2022 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, adopting a bolder design that aligned with the new faces of the 2021 Nissan Armada, forthcoming Nissan Ariya, and 2021 Nissan Rogue. The front featured a snubbed nose with a deep V-motion design, incorporating a new “double V-motion” feature. The Kicks SR trim level boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights. At the rear, a new bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillight combination gave the Kicks a proportionate look, though the trunk release area appeared less premium. New paint options like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat were added, and the two-tone paint job option continued to enhance the Kicks' upmarket look.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its increased ground clearance of 9.5 inches, aggressive all-terrain tires, and restyled bumpers for improved approach and departure angles. Unique design features included a distinctive grille, black 17-inch wheels, and Anodized Copper accents. The roof rack and rail system supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping. Inside, the cabin featured dark gray StarTex water-repellant upholstery, Anodized Copper stitching, and all-weather floor mats. The Outback Wilderness injected personality into the Outback's styling, making it a more rugged and capable version of the standard model.

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 and offered a smooth ride. The Kicks SR trim level included an integrated dynamic-control module with features like active engine brake and intelligent trace control. The EPA rated the Kicks at 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for its 3,896-pound weight and a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The Outback's CVT, with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, was less satisfying due to its droning and mushy simulated gear changes. The Wilderness trim's standout features included 9.5 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and a dual function X-Mode traction system. Off-road, the Outback Wilderness excelled, handling steep hills and challenging trails with ease.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered easy-to-reach buttons and knobs, good small-item storage, and multiple smartphone storage options. The climate controls were user-friendly, and the seat warmers provided quick warmth. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver’s seat, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The front seats had best-in-class 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 Subaru Outback Wilderness's interior featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, which was water-repellant but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way for the passenger, with effective dual-zone automatic climate control. The rear seat provided generous space for two adults or three kids, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and three USB ports as standard. 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 and a surround-view monitor. A WiFi hot spot and NissanConnect services were also available.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate control system, with physical knobs for volume and tuning. The voice recognition technology required learning specific prompts, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered better voice assistant functionality. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. However, it included PIN code entry technology, allowing keyless access for active lifestyles.

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

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured EyeSight advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. The Outback Wilderness's EyeSight technology was effective and non-intrusive. The standard Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.