2022 Mitsubishi Outlander vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, adopting a bolder design that aligned with the new face of other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The front featured a snubbed nose with a deep V-motion design, complemented by a "double V-motion" feature. The Kicks SR trim level boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights, enhancing its sporty aesthetic. At the rear, a new bumper and LED taillight combination gave the Kicks a proportional look reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. The model offered a variety of paint options, including new additions like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, with a two-tone paint job option that emphasized its upmarket appearance.

The interior of the Kicks remained largely unchanged but featured higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra. The Kicks SR trim included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, with options for further customization through Nissan Kicks Color Studio accessories. The interior design focused on comfort and style, with new seat and door designs and a full center console armrest in the mid-range trims. The Kicks SR Premium Package offered Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design, adding a touch of luxury to the subcompact SUV.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander presented a unique identity with its bold "Dynamic Shield" grille and lighting concept. The design was balanced and appealing, with standard or optional 20-inch wheels across all trim levels. The test vehicle featured the SEL trim with AWD, White Diamond paint, and the Touring Package, bringing the total price to $39,475. The Touring Package added premium semi-aniline leather, a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and a premium sound system, enhancing the interior ambiance with a power panoramic glass sunroof.

The Outlander's interior adhered to minimalist design principles, with black and aluminum accents. While some interior plastics reminded of its segment, Mitsubishi avoided obviously inexpensive materials. The SUV's ride and handling qualities were mixed, with a firm suspension that felt brittle on imperfect roads. Despite its power deficit, the Outlander demonstrated composure over speed humps and rural roads, though it required de-quirking for a smoother ride.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT and front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel drive option. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut stabilizer bar suspension contributed to its nimble handling, making it easy to navigate in various driving conditions. Despite being low-powered, the Kicks maintained a good power-to-weight ratio, offering sufficient power for its size. The SUV's fuel economy was impressive, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 33 mpg combined.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. The CVT powered the front wheels, with an optional Super All-Wheel Control AWD system. The Outlander offered multiple driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud, though the Eco mode felt sluggish. The SUV was most responsive in urban environments, but its power deficit was evident on highways and during overtaking maneuvers. The steering felt vague and disconnected, with a firm suspension that transmitted road imperfections into the cabin. The Outlander returned 24.9 mpg on the testing route, slightly below the EPA's 26 mpg rating for AWD models.

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

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander excelled in form and function, with roomy and comfortable front seats and deeply padded armrests. The driver's seat offered eight-way power adjustment, and both front seats and the steering wheel were heated. The controls were intuitive, with impressive digital instrumentation and a HUD. However, the center console had wasted space, limiting storage options. The rear seat was spacious and comfortable, with the ability to slide for more cargo room. The third-row seat was cramped, suitable only for children, and limited cargo space to 11.7 cubic feet. Folding it down increased capacity to 33.5 cubic feet, with a maximum of 79.7 cubic feet without the panoramic sunroof.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and multiple USB ports. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch driver information screen. The SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system, providing immersive 360-degree sound. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hotspot with NissanConnect services.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander stood out with its 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display, a large and detailed HUD, and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, a two-year subscription to Mitsubishi Connect services, and wireless smartphone charging. The test vehicle featured a 10-speaker Bose premium audio system, delivering excellent sound quality. However, the voice-recognition technology struggled with road noise, affecting its performance while driving.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. It included 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert on SV and SR trims. While the 2021 model hadn't been crash-tested, the similar 2020 model received good marks from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander featured Mi-Pilot Assist, a hands-on Level 2 driver-assist system similar to Nissan’s ProPilot Assist. It included forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. The steering assistance was intrusive without Mi-Pilot Assist, requiring deactivation through the touchscreen. Crash-test results were unavailable at the time of review.