History/Overview
Last year, Lexus redesigned its NX compact luxury crossover into a second generation, introducing hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains to go with an all-new look and improved driving feel.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
The Lexus NX is unchanged for 2023.
Available Trims
The Lexus NX lineup starts with the NX 250, powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine; that’s followed by the hybrid NX 350h, which adds an electric motor to the mix; the NX 350 gets a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder engine; and the NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid that is also the most powerful version of all. Gas models use an eight-speed transmission, while hybrids get a continuously variable setup. All-wheel drive is standard across the line.
Standard Features
NX 250’s standard kit includes passive keyless entry, a 9.8-inch touchscreen, 10-speaker audio, heated/power-adjustable front seats, NuLuxe upholstery, a heated steering wheel, a 7.0-inch digital gauge display, LED headlights/taillights, power-folding mirrors with driver’s auto dimming, 18-inch alloy wheels, and rain-sensing wipers with de-icer.
The standard driver safety assist package comprises rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, blind spot monitoring, automatic high beams, forward collision mitigation, oncoming vehicle detection, road sign recognition, radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and emergency steering assist.
NX 350h adds run-flat tires, side-mirror turn signal repeaters; this trim is otherwise equipped similarly to the NX 250.
NX 350 adds wireless phone charging, a power tailgate, rear cross-traffic braking, intuitive parking assist, lane change assist, front cross-traffic alert, a 14-inch touchscreen, ventilated front seats, power steering wheel adjustments, ambient cabin lighting, 20-inch wheels, and a sunroof.
Finally, NX 450h gains heated rear seats, leather upholstery, and driver’s seat lumbar.
Key Options
The NX’s options begin with an NX 350 luxury pack, which consists of a panoramic roof. A trio of F Sport packs bring a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, 20-inch wheels, a head-up display, and auto-levelling headlights with washers. Ultra luxury adds intelligent high beams, surround-view cameras, hands-free tailgate, a digital rearview mirror, and a digital key. An executive package builds on those selections with a 17-speaker stereo, heated/power-adjustable rear seats, and leather upholstery.
NX 350h models get many of the same options, but leave out the F Sport’s performance additions. A premium pack brings a sunroof, ventilated front seats, power tailgate, and ambient lighting; ultra premium gets emergency steering assist, front cross-traffic alert, 20-inch wheels, wireless charging, a 14-inch display, and parking assist. A luxury pack adds a panoramic roof, while ultra luxury gets auto-levelling headlights, headlight washers, digital key, hands-free tailgate, and a digital rearview mirror. The executive group adds a head-up display, heated/power rear seats, leather, 17-speaker audio, and advanced park assist.
Finally, NX 450h+ offers an executive package of 20-inch wheels, intelligent high beams, wireless charging, surround-view cameras, head-up display, hands-free tailgate, auto-levelling headlights with washers, advanced park assist, digital key, and lane change assist. An F Sport Series 3 bundle builds on that with an adaptive suspension, and a variety of cosmetic additions.
Fuel Economy
Lexus’s fuel consumption estimates start at 5.7/6.4 L/100 km (city/highway) for the NX 350h. From there, figures are 9.4/7.4 L/100 km in the NX 250; and 10.5/8.3 L/100 km for NX 350 models. The NX 450h+ is rated for 6.2/7.0 L/100 km in gas-electric mode, and 2.8Le/100 km when running on electricity, where Lexus promises 61 km of driving range on a full charge.
Competition
The NX’s competitors include the BMW X1, Cadillac XT4, Lincoln Corsair, Acura RDX, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Infiniti QX50, Audi Q3, Volvo XC40, and Buick Envision.
