2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's ability to evolve its design language while maintaining its core identity. Known for its conservative styling, Volvo managed to infuse the XC90 with more character without losing its recognizable features. The SUV retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but with softer lines, increased chrome accents, and distinctive LED headlights featuring "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. The XC90's interior embraced "Swedish minimalism," offering high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined yet understated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior updates, aligning its design with other models in the Nissan lineup. The Kicks featured a bold front end with a "double V-motion" grille design, thinner headlights, and a new bumper and taillight combination at the rear. The SR and SR Premium trims boasted LED headlights and fog lights, enhancing the vehicle's modern aesthetic. The Kicks offered a variety of new paint options and a two-tone paint job that accentuated its upmarket look. Inside, the Kicks maintained its practical layout with improved materials, new seat designs, and a full centre console armrest in higher trims. The SR Premium trim added Prima-Tex-appointed seating and a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, elevating the interior's appeal.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centred around a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, or Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors, delivering a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft. While the XC90 provided ample power, the small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines. The SUV offered three drive modes—Pure, Hybrid, and Power—but the all-electric Pure mode was limited to low speeds. Despite these limitations, the XC90 excelled in ride quality and comfort, aided by an optional air-suspension system and a quiet cabin. It also had a respectable towing capacity of 2,250 kilograms.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came 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. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for its size. The SUV's electric power-assisted steering and independent strut suspension contributed to nimble handling, and the vehicle performed well on icy roads despite its front-wheel-drive setup. 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, along with a fuel efficiency rating of 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with average headroom and legroom across all three rows. The third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. An optional power sunroof and the SUV's upright roof profile enhanced the sense of space. The Inscription trim featured 10-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with massage, but the steering wheel was not power-adjustable. Storage space was limited, with a shallow centre console and minimal storage options. Cargo capacity was 317 litres with all seats in place, 965 litres with the rear seats folded, and 1,815 litres with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, offering easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. The SUV featured a D-shaped steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver's seat, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat. It provided best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, a rarity in the subcompact class. The Kicks also included an electronic parking brake, freeing up centre console space, and an available tonneau cover for hidden storage.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, and Bluetooth. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The touchscreen was user-friendly, though the text was sometimes difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features. The base model included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and three USB ports. 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 eight speakers, including headrest speakers, and a surround-view monitor for enhanced parking assistance.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Kicks had 10 airbags and additional safety features on higher trims, such as adaptive cruise control and a driver alertness monitor. The NHTSA gave the Kicks a four-star overall rating, and the 2020 model received Good marks in IIHS crash tests.