2021 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was characterized by its clean lines and balanced proportions, offering a conservative, upscale, and timeless aesthetic. While some might have found its styling understated, it was designed to age gracefully. The Tiguan was notably large for its class, nearly matching the interior space of a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento. This upsizing resulted in a roomy interior, accommodating up to seven passengers with an optional third-row seat, though it was best suited for children. The interior featured modern geometric forms and a no-nonsense control layout, with shiny detailing and a well-integrated touchscreen infotainment system. However, the presence of hard plastics and flimsy steering wheel stalks reminded occupants that it wasn't a luxury vehicle. The Tiguan was available in several trims, with prices ranging from $25,245 to $39,095, excluding destination charges.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, adopting a bolder design with a deep V-motion grille and thinner, longer headlights. The Kicks SR trim featured LED multi-reflector headlights and fog lights, enhancing its sporty appearance. The rear design included a new bumper and LED taillights, giving it a proportionate look reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. The Kicks offered a variety of paint options, including two-tone combinations that accentuated its upmarket look. The SR trim, which was tested, came with sporty features like black heated mirrors and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior maintained its previous design but incorporated higher-quality materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The Kicks SR Premium Package added Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design, elevating the cabin's appeal.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard and 4Motion AWD available for an additional cost. While the powertrain was adequate, it suffered from turbocharger lag, making acceleration feel delayed. The Tiguan's nearly 4,000-pound curb weight contributed to its perceived lethargy during passing maneuvers. Fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined for FWD and 24 mpg for AWD, though real-world testing showed an average of 22.6 mpg. Despite these drawbacks, the Tiguan offered a pleasant driving experience with responsive steering, a compliant ride, and refined braking. However, its suspension struggled with sharper bumps, and its tires lacked grip in corners. On the highway, the Tiguan was quiet and composed, making it suitable for long road trips.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, with no AWD option. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut suspension contributed to its nimble handling, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. While the Kicks was not particularly powerful, its power-to-weight ratio was adequate for its size. The CVT could become noisy under heavy acceleration, but this was typical for such transmissions. The Kicks came with standard 16-inch steel wheels, with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels available on higher trims. It also featured a traction control system, stability control, and hill start assist. The Kicks' fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, offering a range of 356 miles on a single tank.

Inside the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, comfort was a priority. Large doors and tall seating positions made entry and exit easy, while the front seats offered a wide range of adjustments for optimal support and visibility. The V-Tex leatherette upholstery mimicked real leather, and the dual-zone climate control was effective. The back seat provided excellent support and generous legroom, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for passengers. The Tiguan's panoramic sunroof was a highlight, though storage space was limited. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo configurations, with cargo volume ranging from 33 to 37.6 cubic feet behind the second row, depending on the presence of a third-row seat.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, with easily accessible controls and ample small-item storage. The climate controls were intuitive, and the seat warmers provided quick warmth. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. It offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults, a rarity in the subcompact class. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the cargo area, enhancing practicality.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan introduced the MIB3 infotainment system, available from the SE trim. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, faster processing, and expanded features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, WiFi, SiriusXM 360L, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The system included Car-Net connected services, offering remote engine start and safety features. However, the voice recognition and standard six-speaker sound system had room for improvement. Higher trims featured Volkswagen Digital Cockpit instrumentation and a nine-speaker Fender audio system.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features. The base Kicks S included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. The Kicks SV added Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch driver information screen. The SR Premium Package included a Bose Personal Plus sound system with headrest speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hotspot with over-the-air updates, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan came equipped with the IQ Drive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control was available from the SE trim, with lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist on higher trims. The Tiguan's parking sensors and reversing camera provided additional safety, though the automatic braking system could be overly sensitive. The Tiguan earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS in SEL and SEL Premium R-Line trims.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. It came with 10 airbags and standard LATCH connections for child seats. While the 2021 Kicks had not been crash-tested, the similar 2020 model received good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The Kicks had a strong track record of reliability, with minimal recalls in recent years.