2022 Subaru Outback 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 SR and SR Premium trims were equipped with LED multi-reflector headlights and standard LED fog lights. At the rear, the Kicks showcased a new bumper and LED taillight combination, enhancing its proportions and giving it a distinctive look. 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, which added to its upmarket appearance.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness presented a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, with a higher ride height and aggressive all-terrain tires. It featured a unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, and blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents. The matte black hood decal reduced glare, while the new roof rack system supported a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping. Inside, the Outback Wilderness was adorned with dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, Gunmetal Gray interior trim, and Anodized Copper stitching. The interior was designed for practicality, with waterproof materials and all-weather floor mats, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts.

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 a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, offering a nimble driving experience. The Kicks featured electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension, contributing to its agile handling. Despite its modest power, the Kicks maintained good performance on icy roads and offered a smooth ride. It came with standard 16-inch steel wheels on the base model, while higher trims received 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The Kicks boasted impressive fuel efficiency, with ratings of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.6 on the highway.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided ample power for the midsize crossover, with a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The Outback Wilderness featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters. While the CVT offered smooth performance, it lacked the engagement of a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Outback Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 23 cm ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and dual function X-Mode traction system. It was capable of tackling challenging terrain and steep grades, making it a versatile choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a well-designed interior with easy-to-reach controls and ample small-item storage. It featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks provided 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 offered hidden storage in the cargo area.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured StarTex water-repellant upholstery, which was practical for outdoor activities but could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The driver's seat offered 10-way power adjustment, while the rear seats provided generous head and legroom. The cargo area measured 920 litres behind the rear seat and 2,144 litres with the rear seat folded flat. The Outback Wilderness also had a robust roof rack with a 700-pound static load rating, suitable for rooftop camping.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came equipped with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. 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 the driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with integrated climate control. While it offered physical knobs for basic functions, most controls required the use of the touchscreen. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, providing superior voice assistant functionality. However, the Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available on other Outback trims.

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

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It also had steering-responsive LED headlights and a blind-spot warning system. The Outback Wilderness was expected to maintain the high safety ratings of standard Outback models.