2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with the rest of the Volvo lineup through features like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these subtle differences, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred not to flaunt their electric vehicle choice. The interior of the XC40 was minimalist yet premium, featuring real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen seamlessly.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior updates, adopting a bolder design that echoed the styling of the 2021 Nissan Armada and Rogue. Its front featured a snubbed nose with a deep V-motion design, while the rear showcased a new bumper and LED taillight combination, enhancing its proportions. The Kicks offered a variety of new paint options and continued with its two-tone paint job, which accentuated its upmarket look. The SR Premium trim added sporty elements like LED headlights and a rear roof-mounted spoiler. Inside, the Kicks maintained its familiar layout but incorporated higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The interior featured new seat and door designs, with the SR Premium offering Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a diverse powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 variant delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It utilized a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. All versions were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge model also supported one-pedal driving and had a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with a single powertrain option: 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 was noted for its nimble handling, aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio for its class. It maintained composure on icy roads, though the CVT could become noisy under heavy acceleration. The Kicks featured standard 16-inch steel wheels on the base model, with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on higher trims. It also included a traction control system, stability control, and hill start assist, with the SV and SR trims offering improved rear disc brakes.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and large door bins, compensated for the limited space. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were positioned on the dashboard, freeing up door space. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, with easily accessible controls and good small-item storage. It featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks boasted best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was somewhat limited. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults, and the available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the cargo area.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. Gasoline models retained the previous system. The setup included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model supported over-the-air updates for both infotainment and vehicle functions. It lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for operation.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features. The base model included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a USB-C port. The SR Premium trim boasted a Bose Personal Plus sound system with headrest speakers and a surround-view monitor, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. It included 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. While the 2021 model hadn’t been crash-tested by the IIHS, the similar 2020 model received good marks. The NHTSA awarded the Kicks a four-star overall rating.