2022 Volvo XC90 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 2021 Nissan Armada and Rogue. The front featured a bold, double V-motion design with a mix of chrome and piano black elements. The Kicks SR trim level boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights, enhancing its sporty appearance. The rear of the Kicks included a new bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillights, giving it a proportionate and stylish look. The two-tone paint job option added an upmarket feel, with the floating roof design blending seamlessly into the A-pillar and rear glass.

The interior of the Kicks remained largely unchanged but featured higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The Kicks SR trim level included LED headlights, black heated outside mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. Buyers could further customize their Kicks with over 100 million color combinations from the Nissan Kicks Color Studio. 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 Volvo XC90 showcased a sleek and modern design, moving away from the boxy shapes of earlier models. The XC90's body appeared poised to launch forward, with a long, sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches emphasizing its athleticism. The LED headlights, known as "Thor's Hammer," added a touch of Swedish heritage. The interior of the XC90 was described as "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," featuring natural wood and metal trim, a sliding wood tambor cover on the center console, and a clear crystal gear selector handle. Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030 was evident, with options for Nappa leather or a tailored wool blend upholstery.

The XC90's interior space was well-utilized, with ample storage options and comfortable seating. The six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations allowed for flexibility, with easy access to the third row. The XC90 could carry up to 15.9 cubic feet of luggage behind the third row, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90's air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a comfortable and cool environment.

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. This engine was 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. The Kicks SR trim level included an integrated dynamic-control module with active engine brake, intelligent trace control, and intelligent ride control. The Kicks achieved an EPA fuel economy rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The T8 model combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The T5 model was available with FWD or AWD, while the T6 and T8 models were AWD only. The T8 model achieved a combined fuel economy rating of 27 mpg on gas and 55 MPGe with an 18-mile EV range. The extended range variant offered a 26 mpg combined gasoline rating, 66 MPGe, and up to 36 miles of EV range.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made the most of its small size with 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 and effective warmth. The Kicks featured 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 the hip room proportions were less ideal for larger drivers. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row. The third row was suitable for children but lacked legroom and thigh support for adults. The XC90 provided 15.9 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 85.7 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The XC90 could tow between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds, depending on the configuration. The interior featured ample storage options, comfortable seating, and a spacious cabin with a standard laminated panoramic moonroof. The air-conditioning system performed well during a heat wave, providing a comfortable environment.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a range of modern technology features, 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 class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers and Bose signal processing. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor, WiFi hotspot, and NissanConnect services.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system with a nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen interface. The system supported familiar smartphone gestures but was occasionally slow to respond. The XC90 included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, and an optional head-up display. The $1,650 Advanced package added a 360-degree surround view camera system and an advanced air cleaner. The XC90 came with standard Harman Kardon Premium Sound, with an optional $3,200 Bowers & Wilkins upgrade. The XC90 included two front USB-A ports, two rear USB-C ports, a WiFi hotspot, and the Volvo Care smartphone app.

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 featured 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert. The 2020 Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and all Good marks in crashworthiness from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Volvo XC90 included a comprehensive list of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, parking assist, rain-sensing wipers, slippery road alert, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control, oncoming lane mitigation, and road-sign recognition. Volvo's Pilot Assist system combined several safety features for highway driving. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.