2019 Nissan Kicks vs 2020 Lexus GX

So, you’re in the market for an affordable, efficient, and versatile vehicle. A small crossover makes perfect sense, right? The 2019 Nissan Kicks might hit the right marks on paper, but in practice, it leaves a lot to be desired.

Crossovers are the hottest-selling cars on the market, and with good reason. They offer added capability and versatility compared to the average economy car. The problem is, some automakers have tried to leverage the appeal of these vehicles without really offering increased practicality or performance. Give a hatchback a slight lift, slap extra plastic around the wheel wells and bumpers, and call it a day.

There are things I like about the Nissan Kicks, and there are things I hate. CarGurus has a recommended trim for the Kicks, but if you’re on the fence, you might be served just as well by a conventional hatchback like the Volkswagen Golf.

Depending on who you ask, the modern SUV will continue to dominate the new-car market until it's the only type of vehicle on the road (except pickup trucks). That prediction makes sense; modern SUVs drive like cars, can get through most snowstorms, and have the cargo space to tackle most of what daily life throws at them. They are great all-around vehicles, but in trying to master everything, many have lost the specialization that made them noteworthy in the first place. In particular, many luxury SUVs have lost their off-road credibility.

There are exceptions to this trend, including upmarket trims of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as most of the Land Rover lineup. Another brand that bucks the trend is Lexus. Sure, the Lexus RX pretty much created the modern luxury crossover, but it gets sold right alongside the immensely capable Lexus LX and this vehicle: the 2020 Lexus GX.

You’ll be forgiven if you forgot the GX was still available. Lexus has updated the GX for 2020 with fresh styling to make it a bit more memorable. Still, beneath that new exterior is one of the oldest vehicles offered today, and as you’ll learn, that has its advantages.