2021 Nissan Rogue vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Rogue sported a fresh look with a more technical and robust style, embodying a true SUV appearance more than a traditional car. Dark gray plastic cladding encased the lower periphery of the Rogue, completing its rugged façade with bold, simulated skid plates and lower door protection. The rear bumper perhaps excessively emphasized this ruggedness. Clean LED lighting elements, a prominent V-Motion grille, and impressive proportioning gave the Rogue a contemporary aesthetic. All trim levels offered aluminum wheels up to 19 inches, and the optional two-tone paint with a black roof provided a custom look. Four trims were available: the entry-level Rogue S ($25,650), the popular Rogue SV ($27,340), the luxurious Rogue SL ($32,000), and the top-tier Rogue Platinum ($35,430) with semi-aniline quilted leather and upscale amenities. An additional $1,095 destination charge applied to all trims. All-wheel drive (AWD) was an option for $1,400, and premium packages were available for the SV ($2,660) and SL ($1,320). The tested Rogue SL, featuring a Premium Package, cost $35,195, including destination charges. Inside, the test vehicle's Almond color leather and standard panoramic glass sunroof provided a bright, roomy feel. Soft-touch surfaces, simulated wood trim, and fabric-wrapped windshield pillars enhanced the cabin's quality. For a more luxurious touch, the Platinum trim offered quilted semi-aniline leather, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting. A unique detail was the climate control panel, reminiscent of an old-school digital clock, and despite featuring a CD player, the Rogue embraced modern technology with wireless Apple CarPlay. The 2021 Nissan Kicks also underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its bold new design with the Armada, forthcoming Ariya, and Rogue. Its "double V-motion" feature, combining chrome with piano black, stood out on the snub-nosed front which retained the older Nissan logo on both the front and back. Longer, thinner LED headlights graced the Kicks, with the SR trim receiving LED multi-reflector headlights and fog lights. The rear bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillights echoed a Nissan Leaf-like sense of proportion, though the trunk release cover appeared like an afterthought. The Kicks introduced new paints like Electric Blue Metallic, Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and Boulder Gray Pearl, along with continuing existing choices like Gun Metallic and Aspen White TriCoat. The two-tone paint option created an upmarket look, except for body colors like Fresh Powder, Gun Metallic, and Super Black. Models with this paint job had a nearly seamless front windscreen blending into the A-pillar, a high-rising body panel, and a wraparound rear glass design for a striking aesthetic. The Kicks SR, the trim tested, boasted LED headlights, body-color bumper inserts, a rear roof-mounted spoiler, dark chrome grille accents, 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. Inside, the Kicks maintained familiar styling while incorporating higher-quality materials, new seat and door designs, and an armrest in the mid-range SV and SR. The SR Premium Package included Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design and stitching.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. Despite its nearly 3,500-pound weight, the engine's output was adequate for everyday driving, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) efficiently utilized available torque. The CVT was less obtrusive, mimicking a traditional automatic with programmed ratios and steering wheel paddle shifters. The Rogue's design catered to adventure lovers, featuring available AWD, up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance, and new Snow and Off-Road driving modes, making it capable of off-road travels. However, the naturally aspirated engine struggled in high-altitude conditions. While Nissan hinted at the possibility of a turbocharged engine in the future, the current model allowed drivers to switch to Sport mode for enhanced responsiveness or Eco mode for fuel efficiency. Fuel economy for the tested Rogue SL with FWD was 27.5 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating. The Rogue's ride and handling benefited from its new architecture composed of 35% high-strength steel, featuring a strut front and multi-link rear suspension. Systems like Brake-induced Intelligent Trace Control and Active Ride Control bolstered the suspension, providing a smooth and athletic ride. Vehicle Motion Control, debuting in 2021, enhanced driving enjoyment by anticipating driver inputs. With 19-inch wheels and 235/55 all-season tires, the Rogue delivered predictable, smooth handling and a refined steering feel, thanks to relocated electric assist and a quickened ratio. In contrast, 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, identical to the Nissan Versa but with varied gear ratios. The engine paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT and FWD, with no AWD option available. The Kicks’ electric power-assisted steering with vehicle-speed variable assist made it agile on highways, countryside roads, and city streets. Parking and maneuvering were effortless, aided by the compact size and a standard rearview camera. The SUV's independent front strut stabilizer bar suspension with twist-beam and twin-tube shock absorbers improved handling. Despite being underpowered, the Kicks maintained a good power-to-weight ratio. It performed satisfactorily on icy roads. Engine noise was minimal in the cabin, though the CVT became noisy under heavy acceleration, a common trait among CVTs. The base Kicks S featured 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV and SR trims had 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, with 17-inch black alloy wheels available as an upgrade. The Kicks came standard with traction and stability control systems, hill start assist, and auto-hold. Rear disc brakes replaced drum brakes in the SV and SR trims, improving stopping power. The SR trim added an integrated dynamic-control module, including an active engine brake, intelligent trace control, and intelligent ride control, with adaptive cruise control also standard. The Kicks excelled in fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, offering 356 miles of range on a single tank.

