2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks showcased significant exterior updates, aligning its design with other models like the Nissan Armada and Rogue. It featured a bold front with a distinctive "double V-motion" grille, complemented by thinner, elongated headlights. The Kicks SR trim boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and fog lights, enhancing its sporty appearance. At the rear, a new bumper and LED taillights added a sense of proportion, though some elements appeared less premium. The Kicks offered a variety of paint options, including new shades like Electric Blue Metallic, and maintained its two-tone paint job option, enhancing its stylish appeal.

Inside, the Kicks retained its familiar layout but incorporated higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the Nissan Sentra. The interior featured new seat and door designs, with the Kicks SR Premium Package offering Prima-Tex-appointed seating. The SR trim included sporty elements like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Buyers could further customize their Kicks with numerous color combinations and accessories, making it a versatile choice for those seeking style and personalization.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, meanwhile, retained classic Jeep design elements while introducing a two-row version of the Grand Cherokee L. It offered a range of trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each delivering on its promise of capability or luxury. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the original Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille and tapered roof pillars. Inside, it mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with options for premium materials and features like a McIntosh audio system and panoramic sunroof. Despite some reflections on higher trims, the interior maintained a sense of quality across all versions.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a single powertrain: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. Its nimble handling was aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut suspension. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio for its class. It featured standard safety systems like traction control and hill start assist, and the SR trim included advanced features like adaptive cruise control. The Kicks excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving 31 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered more powertrain options, including a 3.6-liter V6 with 293 horsepower and a 5.7-liter V8 with 357 horsepower. It provided a choice between rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, with three different 4WD systems for varying off-road capabilities. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-roading, featuring Quadra-Drive II and a Quadra-Lift air suspension. The Grand Cherokee's fuel economy ranged from 17 to 21 mpg, depending on the engine and drivetrain. Its eight-speed automatic transmission, while occasionally tricky, contributed to its overall performance.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a compact yet functional interior, with easy-to-reach controls and ample small-item storage. It featured a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, providing best-in-class front seat legroom. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults, and the available tonneau cover added hidden storage. The Kicks' interior design maximized space efficiency, making it a practical choice for urban driving.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided a comfortable cabin with options for heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and front seat massagers. Visibility improvements enhanced driver confidence, especially off-road. While rear-seat space was tight for taller passengers, the two-row Grand Cherokee offered 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 70.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Grand Cherokee L variant provided additional legroom and cargo capacity for those needing more space.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The SV trim added features like Nissan Intelligent Key and remote engine start. The SR Premium Package included a Bose Personal Plus sound system, offering immersive audio. A surround-view monitor and WiFi hotspot were available, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, equipped with Uconnect 5 infotainment, offering a responsive interface and over-the-air updates. It featured a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens, including a 10.25-inch passenger display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with options for a McIntosh audio system and rear-seat entertainment. The Grand Cherokee's tech offerings catered to modern families and tech enthusiasts alike.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. It had 10 airbags and additional safety features on higher trims. While not crash-tested for 2021, the similar 2020 model received good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured advanced driver assistance systems, including Intersection Collision Assist and Active Driving Assist. Its structure incorporated high-strength steel for improved safety. While crash-test results were pending, the Grand Cherokee's safety features and structural enhancements aimed to address previous concerns.