2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with the new face of the 2021 Nissan Armada and Rogue. The front featured a snubbed nose with a deep V-motion design, complemented by a "double V-motion" feature. The Kicks retained the old Nissan logo, unlike the Rogue. The subcompact SUV boasted thinner, longer headlights, with the top-tier Kicks SR trim level offering LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights. The rear showcased a new bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillight combination, enhancing its proportions. The Kicks offered a variety of paint options, including new additions like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat. The two-tone paint job option, with a floating roof tinted Super Black, added an upmarket look. The Kicks SR trim included sporty features like LED headlights, black heated outside mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior, inspired by the 2020 Nissan Sentra, featured higher quality materials, new seat and door designs, and a full center console armrest in the mid-range trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that announced wealth and taste. Its exterior referenced the big Range Rover's profile, scaled into a sporty package with a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a trapezoidal roof. The Velar's design included subtle adjustments, such as a sloping roof and wide shoulder crease, creating a streamlined look. Special details like taillight lenses with mirrors and deep air ducts added to its appeal. The R-Dynamic trim featured bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. The interior, though less opulent than previous models, maintained high-quality materials and exemplary fit and finish. The Velar's three screens offered sharp graphics, and upper trims included extra leather and richer textures. Despite its base trim, the Velar reminded drivers of its luxury status.

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, shared with the Nissan Versa, was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut stabilizer bar suspension contributed to its nimble handling. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio for its size. The Kicks SR trim maintained stability on icy roads, though the CVT could become noisy under heavy acceleration. The Kicks S trim rode on 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV and SR trims featured 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The Kicks boasted a traction control system, stability control, and hill start assist. Its fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's optional air suspension provided a plush ride and could raise the body for increased clearance. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered 340 to 395 horsepower, depending on the trim. This powertrain offered high performance while reducing emissions. The Velar's Terrain Response system included six driving modes, but its street-focused design limited off-road capabilities. The Velar's fuel efficiency was enhanced by the mild-hybrid setup, though it didn't offer a V8 option like previous models.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks' compact size allowed for easy access to buttons and knobs throughout the cabin. It featured good small-item storage, easy-access USB ports, and multiple smartphone storage options. The climate controls were user-friendly, and the seat warmers provided quick warmth. The Kicks SR trim included a heated steering wheel. The Kicks offered a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. It boasted best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with reduced headroom and limited visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with seats folded. The Velar's design included a controversial parking brake control, integrated with the transmission button. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved the interface, offering a voice assistant, air filter, and navigation features. The Velar's interior design choices, such as the new shifter, were criticized for compromising functionality.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered modern technology, surpassing competitors like the Chevrolet Trax and Ford EcoSport. The base Kicks S included a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and keyless entry. 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 Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hotspot with NissanConnect services.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. It included a voice assistant, air filter, and navigation enhancements. The Velar's 360-degree cameras and off-road app provided additional functionality. The instrument panel offered various display configurations, though the driving assist display lacked detail. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It included 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert. The 2020 Kicks received good crashworthiness ratings from the IIHS, and the 2021 model was expected to improve. The 2020 Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.