2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks showcased a bold exterior redesign, aligning it with the new face of the Nissan Armada, Ariya, and Rogue. Its snubbed nose and deep V-motion design, complemented by a "double V-motion" feature, gave it a distinctive look. The Kicks SR and SR Premium trims boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights, enhancing its modern appeal. At the rear, a new bumper and LED taillight combination added a sense of proportion reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. The two-tone paint job option, with a floating roof tinted Super Black, further elevated its upmarket appearance, making the Kicks stand out with its unique style and substance.

The interior of the Kicks remained largely unchanged but featured higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The SR Premium model offered Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design and stitching, adding a touch of luxury. The Kicks also provided over 100 million colour combinations for customization, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle. The interior was designed for comfort and convenience, with new seat and door designs, a full centre console armrest, and improved materials that rivaled those found in more expensive vehicles.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a choice between a classic two-door or a more practical four-door body style, with various engine options including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline-powered V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, and the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Wrangler's rugged design was complemented by its off-road capabilities, with four core trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon, along with numerous special editions. The High Tide model, based on the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S trim, featured LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop with a Sunrider Fliptop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield upgrade.

The Wrangler's interior was basic yet functional, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. The driving position was close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield, requiring some acclimation. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views while others were compromised. The Wrangler's unique character and capabilities provided an immersive driving experience, making it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts. However, its interior lacked the refinement and comfort found in more traditional SUVs, with limited storage options and a basic infotainment system.

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 continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, the Kicks offered a nimble driving experience, aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension. Despite its low power, the Kicks maintained good nature on icy roads, with little engine noise entering the cabin. The Kicks S trim rode on 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV and SR trims featured 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The SR Premium model upgraded to 17-inch black alloy wheels, all equipped with all-season tires. The Kicks was one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers, with a combined fuel efficiency rating of 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system provided excellent traction in slippery conditions. However, the Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, with a rough-and-tumble feel and a thirst for fuel. Its off-road capabilities were unmatched, but the ride was loud, with vague steering and touchy brakes. The Wrangler's character and capabilities made it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts, but it required compromises in comfort and refinement.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a well-designed interior with easy-to-reach buttons and knobs, good small-item storage, and easy-access USB ports. The climate controls were intuitive, and the seat warmers provided quick warmth. The Kicks featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The front seats offered best-in-class legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, and the available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the cargo area.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's interior was basic yet functional, with comfortable seats and durable cloth upholstery. The driving position was close to the steering wheel, dashboard, and windshield, requiring some acclimation. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views while others were compromised. The Wrangler's unique character and capabilities provided an immersive driving experience, making it a favourite among off-road enthusiasts. However, its interior lacked the refinement and comfort found in more traditional SUVs, with limited storage options and a basic infotainment system.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a range of modern technology features, including a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and remote engine start. The SR Premium model boasted a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, providing an immersive audio experience. The surround-view monitor offered a 360-degree camera view, enhancing parking convenience.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler's infotainment system was basic, with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered upgrades like satellite radio, connected services, and a navigation system. The Wrangler included features like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, extending the open-air driving season.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of driver-assistance features including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kicks SV and SR added adaptive cruise control and a driver alertness monitor. The Kicks had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the 2020 model received Good marks in crashworthiness. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Kicks a four-star overall rating, with a strong history of few recalls.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, adding features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its ratings suggested the need for extra care when driving.