2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle that grew on you with its understated elegance. It wasn't flashy, but its design choices were practical and purposeful. The dished hood improved forward visibility, making it easier to navigate challenging terrains. The fenders, slightly bulging from the sides, provided space for wheel travel and hinted at the vehicle's width. The Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels, while the interior offered a luxurious experience with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks sported a bolder exterior design, aligning with Nissan's new design language. Its snubbed nose and double V-motion grille gave it a distinctive look, while the thinner, longer headlights added a modern touch. The Kicks SR trim featured LED headlights and fog lights, enhancing its sporty appearance. The two-tone paint options and wraparound rear glass design contributed to its stylish and upmarket look. Inside, the Kicks maintained a familiar layout but with improved materials, offering a more premium feel than its predecessors.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive, making it a formidable off-road vehicle. With an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and a breakover angle of 21 degrees, it was well-equipped for challenging terrains. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System and Multi-Terrain Select control knob further enhanced its off-road capabilities. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and excellent visibility.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission and front-wheel drive, it was designed for urban environments rather than off-road adventures. The Kicks offered nimble handling, aided by its electric power-assisted steering and independent strut suspension. While it wasn't the most powerful vehicle in its class, it provided a good power-to-weight ratio and impressive fuel efficiency, achieving 31 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was designed for both comfort and utility. It featured a three-row configuration with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The four-zone automatic climate control and numerous cup holders added to its family-friendly appeal. The split tailgate design was both practical and charming, making loading and unloading easy. With a towing capacity of 8,100 pounds, it was well-suited for hauling heavy loads.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, offering easy-to-reach controls and ample small-item storage. The front seats provided best-in-class legroom, though the hip room was somewhat limited. The rear seats were spacious enough for adults, a rarity in the subcompact class. The electronic parking brake freed up center console space, and the available tonneau cover offered hidden storage in the cargo area.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which were standard in many competitors. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a standout feature, providing selectable views for navigating tight spaces.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks excelled in technology, offering a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth as standard. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system, delivering immersive audio. The surround-view monitor and available WiFi hotspot added to its tech-savvy appeal, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, featuring advanced driver assistance systems like pre-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It also included 10 airbags and Toyota's Star Safety System, ensuring a high level of safety despite the lack of crash-test ratings.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks boasted Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. It also had 10 airbags and additional safety features in the SV and SR trims. While it hadn't been crash-tested for 2021, the 2020 model received favorable ratings, suggesting a strong safety performance.