2025 Nissan Kicks vs 2026 Lexus TX

The 2025 Nissan Kicks was designed with young consumers and first-time car buyers in mind, drawing inspiration from sneaker culture to create a vehicle that exuded comfort, agility, and style. The Kicks featured a tougher appearance than most small crossovers, without pretending to be sporty, thanks to its new CMF-B platform. This platform, previously used in Europe for the Juke, made the Kicks slightly larger with increased ground clearance, helping it stand out. The Kicks offered nine color options, with two-tone configurations available on higher trims, and small details like the Kicks logo on side-mirror supports and sneaker-tread-like rocker panel trim added a distinctive touch. Inside, the Kicks boasted a variety of textures, with some cost-saving measures evident but generally unobtrusive. The Zero Gravity seats provided comfort and support, though they were only manually adjustable.

The 2026 Lexus TX, available in various trims depending on the powertrain, offered a luxurious experience with a few updates for the model year. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid featured a standard panoramic glass roof and new Matador Red Mica paint. The TX retained its large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, with rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX provided multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with recline function and USB-C ports. However, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastics present. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, but some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second row was folded.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks addressed previous flaws, offering a smoother and quieter ride with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and new CVT, producing 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous generation's powertrain. The Kicks now offered all-wheel drive, enhancing its SUV-like feel and making it more suitable for tough winters. The AWD system used torque vectoring to optimize traction, and the multi-link suspension and retuned steering provided a balanced driving experience. Noise control was improved with added insulation, though acceleration could be sluggish at times. The Kicks offered a Sport mode for a peppier feel and a Snow mode for better traction in slippery conditions. Fuel economy was rated at 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined for FWD, with slightly lower numbers for AWD.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid delivered 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system, with a seven-kilowatt charger providing a full battery in under three hours. The TX offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gas-only modes, with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes available. The 550h+ provided a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, with a Trail Mode for slippery surfaces. The TX's suspension absorbed bumps well, making it ideal for long road trips.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks offered a good view of the road, though the seating position was low and required manual adjustment. The proximity lock and unlock feature on higher trims provided hands-free access. The Kicks' redesign improved cabin space, particularly in the second row, with a panoramic moonroof adding to the airy feel. The Kicks boasted best-in-class cargo space, accommodating up to 30 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 60 cubic feet with them folded. However, wind buffeting was an issue with only the driver's side window down.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ provided standard luxury features, with a spacious third row and easy access via a one-touch button. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support, and the climate controls were mostly on-screen, with physical dials for temperature. The TX offered excellent cargo space, with up to 97 cubic feet available when the second row was folded. The center console was narrow but deep, with a dual-opening lid that limited access.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks featured a base infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a four-speaker stereo. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, and a Bose audio system with headrest speakers. The SR trim's setup was well-integrated, with crisp screens and easy-to-use controls.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag, with a 14-inch touchscreen that was easy to use but lacked some features. The steering wheel controls were confusing, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sometimes conflicted with the native audio system. The TX offered a clear backup camera, Advanced Park system, and rear-camera mirror, with seven USB ports and wireless charging available.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks came standard with Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was standard on the SV trim, offering advanced driver-assistance features. A 360-degree monitor system was available, providing a detailed view of the Kicks' surroundings. The Kicks had not yet been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2026 Lexus TX featured Safety System+ 3.0, with forward collision warning, lane centering, and Proactive Driving Assist. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from NHTSA, while IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side.