2022 Buick Enclave vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design more closely with other models in the Nissan lineup, such as the Armada and Rogue. The front of the Kicks featured a bold, double V-motion grille design, complemented by thinner, longer headlights that extended down the face of the vehicle. The top-tier Kicks SR trim boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights, enhancing its sporty appearance. At the rear, the Kicks showcased a new bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillight combination, giving it a proportional look reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. The model offered a variety of paint options, including new colors like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and continued to provide a two-tone paint job option for a more upscale appearance.

Inside, the Kicks maintained its familiar interior styling but incorporated higher-quality materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The Kicks SR trim came with standard features such as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, LED headlights, and dark chrome grille accents. Buyers could further customize their Kicks with over 100 million color combinations using Nissan Kicks Color Studio accessories. The interior also featured new seat and door designs, with the Kicks SR Premium Package offering Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design and stitching.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, represented a shift in Buick's design philosophy, moving away from conservative styling to embrace a more modern and upscale appearance. The Enclave's mid-cycle refresh for 2022 included exterior enhancements such as a new grille, front and rear fascias, and updated headlamps and taillamps. The Avenir trim level featured unique design elements, including a distinctive grille and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave received a restyled center console with push-button gears and upgraded materials throughout. The Avenir trim offered climate-controlled front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and exclusive trim and seat stitching.

The Enclave's spacious interior provided ample room for passengers in all three rows, with comfortable seating for six adults. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, and the power-folding third-row seats added convenience. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with both rows folded. The Enclave's interior design and materials, particularly in the Avenir trim, were a cut above, offering a near-luxury experience.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel drive option available. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut stabilizer bar suspension contributed to its nimble handling, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and on winding roads. Despite its modest power output, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, providing adequate performance for its size. The Kicks SR trim featured an integrated dynamic-control module with active engine brake, intelligent trace control, and intelligent ride control, enhancing its driving dynamics. 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave featured a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine with direct injection, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive available on all trims. The Enclave's maximum towing capacity was 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's ride quality was exceptional, thanks to its premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping, which were part of the optional Avenir Technology package. The Enclave's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology ensured a serene cabin environment, rivaling luxury vehicles. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, providing good off-the-line acceleration and a pleasant engine sound under wide-open throttle.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, offering easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage throughout the cabin. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver's seat, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat as standard. The front seats provided best-in-class legroom, though hip room was somewhat limited for larger drivers. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults, a rarity in the subcompact class. The Kicks' cargo area included a tonneau cover for hidden storage, covering about two-thirds of the rear space.

The 2022 Buick Enclave, as a midsize crossover, offered a spacious and comfortable interior for passengers in all three rows. The Enclave's large windshield and window openings provided excellent visibility, and the standard eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat ensured comfort. The Premium and Avenir trims added four-way power lumbar with massage and heated second-row seats. The Enclave's third row was roomy enough for six-footers, and the second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears, and the Enclave offered ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features for a subcompact SUV. The base model Kicks S included a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and three USB ports. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch driver information screen. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive 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 NissanConnect services.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a performance-enhanced 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system could pair up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot supporting up to four devices. The Enclave also included a following-distance indicator, HD rear vision camera, and Teen Driver technology. Notable available features included adaptive cruise control, head-up display, and HD surround vision, all standard on the Avenir trim.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of driver-assistance features including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Kicks also had 10 airbags and a driver alertness monitor 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.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This package included features like automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Enclave also had a Safety Alert driver's seat and an HD reversing camera. The Premium trim added enhanced automatic emergency braking and a surround-view camera. The IIHS gave the 2022 Enclave Good ratings in most crash tests, with an Acceptable score in the updated side-impact test.