2022 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design more closely with other models like the Nissan Armada and Rogue. The front featured a bold, snubbed nose with a distinctive "double V-motion" grille, combining chrome and piano black elements. The Kicks retained the older Nissan logo, unlike the Rogue. Its elongated headlights extended down the face, with LED multi-reflector headlights and fog lights standard on higher trims. The rear showcased a new bumper and LED taillights, enhancing its proportions. However, the trunk area appeared less premium, with a piece that seemed like an afterthought. New paint options, including Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, were introduced, alongside existing colours. The two-tone paint job option, with a Super Black floating roof, added an upmarket look, emphasizing the vehicle's greenhouse and unique style. The SR Premium trim featured sporty elements like LED lights, black heated mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Buyers could further customize their Kicks with numerous colour combinations and accessories. Inside, the Kicks maintained its previous styling but incorporated higher-quality materials, drawing inspiration from the Nissan Sentra. The interior featured new seat and door designs, with the SR Premium offering Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia continued its second generation into its 14th year, maintaining a mature design. Its exterior showcased a modestly sized grille, elegant wheel arches, and straight lines, avoiding the oversized features seen in other SUVs. The Sequoia's dimensions were substantial, with a height of 1,956 mm, width of 2,030 mm, and length of 5,210 mm, riding on a 3,099 mm wheelbase. It offered 32 cm of ground clearance, with optional running boards for easier access. Wheel sizes ranged from 18 to 20 inches, depending on the trim. Inside, the Sequoia's age showed, with a flat, old-fashioned dashboard and a 7-inch touchscreen that felt outdated compared to competitors. However, the interior was well-built, with tight seams and high-quality materials. The Nightshade Special Edition, based on the Limited model, demonstrated Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant. Despite its dated design, the Sequoia remained a reliable and durable choice for families, offering ample space and comfort.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with the Nissan Versa, was paired with an Xtronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Kicks lacked an all-wheel-drive option. Its electric power-assisted steering and independent strut stabilizer bar suspension contributed to nimble handling, making it easy to navigate city streets and highways. The Kicks' power-to-weight ratio provided adequate power for its size, though it wasn't particularly zippy. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Kicks performed well on icy roads. The CVT could become noisy under heavy acceleration, a common trait among CVTs. The Kicks S trim featured 16-inch steel wheels, while the SV and SR trims had 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The SR Premium offered 17-inch black alloy wheels. All models came with all-season tires. Standard safety features included a traction control system, stability control, and hill start assist. The Kicks' fuel efficiency was rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 6.6 on the highway, and 7.2 combined.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia featured a 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra, was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, a lockable Torsen limited-slip centre differential, and a two-speed transfer case in 4WD models. The Sequoia's truck roots provided a payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Weighing around 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia's fuel consumption was rated at 18.5 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 13.9 on the highway, and 16.4 combined. Despite its weight, the Sequoia offered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent highway performance and sure-footed handling on curvy roads. Its body-on-frame construction and ground clearance made it a competent off-roader, with the TRD Pro model featuring enhanced suspension with Fox shocks. The Sequoia's 12.5-metre turning circle and excellent sightlines made it a practical choice for suburban driving.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a compact cabin with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. USB ports were conveniently located, and multiple smartphone storage options were available. Climate controls were user-friendly, and seat warmers provided quick warmth. All trims except the base model featured a heated steering wheel. The Kicks had a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Its electronic parking brake freed up centre console space. The Kicks boasted best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited for larger drivers. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia prioritized passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows. Three-zone climate control catered to all occupants, and a power moonroof added to the airy feel. Heated front seats were standard, with heated rear seats available on the Platinum grade. The centre console and glove compartment provided ample storage, with additional pockets on each door. Rear passengers had access to cup holders and power outlets. The cargo compartment featured a 12-volt outlet, accommodating tailgating and camping activities. With 535 litres of luggage space behind the third row, the Sequoia offered 1,886 litres with the third row folded and 3,401 litres with both rows flat.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered modern technology, surpassing competitors like the Chevrolet Trax and Ford EcoSport. The base model featured a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, three USB ports, keyless entry, push-button start, and Easy Fill Tire Alert. The Kicks SV added Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, satellite radio, remote engine start, and a USB-C port. The SR Premium boasted a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system with eight speakers, including headrest speakers, and a surround-view monitor for enhanced parking assistance.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated, with a 7-inch touchscreen and clunky operating system. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen was outclassed by digital dashboards in competitors. SiriusXM satellite radio was standard, with navigation and a 14-speaker JBL audio system available on higher trims. The Sequoia's technology lagged behind industry trends, lacking turbocharged engines and electrification options. However, all exterior lighting was LED, and a rear backup camera and parking sonar were standard.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. Cruise control and 10 airbags were standard, with adaptive cruise control, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert available on higher trims. The 2021 Kicks had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, but the similar 2020 model received Good marks. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Kicks a four-star overall rating, with a strong history of few recalls.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. However, it featured Toyota Safety Sense P, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard. Toyota's STAR safety system included stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and smart-stop technology. The Sequoia also had a full complement of airbags, LATCH connectors, crumple zones, side-impact door beams, and parking-assist sonar.