2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Nissan Kicks showcased a bold exterior redesign, aligning with the new faces of other Nissan models like the Armada and Rogue. Its front featured a distinctive "double V-motion" grille, combining chrome and piano black elements, while the headlights extended down the face, giving it a sleek appearance. The Kicks SR trim boasted LED multi-reflector headlights and fog lights, enhancing its sporty look. At the rear, a new bumper and LED taillights added a sense of proportion, though the trunk area seemed less refined. The Kicks offered a variety of paint options, including new shades like Electric Blue Metallic, and maintained its two-tone paint job for an upscale look.

Inside, the Kicks retained its familiar layout but improved material quality, drawing inspiration from the Nissan Sentra. The SR trim featured a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, with options for further customization through Nissan's Color Studio. The interior updates included new seat designs and a full center console armrest in higher trims, with the SR Premium Package offering Prima-Tex-appointed seating. Overall, the Kicks combined style and substance, creating a unique identity within the Nissan lineup.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia for a rugged look. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line, adding unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the grille design, resulting in a somewhat disjointed appearance compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander offered an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element, creating storage space and breaking monotony. The infotainment screen was positioned for easy visibility, though the Bronze Edition's fabric upholstery drew criticism for its impracticality.

The Highlander's interior provided comfort with well-cushioned front seats and ample storage options. The second row was spacious, featuring sliding and reclining captain's chairs, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was limited but expanded significantly with seats folded. Despite its unconventional styling, the Highlander Hybrid remained a practical choice for families needing a hybrid option.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 122 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive, it offered nimble handling aided by electric power-assisted steering and a front independent strut suspension. While not particularly powerful, the Kicks provided a good power-to-weight ratio for its size. It maintained composure on icy roads, though the CVT could become noisy under heavy acceleration. The Kicks featured standard 16-inch wheels, with 17-inch options available, and came equipped with traction control, stability control, and hill start assist. Its fuel economy was impressive, rated at 31 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine, producing 243 horsepower. It utilized a CVT and offered optional all-wheel drive via an electric motor for the rear axle. Acceleration was smooth, with the electric motors providing initial thrust before the gasoline engine took over. The ride quality was comfortable, with a suspension that absorbed road imperfections well. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in quietness, with minimal wind and road noise, though the engine could become droning under heavy load. Braking was seamless, transitioning smoothly from regenerative to physical brakes.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a compact cabin with easy-to-reach controls and ample small-item storage. It 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, though hip room was limited. The rear seats accommodated adults comfortably, and a tonneau cover offered hidden storage in the cargo area.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage options were plentiful, with trays and bins throughout the cabin. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining seats, while the third row was less accommodating. Cargo space was limited behind the third row but expanded significantly with seats folded.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added features like Nissan Intelligent Key and a Bose Personal Plus sound system. A surround-view monitor and WiFi hotspot were available, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Higher trims offered a wireless charging pad, navigation, and a JBL audio system. The infotainment system was responsive, with physical buttons for ease of use.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks included Nissan Safety Shield 360, featuring automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. It had 10 airbags and additional safety features in higher trims. While not crash-tested for 2021, the 2020 model received good ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Some systems required fine-tuning, but overall, it offered comprehensive safety features.