2021 Nissan Kicks vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

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 sported 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 and maintained its two-tone paint job option, which added to its upmarket appearance. The interior of the Kicks was upgraded with higher quality materials, drawing inspiration from the 2020 Nissan Sentra, and featured new seat and door designs, as well as a full centre console armrest in the mid-range trims.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, while fitting in with the general crossover design, stood out with its angular wheel arches and crisp lines. The expressive headlights and snub-nosed grille gave the RAV4 a playful yet aggressive appearance. Inside, the RAV4 featured a layered dash with contrasting textures and colours, anchored by a straightforward centre stack. The touchscreen interface was positioned for easy access, and the interior design included a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that tied various cabin elements together. The RAV4's interior was spacious, offering ample room for passengers and cargo, with a focus on comfort and practicality. The model's design and build quality reflected Toyota's commitment to delivering a high-quality driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with Nissan’s Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, as all-wheel drive was not available. The Kicks featured electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension, contributing to its nimble handling. Despite being considered low-powered, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for its size. The vehicle's 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 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options. The gasoline-only model featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre engine with an electric motor, producing 217 combined net horsepower, while the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid delivered 302 horsepower with a larger battery pack. The RAV4's fuel efficiency varied depending on the model, with the gasoline version achieving 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.8 on the highway. The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime models offered even better fuel economy, with the Prime capable of running up to 68 kilometres on electricity alone. The RAV4's handling was enhanced by its four-wheel independent suspension and available all-wheel drive with Multi-Terrain Select tuning.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a compact cabin with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. The interior 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 Toyota RAV4 provided a spacious interior with a cargo capacity of up to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. The RAV4's towing capacity varied by model, with the Trail and TRD Off-Road models capable of towing up to 1,588 kilograms. Inside, the RAV4 offered comfortable seating for four adults, with ample legroom and storage options throughout the cabin. The XLE grade added features like dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came equipped with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key and remote engine start, while the SR Premium boasted a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system and a surround-view monitor for enhanced parking assistance.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 featured a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and additional tech features like a bird’s-eye view camera system and a head-up display. The RAV4 Prime included multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and available wireless smartphone charging, showcasing its advanced technology offerings.

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. The Kicks had 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. The 2021 model received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a strong history of few recalls.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The RAV4 was an IIHS Top Safety Pick and received a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The RAV4 Prime was a Top Safety Pick+ due to its superior crash test ratings.