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 venturing into sporty territory. Built on the new CMF-B platform, it offered increased size and ground clearance, distinguishing itself from competitors. The Kicks was available in eight colours, with two-tone configurations on mid and top trims, and small details like the Kicks logo on side-mirror supports added a unique touch. The interior boasted a variety of textures, with some cost-saving measures evident, but overall, it provided a premium feel at an affordable price.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a more traditional luxury experience, with a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains. The TX retained a large grille and sharp bi-LED headlights, with rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, three colour options and ambient lighting created a warm atmosphere, though material quality fell short of luxury standards. Redesigned door handles were a notable feature, though they seemed unnecessary. The TX provided ample space, especially in the third row, and included thoughtful touches like cupholders and USB-C ports for each seat. However, some design choices, like the complex folding mechanism for the second-row seats, detracted from the overall experience.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks addressed previous generation flaws with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a new CVT, delivering 141 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant improvement over the previous 1.6-litre engine, which produced 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque. The new Kicks offered optional AWD with torque vectoring, a multi-link suspension, and retuned steering for a balanced driving feel. Fuel economy was competitive, with FWD models rated at 8.1 L/100 km city, 6.6 highway, and 7.4 combined, while AWD models were slightly higher. Despite improved noise control and handling, the Kicks struggled with acceleration at high elevations, though Sport mode provided some relief.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model used an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid had a six-speed automatic. Both models offered AWD, with the TX 500h using Lexus's Direct4 system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle response. The TX 500h also featured adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. While not a sports car, the TX provided a comfortable and responsive ride, with the hybrid offering a more dynamic experience.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks provided a good view of the road, though the low seating position required manual adjustment. The interior was spacious, with a panoramic moonroof enhancing the second-row experience. Cargo space was generous, accommodating a 65-inch TV with the rear seats folded. However, wind buffeting was an issue with only the driver's window down. Cargo capacity varied with drivetrain, offering 849 litres with FWD and 676 litres with AWD, expanding to 1,699 litres and 1,418 litres, respectively, with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Lexus TX excelled in interior space, with three-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row. The second row offered captain's chairs or a bench seat, with a one-touch button for easy third-row access. However, folding the second row flat was cumbersome. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. Cargo space was impressive, with 572 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks featured a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model included a four-speaker stereo and two USB-C ports, while higher trims added a wireless charging pad, additional speakers, and a Bose audio system with headrest speakers. The SR trim boasted dual 12.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment, enhancing the driving experience with crisp displays and intuitive controls.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a 14-inch touchscreen with quick response times, though some features lacked polish. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functionality and lack of labels were confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues arose. Subscription services were required for in-dash navigation and other features. The TX included a clear back-up camera with an available bird's-eye view and Advanced Park system. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was well-supported.

The 2025 Nissan Kicks came standard with a rearview camera and Safety Shield 360, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. ProPilot Assist was standard on the SR trim, offering advanced driver-assistance features. The Kicks also offered a 360-degree monitor system, a rare feature in its class. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were unavailable.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0, featuring forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Adaptive cruise control was effective once set up, though initial configuration was challenging. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from NHTSA and an "Acceptable" rating from IIHS for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side, with "Good" ratings for other measures.