2022 Volvo XC90 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 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, 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 Volvo XC90, as Volvo's flagship SUV, presented a sleek and modern design, moving away from the boxy shapes of the past. It featured a long, sleek roofline and pronounced wheel arches that emphasized its athleticism. The XC90's superior fit and finish were evident, with the "Thor's Hammer" LED headlights adding a touch of Swedish heritage. Inside, the XC90 exuded "Scandinavian Modern" and "Swedish Luxury," with natural wood and metal trim creating an authentic feel. The interior was designed with exquisite details, such as a sliding wood tambour cover and a clear crystal gear selector handle, underscoring its luxury status. The XC90 offered a choice of leather or tailored wool blend upholstery, with the latter being a nod to Volvo's commitment to going leather-free by 2030.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was powered by a single powertrain option: 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, with no all-wheel drive option available. The Kicks was known for its nimble handling, aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut stabilizer bar suspension. Despite its low power figures, 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 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrain options. The T5 model featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre gasoline four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The T6 model added a supercharger, increasing output to 316 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The Recharge model, a plug-in hybrid, combined a supercharged/turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a combined 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. All XC90 models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Recharge model offered an EV range of up to 58 kilometres and could be charged in about five hours with a Level 2 charger. The XC90's driving experience was praised for its minimal body roll and smooth power delivery, making it enjoyable to drive despite its size.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, offering easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. The cabin featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable front seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks boasted best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was somewhat limited for larger drivers. The rear seats comfortably accommodated adults, a rarity in the subcompact class. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 offered six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations, with easy access to the third row via a one-handed slide and fold of the second row. While the third row was suitable for children, it lacked legroom for adults. The XC90 provided ample cargo space, with up to 1,855 litres available with the second and third rows folded. The SUV could tow up to 2,250 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The XC90's interior was spacious and airy, enhanced by a standard panoramic moonroof. The climate control system performed well, even in extreme heat, and the vehicle was equipped with heated seats and a heated steering wheel for winter comfort.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came equipped with a range of modern technology features. The base model included a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and three USB ports. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key and remote engine start. The SR Premium trim 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 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, offering tablet-like functionality with a nine-inch touchscreen interface. While the system was intuitive, it occasionally experienced glitches. The XC90 supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel providing customizable displays. The Advanced package included a head-up display and a 360-degree camera system. The XC90 also offered a Harman-Kardon audio system and multiple USB ports for device connectivity.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of driver-assistance features including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Kicks had 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. While the 2021 model had not been crash-tested by the IIHS, the similar 2020 model received good marks. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Kicks a four-star overall rating.

The 2022 Volvo XC90 continued Volvo's tradition of safety with features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and Pilot Assist, which provided semi-autonomous driving assistance. The XC90 received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, highlighting its strong safety performance.