2020 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was available in S, SV, and SL trim levels, featuring a single engine and transmission combination with options for front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). The test car reviewed came in SL trim with front-drive, the SL Premium Package, carpeted floor and cargo mats, and a first-aid kit, totaling $34,870, including a $1,095 destination charge. Despite its age, the Rogue maintained an attractive appearance, especially with the SL’s 19-inch aluminum wheels. However, the interior design showed its age with older styling themes and unimpressive plastic surfaces. The padded center console sides were a thoughtful touch for driver comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks received significant exterior updates, aligning its design with the new faces of the 2021 Nissan Armada, forthcoming Nissan Ariya, and 2021 Nissan Rogue. The Kicks featured a bold “double V-motion” grille, thinner and longer headlights, and a redesigned rear with new bumper and LED taillights. The SR trim level, which was tested, included LED multi-reflector headlights, LED fog lights, and a sportier aesthetic with black heated outside mirrors and dark chrome grille accents. The interior saw improvements with higher quality materials, new seat and door designs, and a full center console armrest in the mid-range SV and SR trims.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Despite the presence of a Sport driving mode, the Rogue’s performance was merely adequate, especially given its weight of up to 3,671 pounds. The CVT managed to make the most of the available power, but the Rogue struggled during acceleration, passing, and climbing grades, often responding with noise rather than action. Fuel economy was also disappointing, achieving only 24.9 mpg in testing compared to the EPA’s combined rating of 29 mpg. The Rogue’s ride and handling were improved by brake-induced technologies like Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control, but the overall driving experience was lackluster due to lifeless steering and occasional CVT drone.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with Nissan’s Xtronic 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 navigate in various driving conditions. While the Kicks was not particularly powerful, its good power-to-weight ratio provided adequate performance for its size. The Kicks SR tester maintained stability on icy roads, though the CVT could get noisy under heavy acceleration. The Kicks also featured standard 16-inch steel wheels on the S trim and 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on the SV and SR trims, with optional 17-inch black alloy wheels. Standard safety features included a traction control system, stability control system, and hill start assist, with the SR trim adding an integrated dynamic-control module and adaptive cruise control. The Kicks achieved an impressive fuel economy rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue’s interior space was a mixed bag. While the seats featured Nissan’s Zero Gravity cushion designs and Quick Comfort heating, the driver’s seat adjustments were limited, making it difficult for taller drivers to find a comfortable position. The back seat, however, offered excellent thigh support, a proper backrest angle, and a high seating position, making it a comfortable spot for passengers. The Rogue excelled in cargo space, providing 39 cubic feet behind the back seat, along with underfloor storage compartments and a standard Divide-n-Hide cargo management system.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its small size with easy-to-reach buttons and knobs, good small-item storage, and multiple smartphone storage options. The climate controls were user-friendly, and the seat warmers and heated steering wheel added comfort in colder climates. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat as standard. The front seats offered best-in-class legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The back seats comfortably accommodated adults, and the available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue offered a range of infotainment features, including Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a hands-free text messaging assistant. Upgrades included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation with door-to-door assistance, a Bose premium sound system, and NissanConnect Services. However, the NissanConnect interface was outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen that was slow to respond and voice-recognition technology that was subpar.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a host of standard tech features, including 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 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 and Bose signal processing. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor, WiFi hot spot, and NissanConnect services for added convenience and security.

The 2020 Nissan Rogue came standard with Safety Shield 360, which included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Additional features included a Rear Door Alert and Tire Fill Alert system. Optional safety features included a surround-view camera and ProPilot Assist adaptive cruise control. However, the Rogue’s crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and subpar ratings from the IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks also 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 featured 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert as standard on the SV and SR trims. While the 2021 Kicks had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, the 2020 model received Good marks in crashworthiness. The NHTSA gave the 2020 Kicks a four-star overall rating, and the model had a strong history of few recalls.