Nissan's Zero Gravity seat designs aimed to replicate the comfort of a neutral spine position, reducing stress and fatigue. The improved seats in the 2021 Rogue added to the SUV’s comfort. S trim featured cloth upholstery with a manual driver’s height adjuster; SV trim added eight-way power adjustment and optional leatherette, SL trim had standard leather, and Platinum trim offered premium leather. Heated front seats, steering wheel, and rear seats were available in higher trims, though ventilated seats were absent. Standard air conditioning, dual-zone automatic climate control in SV trim, and triple-zone control in SL and Platinum trims ensured comfort. Rear air conditioning vents and side window sunshades were additional features in the upper trims. The Rogue’s rear seats provided ample headroom and legroom, improved from the previous model. Rear doors opened nearly 90 degrees, making it easier to load passengers. The back seat supported both kids and adults comfortably, with three child safety seats accommodated via new LATCH anchors. A rear-seat reminder system helped prevent parents from leaving a child behind. The Rogue’s quiet interior benefited from aerodynamic tweaks, acoustic front glass, and a thicker dashboard insulator. Storage solutions included a space under the center console, generous door-panel pockets, and a split butterfly-style center armrest. The Rogue’s power rear liftgate, available in most trims, revealed 31.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity in S and SV trims, expanding to 36.5 cubic feet in SL and Platinum trims with the Divide-N-Hide cargo system. The maximum capacity reached 74.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, making it competitive in the compact crossover SUV segment. The 2021 Kicks had user-friendly buttons and knobs, easy-access USB ports, and multiple smartphone storage options. Climate controls were straightforward, with efficient seat warmers. The SR trim featured a heated steering wheel—a boon in cold weather states. Standard features included a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, four-way adjustable front passenger seat, and 60/40 split-folding rear seats. The electronic parking brake freed up center console space, and the Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom. Despite smaller hip room proportions, the rear seats comfortably accommodated adults. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

Nissan packed the 2021 Rogue with a competitive infotainment system. The S trim included an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto along with a free six-month subscription to Nissan Concierge Personal Assistant. Knobs for power/volume and tuning aided usability, although their low profile and glossy finishes were potential drawbacks. The SV and SL trims added NissanConnect Services, a WiFi hotspot, and Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integration. NissanConnect Services included remote engine start, automatic collision notification, speed and boundary alerts, and a car finder function—each requiring a subscription after the free trial period. The SL Premium Package and Platinum trimmed Rogue featured a 9-inch touchscreen with door-to-door navigation, real-time traffic, wireless Apple CarPlay, an upgraded voice recognition system, and a Bose premium audio system. The system performed well despite minor usability issues. The Platinum trim further included wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.8-inch head-up display, elevating the technological experience. The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered modern technology comparable to rivals. Standard in the base model Kicks S were a 7-inch touchscreen, 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 featured a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, including Bose UltraNearfield neodymium speakers in the front headrests, providing immersive 360-degree sound. Buyers could control sound settings via the Bose PersonalSpace Control module in the infotainment system. A surround-view monitor with a bird’s eye view of the car's surroundings, accessed through a "camera" button, enhanced parking ease. An available WiFi hotspot allowed over-the-air updates and access to NissanConnect services, which included various convenience and security features.

The 2021 Rogue prioritized safety, in line with typical crossover SUV consumer concerns. Every Rogue came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, encompassing features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert. Nissan's approach favored blind-spot warning over adaptive cruise control, standardizing ten airbags, a driver monitoring system, and a rear-seat reminder system. Platinum trims added a center airbag between the driver and passenger for added injury prevention. Adaptive cruise control started with the SV trim, in the form of ProPilot Assist driving aid, enhanced by new radar and camera units for better accuracy. The system included stop-and-go capability up to 30 seconds and lane-centering assistance. SV trim also added a surround-view camera system. SL Premium Package and Platinum trims benefited from ProPilot Assist with Navi-link technology, using map data and GPS to adjust speed automatically for curves and exits. While improved, ProPilot Assist occasionally behaved unpredictably with excessive audible notifications, and Navi-link sometimes slowed the SUV excessively. Despite lacking crash-test results at review time, the increased use of high-strength steel in the Rogue's architecture and engineering improvements aimed at crash energy deflection promised enhanced collision protection. Every 2021 Kicks included Nissan Safety Shield 360, combining features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and class-exclusive rear automatic braking. Standard equipment included ten airbags, while Kicks SV and SR added a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert. The Kicks offered two LATCH connections on the rear outboard seats. Though untested by IIHS, the 2020 model with similar mechanics scored Good marks in crashworthiness. New headlights in 2021 models suggested potential ratings improvement. NHTSA's four-star overall rating for the 2020 Kicks suggested continued strong performance in safety, with a commendable recall history enhancing reliability.