2021 Audi Q5 vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied the Audi design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Audi Singleframe grille, emphasizing width with horizontal elements. The body showcased crisp character lines, and the rear was adorned with bold, large taillights. The Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. Inside, the Q5 was equally classy and modern, packed with technology yet maintaining an uncluttered look. The materials used were authentic, with real wood and metal, and the 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for the driver’s line of sight. The second row was well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning with the new design language of other Nissan models. It featured a bold front with a deep V-motion design and thinner, longer headlights. The top-tier Kicks SR and SR Premium trims boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights. The rear design included a new bumper and LED taillight combination, giving the Kicks a proportionate look. The Kicks offered a variety of new paint options and a two-tone paint job with a floating roof, enhancing its upmarket appearance. The SR Premium trim added sporty elements like LED accents, black heated mirrors, and a dark chrome grille. Inside, the Kicks featured higher quality materials, new seat and door designs, and a full centre console armrest in mid-range trims. The SR Premium offered Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with an additional 114 horsepower and 96 pound-feet of torque from a 14.1-kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. This setup provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered a fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km combined, with a gasoline-only mode rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, allowing for various driving modes. The Q5’s handling was characterized by a slightly stiff, sporty setting, minimal body roll, and powerful braking.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT and FWD, the Kicks offered a nimble driving experience. Its handling was supported by a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension with twist beam and twin-tube shock absorbers. The Kicks was described as low-powered but had a good power-to-weight ratio for its size. It maintained stability on icy roads, though the CVT could get noisy under heavy acceleration. The Kicks featured standard 16-inch steel wheels on the base model, with 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels on higher trims. It also included a traction control system, stability control, and hill start assist. The Kicks’ fuel efficiency was rated at 7.7 litres per 100 km in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 7.2 combined.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV offered smart packaging with its battery pack located under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. It provided 710 litres of space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the second row folded. The second row offered reasonable legroom (960 mm), headroom (958 mm), and shoulder room (1,435 mm). The front seats were comfortable and supportive, with a wide range of adjustments, heating, and optional ventilation. The interior featured well-organized storage options and an uncluttered design.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its small size, offering easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. It featured easy-access USB ports and multiple smartphone storage options. The climate controls were user-friendly, and the seat warmers provided quick warmth. The Kicks had a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. It offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi’s latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The customizable instrument panel offered three views and was enhanced by colour/mood-adjustable LED ambient lighting. The Q5 came with a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system with 19 speakers and a 16-channel/755-watt amplifier. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a range of modern technology, starting with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth on the base model. Higher trims added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, satellite radio, and a USB-C port. The Kicks SR Premium boasted a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, including headrest speakers, and a surround-view monitor for parking assistance.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top “good” ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 gasoline model five stars. Safety features included six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like Audi Pre Sense front and adaptive cruise control.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. It featured 10 airbags and additional safety features on higher trims, such as adaptive cruise control and a driver alertness monitor. The 2021 Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.