded (SR)
Leather seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, LED headlights, around-view monitor, push-button start, and a Bose audio system. On newer models, you also get lane-departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
The price gap is small
From our data, a base Kicks costs about 7% less than a fully loaded one. On a car listed at AED 50,000, that’s roughly AED 3,500. For leather seats, LEDs, a better screen, and active safety features, that gap is worth closing. If you find a loaded model within your budget, take it.
What to inspect by model year
The Kicks shares its HR16DE 1.6-litre engine and Xtronic CVT across all UAE model years. That makes the inspection checklist fairly consistent, but older cars develop specific weak spots.
All years: CVT transmission
This is the single most important thing to check. During your test drive, accelerate from a stop and listen for any whining, shuddering, or hesitation. The CVT should feel smooth and seamless. If it jerks at low speeds or drones at highway speed, walk away — CVT repairs are expensive.
All years: AC system
In the UAE, the AC compressor works harder than almost anywhere else. Run the AC on full cold for at least ten minutes. If it can’t cool the cabin in that time, the compressor or condenser may need work. This is a common issue across Nissan models in the UAE.
2017–2019: interior and suspension
Older Kicks models show their age inside first. The soft-touch dashboard plastics can warp or become sticky in UAE heat. Check the steering wheel leather for peeling. At 90,000+ km, the front struts may feel soft — push down on each corner and count the bounces. One bounce is fine. More than that means worn shocks.
2020–2022: fewer issues, but check the basics
These years are generally solid. Focus on tyre wear (the Kicks is light, and misalignment eats front tyres), brake pad thickness, and whether all the electronic features work — especially the around-view monitor cameras, which can fog up over time.
Kicks pricing by year — the full picture
| Model year | Typical asking price (AED) | Typical mileage (km) | Saving vs new |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 61,495 | 27,685 | 32% |
| 2022 | 57,995 | 66,098 | 36% |
| 2021 | 55,990 | 67,776 | 38% |
| 2020 | 49,995 | 61,003 | 45% |
| 2019 | 35,000 | 90,900 | 62% |
| 2018 | 33,500 | 104,774 | 63% |
Notice the jump between 2019 and 2020 — about AED 15,000 more, but 30,000 fewer km. The 2020 was also the mid-cycle refresh with updated styling and more standard features.
What actually moves the price on a used Kicks
A Kicks with a minor accident on record sells for about 9% less than one with a clean history.
A Kicks still under manufacturer warranty carries a roughly 5% premium.
Base trim costs about 7% less than fully loaded — the smallest gap of any factor we track on this model.
This tells you where to focus. Accident history is the biggest variable. Before you agree on a price, check the CarSwitch inspection report for any accident flags. A minor fender repair might not bother you, but make sure the asking price reflects it. If you’re browsing used cars in Dubai, every Kicks on our platform comes inspection-verified so you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at.
Your pre-purchase Kicks checklist
- CVT test drive: Smooth acceleration from stop, no whine at 80–120 km/h.
- AC blast test: Full cold for ten minutes. The cabin should be cold.
- Interior plastics: Run your hand across the dashboard — sticky or warped means UV damage.
- Tyre wear pattern: Uneven front wear = alignment issue. Common on the Kicks.
- Camera and sensors: Test the reversing camera, around-view monitor, and parking sensors. On loaded trims, these are expensive to replace.
- Accident history: Ask for the inspection report. A minor incident knocks about 9% off — if it’s not already priced in, negotiate.
- Warranty transfer: If the seller says it’s under warranty, confirm with the Nissan dealer that it transfers to you.
If you’re also considering other Nissan models in a similar budget, the 2019 Nissan Sentra is a sedan alternative worth comparing.
Ready to find your next Kicks?
Every Nissan Kicks on CarSwitch is inspection-verified by real people — no hidden surprises. You’ll see transparent pricing, full condition reports, and you can browse from your phone. Browse inspection-verified Nissan models on CarSwitch and find your next car smoothly.
The 2020 Kicks offers the strongest balance. It’s listed around AED 50,000 with about 61,000 km — roughly 45% less than new. It’s young enough to avoid major wear but old enough to save you real money.
Not as much as you’d think. A base Kicks costs about 7% less than a fully loaded one. That’s roughly AED 3,500 on a typical listing — a small gap for features like leather seats, LEDs, and Apple CarPlay.
The CVT transmission. Test drive from a stop and listen for whining or hesitation. Also run the AC on full cold for ten minutes and inspect the dashboard plastics for heat damage. These are the most common issues in UAE-driven examples.
Yes — it’s the biggest price mover. A Kicks with a minor accident on record typically sells for about 9% less than one with a clean history. Always check the inspection report before agreeing on a number.
