2021 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Honda CR-V, while a competent crossover, did not stand out in terms of exterior design. Its styling was similar to many other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features apart from its grille and some chromed plastic accents. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were variations of grey, black, and white, with only a few more vibrant options like blue and red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and upscale materials like wood panels and chrome, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks showcased significant exterior updates, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a bold V-motion grille, thinner headlights, and a redesigned rear with LED taillights. It offered a variety of new paint options and a two-tone paint job that enhanced its stylish appearance. The Kicks SR Premium trim included sporty elements like LED headlights, a rear spoiler, and dark chrome grille accents. Inside, the Kicks maintained a familiar layout but with improved materials and design elements, offering a more premium feel than its price might suggest.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. This engine provided smooth and steady acceleration, reaching 100 km/h in about 8 seconds. All trims featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while efficient, lacked the engagement of conventional automatic transmissions found in competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson. The CR-V offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. Its suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, typical for its class.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, came with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, the Kicks offered a nimble driving experience, aided by its electric power-assisted steering. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks had a good power-to-weight ratio, making it adequate for its size. It featured a standard traction control system, stability control, and hill start assist. The Kicks' fuel efficiency was impressive, with ratings of 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 on the highway.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality, offering ample interior space with over 100 litres more volume than the Toyota RAV4. It provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured a manual, power, or hands-free power tailgate. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, despite its compact size, made efficient use of interior space. It offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was somewhat limited for larger drivers. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. It also included an electronic parking brake, freeing up centre console space. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered enhanced audio systems, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB and 12-volt outlets available throughout the cabin. The Touring trim also included a wireless phone charger.

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 and a surround-view monitor, enhancing its tech appeal.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies as standard, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It included 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. The Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with improvements expected in headlight ratings due to the 2021 model refresh.