2020 Acura MDX vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and stylish crossover SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking. It blended in well without drawing much attention, yet it maintained a respectable appearance. The MDX featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. The headlights, with their five LED elements per side, flanked a trapezoidal grille that anchored the vehicle's expressive face. The MDX's exterior was characterized by its sleek, low-slung profile, chiseled details, and flawless paint and chrome finishes. Inside, the MDX offered a modern and simple design with high-quality materials and superior fit and finish. The center stack was a highlight, featuring twin infotainment screens and a well-organized array of buttons and controls.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, adopting a bolder design that aligned with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a snubbed nose with a deep V-motion design, thinner and longer headlights, and LED multi-reflector headlights on the top-tier SR trim. The rear of the Kicks received a new bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillight combination, giving it a more proportionate and stylish look. The Kicks also offered a variety of new paint options and a two-tone paint job with a floating roof design. The interior of the Kicks remained mostly the same but featured higher quality materials and new seat and door designs. The SR trim added sporty elements like LED fog lights, black heated outside mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid model with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline-only model with Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided good straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, making it a reliable companion for long drives.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, came with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter 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' electric power-assisted steering and front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension contributed to its nimble handling, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. While the Kicks was not particularly powerful, its good power-to-weight ratio provided adequate performance for its size. The Kicks also featured standard traction control, stability control, and hill start assist, along with an auto-hold function for added convenience. The Kicks' fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered a spacious and versatile interior, with sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row. The MDX provided 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, which could be expanded to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded flat and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The MDX also featured a variety of storage options, including a big glove box, a flexible center console, and door panel pockets. Tri-zone climate control allowed for separate heating and cooling options for the driver, front passenger, and rear cabin positions.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made the most of its small size with easy-to-reach buttons and knobs, good small-item storage, and multiple USB ports. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, a six-way adjustable driver's seat, a four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though its hip room proportions were less ideal for larger drivers. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area, and the electronic parking brake freed up valuable center console space.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of standard tech features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, SMS/MMS text message and email capability, a CD/MP3 player, five USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, LED puddle lights, front and rear parking sensors, navigation, GPS-linked climate control, remote engine start, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech features such as a surround-view camera system, Head-Up Warning, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch screen and HDMI compatibility.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks also offered a host of modern tech features. The base model Kicks S included a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, three USB ports, keyless entry, push-button start, and Easy Fill Tire Alert. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, a 7-inch driver information screen, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, including two in the front seat headrests, and a surround-view monitor. A WiFi hot spot and NissanConnect services were also available.

The 2020 Acura MDX came standard with AcuraWatch, a suite of safety features that included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX also featured a rearview camera, front airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, stability control, traction control, Trailer Stability Assist, tire pressure monitoring, LATCH child-seat mounts, and a theft-deterrent system. The MDX's ACE Body Structure was designed to absorb impact energy and protect occupants. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Kicks also featured 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, rear door alert, and two LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats. While the 2021 Kicks had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, the 2020 model received good ratings in crashworthiness and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.