2021 Subaru Outback vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Subaru Outback, redesigned for the 2020 model year, retained a familiar and comfortable feel reminiscent of older Subaru models. The interior, especially in higher trims, featured a fresher design compared to the smaller Crosstrek, with a standout 11.6-inch portrait display on Premium and above trims. This display was bright, sharp, and integrated well with the polished black plastic and chrome trim. The Onyx Edition XT test car showcased a unique gray and black StarTex upholstery with lime green contrast stitching, adding a touch of flair. The exterior maintained its practical gray cladding and smooth, plain styling, with a few chrome accents and new adaptive LED headlights standard for 2021.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with the new face of the Nissan Armada and Rogue. The front featured a bold V-motion design with a new "double V-motion" feature, while the rear received a new bumper and LED taillight combination. The Kicks SR trim level boasted LED multi-reflector headlights, standard LED fog lights, and a sportier aesthetic with black heated outside mirrors and dark chrome grille accents. The interior saw higher quality materials and new seat and door designs, with the Kicks SR Premium Package offering Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design and stitching.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter flat-four engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). However, this engine struggled to move the Outback's weight, especially when loaded, resulting in slow and noisy performance. The XT trims featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, providing a significant improvement in power and refinement. The turbo engine delivered better performance, albeit with slightly lower fuel economy at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway compared to the base engine's 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The Outback's handling was geared towards comfort, with its high ground clearance and electronically-variable AWD system making it capable off-road.

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 CVT and front-wheel drive. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks' power-to-weight ratio was adequate for its size, offering nimble handling and ease of parking. The Kicks SR trim maintained good performance on icy roads, with minimal engine noise except under heavy acceleration. The Kicks featured a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension and standard 16-inch steel wheels on the base model, with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on higher trims. The Kicks' fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2021 Subaru Outback offered impressive interior space, with 76 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded and 33 cubic feet with them raised. The cargo area was wide and flat, with ample headroom and legroom in all seating positions. The Outback's visibility was excellent, and it featured numerous storage options, including large map pockets and bottle holders. However, some features like push-button start and rear climate vents were only available on higher trims. The standout feature was the standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, which could be easily swiveled and locked in place.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made the most of its small size with easy-to-reach buttons and knobs, good small-item storage, and multiple USB ports. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, six-way adjustable driver's seat, and 60/40 split-folding rear seat as standard. The front seats offered best-in-class legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats could comfortably accommodate adults, and the available tonneau cover provided hidden storage. The Kicks' interior was practical and well-designed, with an electronic parking brake freeing up center console space.

The 2021 Subaru Outback's infotainment system felt outdated, with graphics and typefaces reminiscent of older technology. However, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and optional navigation. Subaru EyeSight, standard on all trims, included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The system's functionality was impressive but relied solely on forward-looking cameras, which could be impeded in certain conditions.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a host of modern tech features, including a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims 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, providing an immersive audio experience. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hot spot with over-the-air updating capabilities.

The 2021 Subaru Outback featured a stronger and stiffer chassis, with standard driver’s knee and passenger seat-cushion airbags. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was optional on Premium and standard on higher trims. The Outback earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The Kicks featured 10 airbags and standard LATCH connections. The 2020 Kicks received good crashworthiness ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from NHTSA.