2021 Toyota Sequoia vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its attempts to stay modern, showed its age with a design that dated back to 2007. The 2018 facelift brought some updates to the headlights and grille, but the overall look remained largely unchanged. The introduction of the Nightshade Special Edition in 2021 added some flair, but the Sequoia's massive silhouette and outdated interior design, with its multi-tiered center dash and small 7-inch touchscreen, were reminiscent of the mid-2000s. The cabin, though spacious, had bulky front seats that limited headroom for taller drivers, while the second-row seats offered ample space and comfort. The Sequoia was available in several trims, including the SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Nightshade Edition, TRD Pro, and Platinum, each offering various features and upgrades.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, aligning its design with the new faces of other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a bold V-motion design, thinner headlights, and a redesigned rear bumper, giving it a more proportionate and stylish appearance. The SR trim level boasted LED headlights and fog lights, along with a sportier aesthetic. The Kicks offered a variety of color options, including new additions like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat. The interior, while maintaining its previous design, was enhanced with higher quality materials and new seat designs. The Kicks SR Premium Package added Prima-Tex-appointed seating with a three-tone design, further elevating its appeal.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration despite the SUV's hefty weight of up to 6,000 pounds. The Sequoia's driving dynamics were reminiscent of a truck, with a soft suspension and powerful brakes. It offered a towing capacity of up to 7,400 pounds, which was less than some competitors like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. The Sequoia's wide stance helped it settle into corners, although there was noticeable body roll.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, on the other hand, was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, provided adequate power for its size. The Kicks' electric power-assisted steering and independent strut suspension contributed to its nimble handling, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. The Kicks offered a smooth ride, with minimal engine noise entering the cabin. It came standard with a traction control system, stability control, and hill start assist. The Kicks' fuel efficiency was impressive, with an EPA rating of 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 120 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. While it offered ample storage, the Sequoia's front-row space could have been better utilized. The power-retractable rear window was a unique feature, allowing easy access to the cargo area. The Sequoia's interior included deep in-door pockets, a massive center console, and multiple cupholders, providing plenty of storage options.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks, with its compact size, offered 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. The Kicks provided best-in-class front seat legroom, although the hip room was somewhat limited for larger drivers. The available tonneau cover offered hidden storage in the rear cargo area. The Kicks' interior was designed for practicality, with easy-access USB ports and a user-friendly layout.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a WiFi hotspot. The system, though dated, was easy to use with simple menu navigation and large hard buttons. The Sequoia's digital trip computer was small but functional, providing essential information.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a range of modern technology features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SV added features like Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch driver information screen. The Kicks SR Premium Package included a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system, providing an immersive audio experience. The Kicks also offered a surround-view monitor and a WiFi hotspot with over-the-air updates.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. However, the Sequoia's older platform resulted in a four-star rollover rating from the NHTSA.

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, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kicks also included 10 airbags, a driver alertness monitor, and rear door alert. While the 2021 model had not been crash-tested, the 2020 Kicks received good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.