2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to its sporty and modern design. Inside, the MDX boasted a layered dashboard, authentic materials, and a unique gear selection system, creating a luxurious and high-quality feel. The comfortable front seats and beefy steering wheel added to the overall premium experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks showcased significant exterior updates, aligning with Nissan's new design language. The bold V-motion grille, thinner headlights, and new bumper design gave the Kicks a distinctive look. The two-tone paint options and wraparound rear glass added to its stylish appeal. Inside, the Kicks maintained its familiar layout but incorporated higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the Nissan Sentra. The interior offered good legroom, though the hip room was somewhat limited for larger drivers. The Kicks SR trim featured sporty elements like LED headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing its aesthetic.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) available. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup, improving sporty handling and ride quality. The vehicle's stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with 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 offered nimble handling, aided by electric power-assisted steering. The SUV's suspension featured a front independent strut stabilizer bar, contributing to its stable ride. While the Kicks was not particularly powerful, its power-to-weight ratio was well-suited for its size. The Kicks SR trim included an integrated dynamic-control module, enhancing handling and ride comfort. The Kicks boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled in versatility, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable center section. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the sliding rows allowed for adjustable legroom. The MDX provided ample cargo space, with up to 95 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured convenient functions like "Grab ‘N Go" and Hands-Free Access. The interior lighting, with 27 customizable themes, added a unique touch to the cabin ambiance.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, with easily accessible controls and good small-item storage. The front seats offered best-in-class legroom, though hip room was limited. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, a rarity in the subcompact class. The Kicks featured a 60/40 split-folding rear seat and an electronic parking brake, optimizing interior space. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area, enhancing practicality.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen and Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel were standard, offering a customizable and intuitive interface. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were included, along with a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates. The MDX also featured a head-up display and CabinTalk interior PA system on higher trims.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of tech features, with a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth as standard. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system, providing immersive audio. A surround-view monitor and WiFi hotspot were available, enhancing convenience and connectivity. NissanConnect services offered additional convenience and security features.

The 2022 Acura MDX was designed with advanced safety features, including a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance technologies was standard, offering features like collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. The MDX also included a low-speed braking control system for enhanced safety in urban environments.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Kicks was equipped with 10 airbags and offered a driver alertness monitor and rear door alert on higher trims. While the 2021 model had not been crash-tested, the 2020 Kicks received favorable ratings, and improvements in the 2021 model were expected to enhance safety.