2021 Acura RDX vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Acura RDX, particularly in the A-Spec trim, was a visually appealing SUV. Its design changes were subtle yet effective, conveying a sense of sportiness without overpromising on performance. Acura avoided the rugged off-road look, focusing instead on a sleek design suitable for daily driving and road trips. The A-Spec trim sat in the middle of the RDX's trim hierarchy, with a starting price of $50,305, and offered features like front sport seats with simulated suede inserts and a sport steering wheel. The interior maintained a sporty aesthetic, with quality materials and a unique gauge design, although the red-on-silver markings were difficult to read.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, adopting a bolder design that aligned with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a distinctive "double V-motion" grille and thinner, longer headlights. The SR and SR Premium trims boasted LED headlights and fog lights, enhancing the vehicle's sporty appearance. The Kicks offered a variety of new paint options and a two-tone paint job that emphasized its stylish design. The SR Premium trim included features like LED light accents, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and a sportier aesthetic, making it stand out in the subcompact class.

The 2021 Acura RDX was equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and the SH-AWD system, which improved handling by distributing power to the rear wheels. The RDX offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowing drivers to tailor the driving experience. The A-Spec trim came with 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, enhancing its sporty feel. Despite its impressive performance, the RDX lacked adaptive dampers in the A-Spec trim, which could have improved ride quality on uneven roads.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel drive option. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut suspension contributed to its nimble handling. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio for its class. It came with standard features like a traction control system, stability control, and hill start assist. The Kicks' fuel efficiency was rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, making it one of the most economical subcompact crossovers available.

The 2021 Acura RDX offered impressive passenger and cargo space for a compact SUV. Its front seats were comfortable, with 12-way power adjustment and heating as standard. The A-Spec trim added Alcantara and leather seats, which were ventilated for added comfort. However, the rear seats lacked leg support, and the cargo space, while accommodating, was not class-leading. The RDX provided 835 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and 1,668 litres with the seats folded. Acura also quoted a maximum cargo volume of 2,260 litres, though this figure was based on an unconventional loading method.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, offering 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 boasted 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 available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area, enhancing the Kicks' practicality.

The 2021 Acura RDX featured the True Touchpad Interface infotainment system, which used a touch-sensing pad instead of a touchscreen. While it improved upon similar systems from other brands, it still required a learning curve and could be distracting. The RDX included standard satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi tethering, with available navigation. The A-Spec trim came with a 16-speaker Acura/ELS Studio 3D premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features. The base model included a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a USB-C port. The Kicks SR Premium boasted a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. It also featured a surround-view monitor, aiding in parking and manoeuvring.

The 2021 Acura RDX came with a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. However, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert were only available on higher trims. The RDX earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it received four-star ratings in frontal-impact and rollover tests.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. It also featured rear cross-traffic alert and rear automatic braking. The Kicks had 10 airbags and standard cruise control. While the 2021 model had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, the similar 2020 model received Good ratings in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA awarded the Kicks a four-star overall rating.