The 2021 Lexus UX taps design verve to hawk its cozy interior space and its middling performance.
Pros Good looks outside Inside, too Frugal UX Hybrid Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, gratis
Cons Drivetrain can drone Short on acceleration Gets pricey for its size Cramped rear seat
For 2021 Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard.
Pros High fuel economy Lots of standard and optional safety tech Maneuverable around town thanks to small dimensions
Cons Infotainment interface can be difficult to use Limited rear legroom Cargo area has a high liftover height All-wheel drive is only available on the UX 250h hybrid
The 2021 Lexus UX's #6 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Subcompact SUVs category. Currently the Lexus UX has a score of 7.2 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Refined ride quality and handling Great fuel economy High predicted reliability rating
Cons Distracting infotainment controls Tepid acceleration Relatively small cargo area
Nissan's smallest crossover receives a styling update for 2021 which includes a larger grille, streamlined headlamps and taillamps, redesigned front and rear bumpers, and a new 17-inch aluminum wheel design. Nissan has also expanded the availability of the contrasting black roof option to cars painted in Scarlet Ember Tintcoat, Boulder Gray Pearl, and Electric Blue Metallic. Inside, SV and SR models now come with a new 8.0-inch infotainment system, and all Kicks trims now feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.A Wi-Fi hotspot is now available as an option on the top spec SR trim.
PROS Peppy around town, spacious cabin, generous standard equipment.
CONS Anemic at highway speeds, engine sounds thrashy at high revs, a few more storage cubbies wouldn't hurt.
The 2021 Nissan Kicks's #5 ranking is based on its score within the Subcompact SUVs category. Currently the Nissan Kicks has a score of 7.7 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
PROS Plenty of standard features Good cargo space for the class Excellent fuel economy
CONS Lackluster highway acceleration All-wheel drive not offered Worst predicted reliability score in the class
For 2021 Restyled exterior, Mild upgrades to cabin materials, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration now standard.
PROS Comes standard with lots of advanced driver aids Affordably priced High fuel economy Easy-to-use controls
CONS Leisurely acceleration Uncomfortable seats Not much rear legroom No optional all-wheel drive
