2022 Kia Sportage vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design more closely with other models in the Nissan lineup, such as the Armada and Rogue. The front of the Kicks featured a bold, double V-motion grille design, complemented by thinner, longer headlights that extended down the face of the vehicle. The top-tier Kicks SR and SR Premium trims were equipped with LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights, enhancing visibility and style. At the rear, the Kicks sported a new bumper, back door finisher, and LED taillight combination, giving it a proportionate and stylish look reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. The model offered a variety of new paint options, including Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, and continued to provide a two-tone paint job option, enhancing its upmarket appearance.

The interior of the 2021 Kicks remained largely unchanged but featured higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The Kicks SR Premium trim offered Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design and stitching, adding a touch of luxury. The model also included a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and shift knob, along with customizable options from the Nissan Kicks Colour Studio. The interior design focused on maximizing space and comfort, with new seat and door designs and a full centre console armrest in the mid-range trims. Overall, the Kicks presented a stylish and substantial design that stood out in the subcompact SUV segment.

The 2022 Kia Sportage, on the other hand, featured a design that was both stylish and functional, despite some criticism of its tiger-nose grille. The grille, positioned under oversized headlights and above a chrome trim, was seen as less cohesive compared to other Kia models. However, the Sportage excelled in other design aspects, with a four-dot running light signature reminiscent of the Porsche Macan and a symmetrical rear fascia. The SX trim boasted 19-inch alloy wheels, giving the SUV a planted stance and proper proportions. Inside, the Sportage adopted Germanic design cues, with a black dashboard featuring polished metallic accents and straightforward instrumentation. The interior was user-friendly, with buttons and knobs for easy control of the stereo, cabin temperature, and infotainment system.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel drive option available. The Kicks offered nimble handling, aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension. Despite being low-powered, the Kicks maintained a good power-to-weight ratio, providing adequate performance for its size. The SUV came with standard 16-inch steel wheels on the base model, while higher trims featured 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The Kicks was equipped with a traction control system, stability control system, and hill start assist, along with an auto-hold feature for convenience. Its fuel efficiency was rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 7.2 combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers available.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered two engine options, with most models featuring a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque. The Sportage SX, however, was equipped with a more powerful engine, delivering 237 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and the Sportage featured Kia's Dynamax all-wheel-drive system, except for the entry-level LX FWD. The SX trim provided quick acceleration, with maximum torque available from 1,450 to 3,500 rpm. The Sportage's suspension system included a MacPherson strut front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, offering a smooth and compliant ride. The SX trim also featured upgraded brakes and exclusive 19-inch wheels. While the Sportage was fun to drive, it lacked the refinement of some competitors, such as the Mazda CX-5 Turbo.

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

The 2022 Kia Sportage, despite being on the smaller side of the compact crossover segment, offered a remarkably roomy passenger compartment. The SX trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, along with power-adjustable front seats. The rear seats provided generous legroom and comfort, with air conditioning vents and a USB charging port for passengers. The Sportage's interior storage was ample, though its maximum cargo volume fell short of segment leaders. The smart liftgate technology offered hands-free access to the cargo area, though it could be turned off if not needed.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came equipped with a range of modern technology features, including a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Kicks SV 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. The surround-view monitor offered a 360-degree camera view, enhancing parking convenience.

The 2022 Kia Sportage featured an 8-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The SX trim included UVO Intelligence connected services, satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the infotainment system was user-friendly, the UVO Intelligence system lagged behind in technological sophistication, lacking features like a WiFi hotspot and wireless smartphone mirroring.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of driver-assistance features including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. It also featured 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. The Kicks received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a strong history of few recalls.

The 2022 Kia Sportage offered safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance on higher trims. The SX trim included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability. The Sportage received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, with the SX earning an Acceptable headlight rating.