2019 Nissan Kicks vs 2019 Volvo XC40

If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance.

Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world.

This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices.

Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out.

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.