2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks showcased a bold exterior redesign that aligned with the new face of the 2021 Nissan Armada and Rogue. Its snubbed nose and deep V-motion design, paired with a double V-motion feature, gave it a distinctive look. The Kicks SR and SR Premium trims were equipped with 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. Inside, the Kicks featured higher quality materials, new seat and door designs, and a full centre console armrest, offering a refined interior experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, with a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia lending it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line over the rear wheel arch, which added unnecessary visual weight. The interior featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition included unique features like 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery, though the fabric's durability was a concern. The Softex synthetic leather substitute was less convincing compared to alternatives, and the third row had more hard plastics, making it less comfortable for longer journeys.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Paired with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT and front-wheel drive, 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 good nature on icy roads, with minimal 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 Kicks boasted a fuel efficiency rating of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 7.2 combined.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It employed a CVT and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps, and the cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise. The braking system transitioned seamlessly from regenerative to physical brakes, and the Highlander Hybrid was one of the quieter midsize SUVs, provided the engine wasn't pushed too hard.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered easy-to-reach buttons and knobs, with 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. It boasted best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was more compartmentalized. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with plenty of adjustments for comfort. Storage options included a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with captain’s chairs that slid and reclined. The third row was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom. Behind the third row, the Highlander offered 453 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came equipped with a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key and automatic climate control. The Kicks SR Premium boasted a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, including two in the front seat headrests. A surround-view monitor provided a 360-degree camera view, aiding in parking.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option available on the top trim. The system was responsive, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were also standard on higher trims.

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

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star overall score from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. A surround view camera system and head-up display were available on the top Platinum trim.