2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning with Volvo's signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The electric XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these subtle differences, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred understated electric vehicles. The interior of the XC40 was minimalist yet luxurious, featuring high-quality materials such as Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen seamlessly.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior updates, adopting a bolder design that echoed the styling of other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a distinctive V-motion grille, longer headlights, and a redesigned rear with new bumpers and LED taillights. The SUV offered a variety of paint options, including new colors like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, with a two-tone paint job option enhancing its upmarket look. The Kicks SR trim added sporty elements such as LED headlights, black heated mirrors, and a rear spoiler. Inside, the Kicks maintained its familiar layout but upgraded materials, drawing inspiration from the Nissan Sentra. The interior offered new seat designs and a full center console armrest, with the SR Premium Package providing Prima-Tex-appointed seating.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour battery. The Recharge accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, while the T5 and T4 took 6.1 and 8.1 seconds, respectively. All models were electronically limited to 112 mph. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, offering excellent ride quality and one-pedal driving capability, with a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

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 independent strut suspension contributed to its nimble handling, making it easy to maneuver in various driving conditions. Despite its modest power, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, providing adequate performance for its class. The Kicks SR trim featured an integrated dynamic-control module with advanced features like active engine brake and intelligent ride control. The Kicks boasted impressive fuel efficiency, 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.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its gasoline and electric versions, offered clever storage solutions despite its limited interior space compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. The XC40 featured a removable trash bin in the center console, a bag hook in the glovebox, and large door bins thanks to the repositioned Harman Kardon speakers. The storage cubby ahead of the shifter was designed to securely hold a phone, with a wireless charging pad available as an option. However, rear passengers lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks maximized its compact size with easily accessible controls and ample small-item storage. The cabin featured easy-to-reach USB ports and multiple smartphone storage options. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was somewhat limited for larger drivers. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, a rarity in the subcompact class. The Kicks included a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and an electronic parking brake, freeing up center console space. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps, while gasoline models retained the previous system. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The Recharge model offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The XC40 Recharge lacked a start button, instead using a key fob for ignition.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a robust suite of technology features, with the base model Kicks S including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key and automatic climate control. 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 hotspot with over-the-air updating capabilities.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 gasoline model received top safety ratings, including the IIHS “Top Safety Pick+” and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC40 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model included Volvo’s latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear automatic braking. The Kicks included 10 airbags and standard LATCH connections. While the 2021 model hadn't been crash-tested, the similar 2020 model received good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.