2021 BMW X7 vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 BMW X7 was a standout in the luxury SUV segment, often seen navigating the bustling streets of Los Angeles. It was known for its superior interior quality, surpassing that of the Cadillac Escalade, and boasted a prestigious presence that outshone the Infiniti QX80 and Lincoln Navigator. The X7's technological sophistication was a step above the Lexus LX 570, and its visual appeal was more pronounced than the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class. Despite its impressive attributes, the X7's appeal was subjective, driven by personal preference in a segment where emotion played a significant role in decision-making.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, underwent notable exterior changes, aligning its design with the new face of the Nissan Armada and Rogue. Its bold V-motion grille and sleek headlights gave it a modern look, while the rear design, reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf, added a sense of proportion. The Kicks offered a variety of new paint options and a two-tone paint job that enhanced its upmarket appearance. The SR trim level featured sporty elements like LED headlights and a dark chrome grille, making it a stylish choice in the subcompact SUV category.

The 2021 BMW X7 xDrive40i was powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. It featured BMW's eBoost mild-hybrid technology, which included a 48-volt starter/generator and battery, aimed at improving fuel efficiency and responsiveness. Despite the technology, the X7's fuel economy ratings dropped slightly compared to the previous year, with 19 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. The X7 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, offering a smooth and powerful driving experience. However, its handling was sometimes hindered by excessive body motions, even with the optional Dynamic Handling Package.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, the Kicks offered nimble handling, aided by its electric power-assisted steering and front independent strut suspension. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks provided adequate performance for its size. It excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 31 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined. The Kicks' lightweight design and standard safety features contributed to its stable and reliable performance.

The 2021 BMW X7's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring heated and ventilated seats, premium Merino leather upholstery, and a five-zone climate control system. The spacious cabin accommodated adults comfortably in all three rows, with power-adjustable seats providing easy access to the third row. The X7 offered 48.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row down, though these figures were not class-leading.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks maximized its compact size with well-organized controls and ample small-item storage. It boasted best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats were spacious enough for adults, and the 60/40 split-folding design added versatility. The Kicks featured a tonneau cover for hidden storage, enhancing its practicality for everyday use.

The 2021 BMW X7 was equipped with BMW's Live Cockpit Professional and iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, both featuring 12.3-inch displays. The system included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM 360L, and a WiFi hotspot. The natural voice recognition and gesture control added convenience, though the latter was sometimes inconsistent. The head-up display was a useful feature, though visibility was limited with polarized sunglasses.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive suite of technology, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kicks SR Premium Package added a Bose Personal Plus sound system, providing an immersive audio experience. The available surround-view monitor and WiFi hotspot with over-the-air updates enhanced the Kicks' tech offerings, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2021 BMW X7 came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, with additional options available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package and Parking Assistance Package. These included advanced driving assistance systems like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist, which generally performed well, though some situations revealed minor limitations.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard, offering automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. It was equipped with 10 airbags and additional safety features in the SV and SR trims. While the 2021 model had not been crash-tested, the 2020 Kicks received favorable ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, indicating a strong safety record.