A nip and tuck for this year isn't enough to ignore the wrinkles in the aging 2018 Infiniti QX80.
Pros Far more attractive than before V-8 is charming Beautiful interior upholstery Active safety features aren't expensive
Cons Traces roots back to 2010 and it shows No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto Still big and cumbersome despite tech Very poor fuel economy
As big as a luxury yacht and almost as opulent inside, the QX80 is Infiniti’s answer to the Cadillac Escalade. It’s built on a full-size truck frame and powered by a 400-hp 5.6-liter V-8 with a seven-speed automatic; rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.
Pros Handsome visage, burly naturally aspirated V-8.
Cons Clumsy handling, heavy drinker, outdated and missing technology.
The 2018 QX80 receives a noticeable exterior makeover. New LED headlights, taillights and foglights complement redesigned front and rear bumpers and a rear tailgate. The QX80 also rides along restyled wheels wrapped in softer sidewall tires, which, along with a retuned suspension, are intended to improve ride comfort.
PROS Powerful V8 delivers strong acceleration and a high tow rating Capable and controlled handling for a big SUV Brakes deliver strong stopping power Easy to see out of
CONS Ride quality degrades with optional 22-inch wheels Third-row seat is difficult to access and a tight fit for adults Updated interior hasn't changed enough Engine is thirstier than most
The 2018 Nissan Kicks is a high-riding compact hatchback, but its spec sheet doesn't look very thrilling.The 2018 Nissan Kicks is a far more conventional crossover than its Juke predecessor. That doesn't mean it's a dullard in the looks department, though.
Pros Distinctive styling Standard automatic emergency braking City-size dimensions
Cons Decidedly short on power No AWD? Could be a great value
Replacing the Juke at the small end of Nissan’s SUV lineup, the Kicks is a cheeky entry into the subcompact-crossover class. The sole engine is a 125-hp four-cylinder mated with a CVT and front-wheel drive, so it loses the turbocharged Juke’s fun factor, but it attempts to make up for that with more interior space and plenty of features. Forward-collision warning and autonomous emergency braking are standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are optional. It goes on sale in June 2018. Despite the jump in size, Nissan hasn’t seen fit to augment anything under the hood. In fact, it has done exactly the opposite by installing a naturally aspirated 1.6-liter inline-four in the Kicks as the sole powerplant. It produces a paltry 125 horsepower and 115 lb-ft of torque, down 63 ponies and 62 lb-ft compared with the Juke’s turbocharged 1.6-liter unit. Further sapping the fun, the Kicks comes only with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.
Nissan has introduced the newest member of its lineup, the 2018 Kicks, which slots into Nissan's SUV lineup below the Rogue Sport. It hits dealerships in summer 2018.
We're not sure what the introduction of another small utility vehicle means for Nissan's existing subcompact SUV, the Juke. There's no official word from Nissan yet on the Juke's fate, but if I had to guess, it's just a matter of time before the Kicks ... well, kicks the Juke to the curb.
The Kicks will be offered in three trim levels: Kicks S, Kicks SV and Kicks SR.
The 2018 Nissan Kicks ranked #7 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Nissan Kicks has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 10 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Excellent fuel economy Low base price Plenty of standard and optional features Ample cargo space
Cons Somewhat weak engine Rear seats don't fold flat
