2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained some sophistication as the eye traveled to the sides and rear. The rear showcased an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica distinguished itself from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by offering a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, providing a luxurious experience. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, ensuring a quiet ride.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks received notable exterior updates, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The front featured a snubbed nose with a deep V-motion design, while the rear had a new bumper and LED taillight combination. The Kicks SR trim level included LED multi-reflector headlights and fog lights, enhancing its sporty appearance. The model offered a variety of paint options, including new colors like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat. The Kicks maintained its two-tone paint job option, which added an upmarket look. The interior saw improvements in material quality, drawing inspiration from the Nissan Sentra. The Kicks SR featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, with the option for Prima-Tex-appointed seating in the SR Premium Package. The overall design emphasized the greenhouse of the car, giving it a unique style and substance.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 hybrid engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. The base Touring and Touring L trims came standard with the V6 engine, while the Limited and Pinnacle trims offered all-wheel drive (AWD) or the hybrid powertrain. The AWD system, new to the Pacifica lineup, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing fuel efficiency by deactivating when not needed. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of over 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 achieved 19 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined, with AWD models slightly lower at 17 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks 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. Despite being low-powered, the Kicks maintained good nature on icy roads, with minimal engine noise entering the cabin. The Kicks S trim rode on 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV and SR trims featured 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, with an option for black alloy wheels. The Kicks included standard traction control, stability control, and hill start assist, along with an auto-hold feature. The Kicks SR offered an integrated dynamic-control module with active engine brake and intelligent ride control. The EPA rated the Kicks at 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, with a range of 356 miles on a single tank.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical features. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area for small items. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating for flexible cargo space. The Pacifica's second-row under-console storage was a convenient addition, and the third-row bench seat offered Stow 'n Go functionality. The cargo area was spacious, with the Pinnacle trim offering best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. The cabin featured a D-shaped steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver's seat, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, a rarity in the subcompact class. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area. The Kicks' electronic parking brake freed up center console space, enhancing practicality.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors on mid-grade and above models. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system was modern and customizable, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. Audio options included a six-speaker system, a 13-speaker Alpine system, and 19- and 20-speaker Harman Kardon systems. The Pinnacle model introduced FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered competitive technology, with the base model Kicks S featuring a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SV added Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch driver information screen. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hotspot with over-the-air updates. NissanConnect services were available with the hotspot option.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kicks had 10 airbags and standard LATCH connections. The 2020 Kicks received Good marks in IIHS crashworthiness tests, and the 2021 model's new headlights were expected to improve ratings. The 2020 Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.