2022 Acura MDX vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2022 Acura MDX was a standout in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, offering a spacious interior that belied its compact exterior. Built on a new dedicated platform, the MDX featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and an increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant appearance. The exterior design was modern and sporty, highlighted by standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels. Inside, the MDX boasted a refined cabin with authentic materials like natural wood and real leather, complemented by high-quality plastics. The dashboard design emphasized cabin width, and the unique gear selection added a touch of sophistication. The MDX's interior was both comfortable and functional, with a range of colour options for both the exterior and interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior updates, aligning its design with other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. The Kicks featured a bold front design with a double V-motion grille and thinner, longer headlights. The rear design included a new bumper and LED taillights, giving it a proportional look reminiscent of the Nissan Leaf. The Kicks offered a variety of paint options, including new colours like Electric Blue Metallic and Scarlet Ember Tintcoat. The two-tone paint job option added an upmarket look, with a floating roof design that seamlessly blended with the A-pillar. The Kicks SR Premium trim added sporty elements like LED headlights and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing its overall aesthetic.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. It featured a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which was standard in Canada. The SH-AWD system offered torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded with a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised rear multi-link suspension, improving ride quality and handling. The vehicle's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The MDX offered five drive modes, allowing drivers to tailor performance to their preferences. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its handling and performance, standing out among competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, the Kicks offered nimble handling, aided by electric power-assisted steering. The Kicks' suspension featured a front independent strut stabilizer bar and twin-tube shock absorbers, providing a comfortable ride. While the Kicks was not particularly powerful, its power-to-weight ratio was well-suited for its size. The vehicle maintained good performance on icy roads, and its CVT, though noisy under heavy acceleration, was typical for its class. The Kicks offered standard traction control, stability control, and hill start assist, with rear disc brakes on higher trims. Its fuel efficiency was rated at 7.7 L/100 km in the city and 6.6 on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient subcompact crossovers available.

The 2022 Acura MDX excelled as a versatile three-row SUV, offering comfortable seating for the first two rows and a flexible second row with a removable centre section. The second row could slide and recline, providing balanced legroom for passengers. The third row was best suited for smaller passengers, but the MDX's seating capacity was ideal for families. The vehicle offered between 461 and 512 litres of luggage space behind the third row, with additional underfloor storage. Folding down the seats expanded cargo capacity significantly. The MDX featured a power tailgate with convenient features like "Walk Away Close" and Hands-Free Access. Interior lighting was customizable, with 27 themes available to suit different moods.

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 comfortably accommodated adults, a rarity in the subcompact class. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area. The Kicks' interior was practical and user-friendly, with features like an electronic parking brake freeing up centre console space.

The 2022 Acura MDX was equipped with advanced technology, including the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System on higher trims, offering 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification. The MDX featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system and a digital instrument panel, both configurable for a personalized experience. Amazon Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto were standard, along with a WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates. The MDX also offered a head-up display, surround-view camera, and CabinTalk feature for communication with rear passengers.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a competitive array of technology features, with a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth as standard. 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 eight speakers, including headrest speakers for an immersive audio experience. The Kicks also featured a surround-view monitor, providing a 360-degree view for easier parking.

The 2022 Acura MDX was rated as a "Top Safety Pick +" by the IIHS, with top marks in every category. It featured a high-strength steel structure and advanced safety systems, including low-speed braking control and collision mitigation throttle control. The AcuraWatch suite of safety features was standard, offering comprehensive driver assistance technologies.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot warning. The Kicks featured 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. While not crash-tested by the IIHS for 2021, the similar 2020 model received good marks. The NHTSA gave the 2021 Kicks a four-star overall rating.