2021 Volvo XC90 vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Volvo XC90 marked a significant shift in Volvo's design philosophy, moving away from its traditionally conservative styling to a more characterful yet distinctly Volvo appearance. The XC90 retained its boxy profile and blunt front end, but introduced softer lines, increased chrome detailing, and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its optional 21-inch alloy wheels, was the most visually striking, while the R-Design and Momentum trims offered sportier and more understated looks, respectively. Inside, the XC90 embraced "Swedish minimalism," featuring high-quality materials like matte-finish wood trim and optional wool upholstery, creating a refined and understated cabin environment.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent a bold exterior redesign, aligning it with the new styling direction of other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a snubbed nose with a prominent "double V-motion" grille design, thinner headlights, and a redesigned rear with LED taillights. The SR trim level added LED headlights and fog lights, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. The Kicks offered a variety of new paint options and a two-tone paint job, which accentuated its upmarket look. Inside, the Kicks maintained its practical layout with improved materials, new seat designs, and a full center console armrest in higher trims, providing a comfortable and stylish interior for a subcompact SUV.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all centered around a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T5 model featured a turbocharged engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional. The T6 variant added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive standard. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, also known as Recharge, combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the XC90's small engine struggled with flexibility compared to competitors' larger engines, and its electric-only mode was limited to low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality and quietness, with an optional air-suspension system enhancing comfort. It also offered a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, though less than some rivals.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks' power-to-weight ratio was adequate for its size, providing sufficient performance for city and highway driving. The Kicks featured electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut suspension, contributing to its nimble handling. Despite its front-wheel-drive setup, the Kicks performed well on icy roads, and its CVT, though noisy under heavy acceleration, was typical for the class. The Kicks offered standard 16-inch wheels on the base model, with 17-inch options available on higher trims. It also boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined, making it one of the most economical subcompact crossovers.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 was available in six-seat or seven-seat configurations, with second-row captain’s chairs or a bench seat. While headroom and legroom were average for the segment, the third row was tight for adults, and the seats lacked support. The XC90 featured a power moonroof and four-zone climate control, enhancing the interior's spacious feel. The Inscription trim offered 10-way power-adjustable front seats with massage, but storage space was limited. Cargo capacity was 11.2 cubic feet with all seats up, 34.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 64.1 cubic feet with both rows down, placing it near the bottom of the segment.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, offering easy-to-reach controls and ample small-item storage. It featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks provided 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 Kicks also offered a tonneau cover for hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. It included a 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth, and a WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display. The touchscreen was user-friendly, though some menu text was difficult to read while driving. The wireless charging pad was too small for most phones, and only second-row USB-C ports were available.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features. The base model included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and three USB ports. Higher trims added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a USB-C port. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a Bose Personal Plus sound system with headrest speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. A surround-view monitor and WiFi hotspot were also available, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 received top safety ratings, with the non-hybrid models earning the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and Volvo’s Pilot Assist driver aid, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane centering.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear automatic braking. It also had 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.