2024 Cadillac LYRIQ vs 2025 Nissan Kicks

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The design drew inspiration from the classic Seville, featuring a long wheelbase, short tail, and wide track. The front of the LYRIQ was adorned with vertical light bars and nine LED headlights that performed a light show upon unlocking. The grille varied between trims, with the Sport trim showcasing a dark triangular motif. The LYRIQ's design was further enhanced by thin, deployable door handles and wraparound taillights that defined its shoulder line. Inside, the LYRIQ boasted luxurious details, including leather-wrapped seats, chrome-outlined controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display. However, the floating center console was a design misstep, offering little usable space.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks targeted young consumers and first-time car buyers with a design inspired by sneaker culture. The Kicks aimed to convey agility and style, with a tougher appearance than most small crossovers. Built on the new CMF-B platform, it offered increased size and ground clearance. The Kicks was available in nine colors, with two-tone configurations adding a touch of flair. Small details, like the Kicks logo on side-mirror supports and sneaker-tread-like rocker panel trim, added to its distinctive look. The interior featured a mix of textures, with some cost-saving measures evident, but overall, it created a premium vibe. The Kicks offered comfortable Zero Gravity seats and optional synthetic leather upholstery, with heated front seats available on higher trims.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty exterior, was more suited for long-distance comfort than spirited driving. It featured two Chinese-sourced motors producing 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque for AWD, with a standard single rear motor offering 340 hp and 325 lb-ft. The 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack provided a claimed range of 314 miles for RWD and 307 miles for AWD, though real-world testing showed closer to 260 miles. Charging was efficient, with the battery reaching 80% in about 30 to 35 minutes. However, the LYRIQ's handling was hindered by its 5,800-pound weight, resulting in significant understeer and uninspiring steering feel. The braking system was strong, but the overall chassis needed improvement.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks addressed previous flaws, offering a more refined driving experience. It featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque, paired with a new CVT. The Kicks now offered AWD, enhancing its SUV-like feel and making it more competitive. The AWD system used torque vectoring for improved traction, while a multi-link suspension and retuned steering provided a balanced driving feel. Noise control in the cabin was significantly improved, and the Kicks offered a steady ride with minimal body roll. However, acceleration was sometimes sluggish, especially at high elevations. The Kicks offered a Sport mode for a peppier feel and a Snow mode for improved traction in slippery conditions. Fuel economy was competitive, with FWD models achieving 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ faced challenges with build quality and functionality. Misaligned rear fenders, a loose charging port, and a problematic pull-out tray were notable issues. The glovebox was difficult to access while driving, and the floating console offered limited space. The rotary selector for the touchscreen was less intuitive than direct touch controls. Despite these drawbacks, the LYRIQ provided generous headroom and legroom, with a spacious back seat. However, its cargo space was limited, offering 28 cubic feet behind the seats and 60.8 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks offered a practical and spacious interior. The driver's seat provided a good view of the road, though it required manual adjustment. The proximity lock and unlock feature on higher trims added convenience. The redesign improved cabin space, particularly in the second row, and the panoramic moonroof enhanced the sense of space. The Kicks excelled in cargo capacity, accommodating a 65-inch TV with the rear seats folded. However, wind buffeting was an issue with only the driver's side window down, requiring additional windows to be opened for relief.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch controls for lighting and gauge cluster layouts. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving capabilities, while the 19-speaker AKG stereo delivered impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks offered a range of infotainment options. The base model featured a 7.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity and charging. The SR trim included dual 12.3-inch screens and an optional Bose audio system with headrest speakers. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the Bose system added a fun element to the driving experience.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came with standard safety features, including forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. However, it had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks offered the Safety Shield 360 package as standard, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was standard on the SV trim, providing advanced driver-assistance features. The Kicks also offered a 360-degree monitor system, a first for a subcompact crossover. Like the LYRIQ, it had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.