2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a testament to timeless design, maintaining its appeal over a decade after its debut. It combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, featuring big wheels and flared fenders that defined the SUV aesthetic. The Grand Cherokee's design contributed significantly to its success, offering a blend of mainstream, luxury, and performance SUV characteristics. The model lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the upscale Overland and Summit, with high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, with its 5.7-litre V8 engine and premium interior, exemplified luxury, though the interior design showed signs of aging with outdated switchgear and component fits.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior updates, aligning with the new design language of other Nissan models. The Kicks featured a bold V-motion design, thinner headlights, and a redesigned rear, enhancing its proportions. The SR Premium trim offered a sportier aesthetic with LED lights, black mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior retained its compact size but improved with higher quality materials and new seat designs. The Kicks offered a two-tone paint option and a variety of colour combinations, emphasizing its stylish and unique identity.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, the optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 provided 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved efficiency, though fuel consumption remained high. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and effective brakes made it versatile for daily driving.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with 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 electric power-assisted steering and independent strut suspension contributed to nimble handling. The Kicks maintained stability on icy roads, though the CVT could become noisy under heavy acceleration. The Kicks featured standard traction control, stability control, and hill start assist, with improved rear disc brakes on higher trims. Its fuel efficiency was rated at 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres combined, making it one of the most economical subcompact crossovers.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, causing some distraction. The rear seat provided comfort but limited legroom, with optional entertainment systems adding to a sense of claustrophobia. The Grand Cherokee offered 1,028 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,934 litres with folded seats, though interior storage was limited.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks maximized its compact space with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. It featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, and the available tonneau cover provided hidden storage. The Kicks' interior was practical and well-designed for its size.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect 4C with Nav infotainment system, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system was user-friendly, with fast response times and effective voice recognition. The Summit trim included a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, providing excellent sound quality. While the Grand Cherokee offered essential tech features, it lacked the advanced digital capabilities of newer models.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology, including a 7-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a USB-C port. The SR Premium trim boasted a Bose Personal Plus sound system with headrest speakers, providing immersive audio. The Kicks also featured a surround-view monitor, enhancing parking convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received mixed safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models but lower ratings from the IIHS in certain crash tests. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance systems, though its safety performance was a concern.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a driver alertness monitor. The Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with the 2020 model scoring well in IIHS crash tests. The Kicks' safety features and strong safety history made it a reliable choice.