2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design more closely with the 2021 Nissan Armada, forthcoming Nissan Ariya, and 2021 Nissan Rogue. The front featured a snubbed yet not blunt nose with a deep V-motion design, incorporating a new “double V-motion” feature. The Kicks retained the old Nissan logo and sported thinner, longer headlights extending down the face. The top-tier Kicks SR trim level boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights. The rear of the Kicks showcased a new bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillight combination, giving it a proportionate look reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. However, the trunk release area appeared less premium, seemingly an afterthought.

New paint options like Electric Blue Metallic, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and Boulder Gray Pearl were added, while existing colors like Gun Metallic and Super Black remained. The Kicks continued to offer a two-tone paint job option, enhancing its upmarket look. The SR trim included LED headlights, LED light signature accents, and other sporty features. The interior saw higher quality materials, new seat and door designs, and a full center console armrest in the mid-range trims. The SR Premium Package offered Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design and stitching.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, with its extended length to accommodate a third row, presented an elegant and recognizable Jeep design. The seven-slot rectangular grille, U-shaped wheel arches, and blunt front end were classic Jeep, while modernized lighting and improved paint finish and panel fit added sophistication. The high-end Summit and Summit Reserve trims featured black roofs, larger wheels, and more chrome. New exterior paint colors for 2022 included Ember, Hydro Blue, and Midnight Sky.

Inside, the Grand Cherokee L offered a luxurious experience with dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, quilted Nappa leather, and a faux-suede roof. The interior layout exuded a premium feel, comparable to a Mercedes. Even in all-black, the interior provided enough detail and contrast to keep passengers comfortable. The lighter tan leather option required extra care to maintain its pristine condition.

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 Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD). The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension contributed to its nimble handling. Despite being low-powered, the Kicks had a good power-to-weight ratio, making it adequate for its size. The Kicks SR tester performed well on icy roads, though the CVT could get noisy under heavy acceleration. The Kicks S trim rode on 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV and SR trims had 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The Kicks also featured a traction control system, stability control system, hill start assist, and auto-hold. The Kicks SR included an integrated dynamic-control module with active engine brake, intelligent trace control, 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 of gas.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two familiar engines: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V6 struggled with the vehicle's weight, requiring high revs and producing noticeable engine noise. The transmission's early upshifts didn't complement the V6, making manual mode with paddle shifters a better option. The V8, available on higher trims, provided a more satisfying performance. The V6 had an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined, while the V8 was rated at 14/22/17. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis offered stellar ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension providing adjustable ride height settings. The Grand Cherokee L could handle rough roads, but all-terrain tires were recommended for off-road use. The maximum towing capacity was 6,200 pounds for RWD models and 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks' small size made buttons and knobs easily accessible throughout the cabin. The interior featured good small-item storage, easy-access USB ports, and multiple smartphone storage options. Climate controls were user-friendly, and the seat warmers provided quick warmth. The Kicks included a D-shaped steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, four-way adjustable front passenger 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 comfortably accommodated adults, and the available tonneau cover provided hidden storage.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with straightforward graphics and physical switches for climate, seat climate controls, and stereo functions. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof, large windows, and multiple USB ports enhanced passenger comfort. However, the air vents were small and required the fan to be on high, which was loud.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered modern technology, 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 Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers and a surround-view monitor. A WiFi hot spot and NissanConnect services were also available.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims featured premium amenities like multiple massage modes for the 16-way power adjustable front seats, a head-up display, night vision with pedestrian and animal detection, a 360-degree camera system, and an Active Driving Assist system. The navigation system integrated with the instrument panel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were wireless. New for 2022, Jeep added an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch touchscreens with Amazon Fire TV for rear passengers. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Higher trims offered additional features like automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitor, and traffic sign recognition.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks 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 had 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert. The 2020 Kicks received Good marks in IIHS crashworthiness tests and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.