2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights flanking a hexagonal grille, which contributed to a more muscular aesthetic compared to its previous elegance. The rear of the Pacifica showcased an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its centre. The S Appearance Package, with its darkened features and black accents, added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, with a flat dashboard, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and upscale materials like quilted Nappa leather seats and wood accents. The minivan's sound deadening technology ensured a quiet ride, enhancing its premium appeal.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks received a bold exterior update, aligning it with the design language of other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The front featured a snubbed nose with a "double V-motion" design, while the rear had a new bumper and LED taillight combination. The Kicks offered a two-tone paint job option, enhancing its upmarket look. The SR Premium trim included LED headlights, fog lights, and a sportier aesthetic with black heated mirrors and dark chrome grille accents. Inside, the Kicks maintained its familiar layout but with higher quality materials, offering features like a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and Prima-Tex-appointed seating in the SR Premium model.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, delivering 260 horsepower. The hybrid model had an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved fuel efficiency of 12.4 L/100 km in the city and 8.4 on the highway, while the hybrid used 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The Pacifica also offered an all-wheel-drive option, which activated on-demand based on driving conditions.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a single powertrain: a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Kicks featured electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension, providing nimble handling. Despite its low power figures, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for its size. The Kicks achieved fuel efficiency of 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers available.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid for a sense of togetherness. It featured rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica provided best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres, making it ideal for family travel. The under-console storage for second-row passengers added convenience, while the spacious cargo area ensured ample room for luggage and gear.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its small size, offering easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. It featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks provided best-in-class front seat legroom, though its hip room proportions were more compartmentalized. The available tonneau cover offered hidden storage in the rear cargo area. The Kicks' compact size made it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while its interior design focused on maximizing space and comfort.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable interface with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was responsive and easy to use, though it lacked a head-up display. The Pacifica offered an optional in-seat entertainment system with games and multiple ports for connectivity. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view. The available Harman Kardon sound system provided a high-quality listening experience.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a range of modern technology, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SR Premium featured a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, providing immersive 360-degree sound. The surround-view monitor offered a 360-degree camera view, aiding in parking. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and remote engine start, enhancing convenience and comfort.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with up to 116 standard or available safety features, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Pinnacle grade offered additional features like adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, and lane departure warning. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kicks SV and SR added adaptive cruise control and a driver alertness monitor. The Kicks had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received Good marks in crashworthiness. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Kicks a four-star overall rating, and the model had a strong history of few recalls.