2021 Lexus GX vs 2021 Nissan Kicks

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates over the years, including the signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The styling remained coherent despite the massive grille, appealing to SUV shoppers with its tough, aggressive look. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard semi-aniline leather was a redeeming feature, but overall, the interior felt outdated.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Kicks underwent significant exterior changes, adopting a bolder design with a double V-motion grille and longer headlights. The rear featured a new bumper and LED taillights, enhancing its proportions. The Kicks offered a variety of new paint options and a two-tone paint job, adding to its stylish appeal. The interior, inspired by the 2020 Nissan Sentra, boasted higher quality materials and new seat designs, providing a more upscale feel. The Kicks SR Premium model included LED headlights, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, and customizable colour combinations, enhancing its sporty aesthetic.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite its power, the GX's 2,349-kilogram weight affected its performance, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, equipped with a Torsen centre differential, 4WD system with low range, and Multi-Terrain Select. It offered a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and a ground clearance of 20.5 centimetres.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks came with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and front-wheel drive. While not powerful, the Kicks offered a good power-to-weight ratio, making it nimble in various driving conditions. The electric power-assisted steering and independent strut stabilizer bar suspension contributed to its agile handling. The Kicks featured standard traction control, stability control, and hill start assist. It boasted impressive fuel efficiency, rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 6.6 on the highway.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel angle. The dashboard shape provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, with small centre-console storage and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks maximized its small size with easy-to-reach controls and good small-item storage. It featured a D-shaped steering wheel, adjustable seats, and a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. The Kicks offered best-in-class front seat legroom, though hip room was limited. The available tonneau cover provided hidden storage in the rear cargo area. The interior was designed for practicality, with easy-access USB ports and climate controls.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and analog controls for most functions. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. However, the analog controls provided a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks offered a host of modern tech features, including a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The Kicks SR Premium model featured a class-exclusive Bose Personal Plus sound system and a surround-view monitor. The Kicks SV added Nissan Intelligent Key, automatic climate control, and a USB-C port. The tech offerings were competitive for its class, providing a user-friendly experience.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked some safety features found in other Lexus models. The GX had not been crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Nissan Kicks featured Nissan Safety Shield 360, with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. It included 10 airbags and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. The Kicks received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, and the 2020 model scored well in IIHS crashworthiness tests.