2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its traditional Jeep styling cues, such as the 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders. Its balanced appearance made it suitable for both rugged trails and upscale settings, appealing to a diverse range of buyers across different demographics. The Grand Cherokee's pricing started at an MSRP of $46,245 for the Laredo model and went up to $71,045 for the Summit, with high-performance versions like the SRT and Trackhawk reaching even higher price points. The Limited X variant, painted in Slate Blue Pearl, featured a sport-themed design with 20-inch aluminum wheels, but its interior, especially in models priced over $60,000, was criticized for the excessive use of hard plastics.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. It featured a bold V-motion design, thinner headlights, and a new rear bumper, giving it a more proportionate look. The Kicks offered a variety of new paint options and a two-tone paint job that enhanced its upmarket appearance. The SR Premium trim, which was tested, included LED headlights, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a sportier aesthetic. The interior, inspired by the 2020 Nissan Sentra, boasted higher quality materials and new seat designs, providing a more premium feel compared to previous models.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came equipped with a standard 295-horsepower, 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering satisfying acceleration and a fuel consumption rating of 11.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available, including the 707-horsepower supercharged 6.2-litre V8 in the Trackhawk model, which could accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. The Grand Cherokee offered four different 4WD systems, with the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system providing off-road capabilities. However, its driving dynamics on pavement were mixed, with impressive grip but excessive suspension movements.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured a 1.6-litre 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 offered a good power-to-weight ratio for its size. Its handling was aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension. The Kicks maintained stability on icy roads, and its CVT, though noisy under heavy acceleration, was typical for its class. The Kicks was one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers, with a combined fuel efficiency rating of 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five and cargo space of 1,028 litres behind the backseat, expanding to 1,934 litres with the backseat folded. The interior featured heated and power-adjustable front seats, though the Limited X lacked ventilated seats. Rear passengers enjoyed adequate legroom and amenities like air conditioning vents and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with a handy tray in the centre console and grocery bag hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its small size, with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. It featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, offered navigation, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, though the ride's bounciness could make selecting virtual buttons challenging. The Limited X trim included a 9-speaker Alpine audio system, while higher trims offered a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system. Unique to Jeep was the Off-Road Pages app, providing off-roading information.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth as standard. The SR Premium trim featured a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, including headrest speakers, providing immersive sound. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor for easier parking.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three ADAS packages, with ProTech I standard on all trims, including a reversing camera and blind-spot monitoring. ProTech II added features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. However, the Grand Cherokee received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and poor ratings from the IIHS in certain crash tests.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. The Kicks SV and SR trims added adaptive cruise control and a driver alertness monitor. The 2021 Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with the 2020 model scoring well in IIHS crash tests.