2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design that required some acclimation. Its blunt and bulbous nose, combined with black windshield pillars, created an impression of visual weight over the front wheels, while swollen haunches attempted to balance the styling. Despite the 20-inch alloy wheels, the flared quarter panels seemed overwhelming. Over time, the Highlander's design might have appeared more familiar and less polarizing. The interior offered an upscale two-tone look with soft leather for higher trims, though the instrument-panel shroud felt cheap. The asymmetrical dashboard housed a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which suffered from reflections on sunny days, and the mix of illumination colours gave the gauges a busy appearance.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a snubbed nose with a deep V-motion design, thinner headlights, and a new bumper and taillight combination at the rear. The two-tone paint job option enhanced its upmarket look, with a floating roof and wraparound rear glass. The SR Premium trim added sporty elements like LED headlights, black heated mirrors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The interior maintained high-quality materials, with new seat designs and a full centre console armrest. The Kicks offered a stylish and distinctive appearance, setting it apart from other subcompacts.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, reducing its total output to 243 horsepower. This change improved fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 6.7 L/100 km. However, the driving experience was less enjoyable, with the engine sounding strained during acceleration and the steering feeling lifeless. The regenerative brakes were an improvement, but the SUV's handling was hampered by its weight and body movement. On smooth roads, the Highlander Hybrid demonstrated capable handling, but on uneven surfaces, it struggled to maintain composure. The electric motor torque and EV Mode were strengths, but overall, the driving experience was not engaging.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a single powertrain option: a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, the Kicks offered nimble handling, aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut suspension. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks had a good power-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for its size. The CVT could get noisy under heavy acceleration, but the Kicks maintained good nature on icy roads. The Kicks offered a smooth ride with standard traction control, stability control, and hill start assist. Its fuel efficiency was rated at 7.2 L/100 km combined, making it one of the most efficient subcompact crossovers available.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum provided comfortable accommodations for the driver and front passenger, with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the narrow cabin made it uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access. Storage was adequate but not as generous as previous models, with a smaller dashboard shelf and a wireless charger blocking access to the centre storage bin. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with seats folded. However, the lack of storage wells for securing items was a drawback.

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

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a comprehensive infotainment system, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL premium audio system, and navigation. The system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. However, the JBL sound system's audio quality was inconsistent. The Highlander also offered Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for improved visibility. The driver information display provided detailed data and settings adjustments.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth on the base model. 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 with immersive 360-degree sound. The surround-view monitor provided a 360-degree camera view, enhancing parking and maneuvering. Overall, the Kicks offered impressive technology for its class.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. New for 2021 were intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander also included a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view camera system on the Platinum trim. The IIHS awarded the Highlander a "Top Safety Pick+" rating, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, with four stars for frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Kicks also featured rear cross-traffic alert, high beam assist, and rear automatic braking. The SV and SR trims added adaptive cruise control and a driver alertness monitor. The 2020 Kicks received Good marks in IIHS crashworthiness tests, and the 2021 model was expected to improve with new headlights. The NHTSA gave the Kicks a four-star overall rating.