2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish addition to the Range Rover family, positioned between the compact Evoque and the larger Range Rover. Its design was neither too sleek nor too boxy, featuring a low roof and steeply-raked windshield that gave it a unique profile. The Velar maintained its SUV identity with a broad front end and short overhangs, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements like larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, while the interior boasted high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. It featured a bold V-motion design and thinner, longer headlights. The Kicks SR trim level included LED headlights and fog lights, enhancing its sporty appearance. The rear design emphasized the Kicks' proportions, while new paint options and a two-tone paint job added to its stylish appeal. The interior remained mostly unchanged but featured higher quality materials and new seat designs, offering a more premium feel.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a V8 engine in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its power, the Velar's performance was not as sharp as other performance SUVs, and it felt large on tight roads. The Velar's off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although it lacked a low range transfer case.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, the Kicks offered a nimble driving experience, aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks provided a good power-to-weight ratio for its class. It featured standard traction control, stability control, and hill start assist, with the Kicks SR offering additional dynamic control features. The Kicks boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Despite its size, it did not offer more interior space, with competitors like the GLC and X3 providing more legroom and headroom. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's avant-garde styling limited headroom and visibility, creating a claustrophobic feel inside. It had a towing capacity of up to 5,511 pounds, depending on the engine.

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 hip room was limited. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults, and the available tonneau cover offered hidden storage. The Kicks' compact size made it easy to maneuver and park, with a practical interior layout.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and smartphone compatibility. The upper screen handled media and navigation, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. Despite high-quality graphics, the system was criticized for slow responses. Additional tech included a digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a surround-view monitor. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a Bose Personal Plus sound system, providing an immersive audio experience. A WiFi hotspot was available, allowing for over-the-air updates and access to NissanConnect services.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options. Land Rover's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with limited standard features.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. It included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kicks had 10 airbags and additional safety features on higher trims. While the 2021 model had not been crash-tested, the 2020 Kicks received favorable ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.