2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, retained a rugged charm that appealed to those seeking a durable and utilitarian SUV. Its design, unchanged for over a decade, still managed to convey a sense of timelessness with its two-box body, flared fenders, and trapezoidal wheel arches. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's appearance was functional, much like a reliable tool that doesn't require frequent updates. The interior, characterized by hard plastics and an old-school dashboard, emphasized simplicity and durability, making it easy to clean and maintain. The 4Runner's appeal lay in its straightforward, no-nonsense approach to design and functionality.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior updates, aligning its design with other contemporary Nissan models. The Kicks featured a bold front with a "double V-motion" grille and sleek, elongated headlights, giving it a modern and stylish appearance. The rear design, reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf, added a sense of proportion and style. The Kicks offered a variety of new paint options and a two-tone paint job, enhancing its upmarket look. Inside, the Kicks boasted higher quality materials and thoughtful design elements, such as a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and shift knob in the SR Premium model. The Kicks' design emphasized style and substance, making it stand out in the subcompact SUV segment.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a robust 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, provided the 4Runner with the capability to tackle off-road challenges with ease. The A-Trac system, standard on the 4Runner, enhanced its off-road performance by braking spinning wheels and transferring power to those in contact with the ground. With a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, the 4Runner was well-suited for adventurous pursuits. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, feeling slow and clunky, with heavy steering and brakes. Fuel efficiency was also a concern, with an average consumption of 14.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, featured a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks' power-to-weight ratio was adequate for its size, offering nimble handling and easy maneuverability in urban environments. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and front independent strut suspension contributed to its agile performance. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Kicks maintained stability on icy roads. Fuel efficiency was a strong point, with a combined rating of 7.2 litres per 100 kilometres, making it one of the most economical options in its class.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample legroom and supportive seats in both the front and rear. The high seating position provided excellent visibility, and the optional moonroof and power windows enhanced the open-air experience. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,540 litres available with the rear seats folded down, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. However, the high step-in height could be challenging for shorter passengers, and the interior materials, while durable, lacked refinement.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks made efficient use of its compact size, offering easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. The interior featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Kicks boasted best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was somewhat limited. The available tonneau cover added hidden storage in the rear cargo area. Overall, the Kicks' interior was well-designed, offering comfort and practicality for its size.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, particularly in the entry-level Trail grade, offered basic technology features. It included an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with physical shortcut buttons and knobs for easy operation. However, the Trail grade lacked advanced features, focusing more on functionality than sophistication.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, in contrast, offered a comprehensive suite of modern technology features. The base model included a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. 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 with immersive sound and improved visibility.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, which were notable omissions. The 4Runner received mixed safety ratings, with concerns about its protection in certain crash scenarios.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kicks also included 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 ratings, and the NHTSA awarded the Kicks a four-star overall rating.