For 2022, Lexus has unveiled an all-new NX, while it is the brand’s luxury-subcompact SUV, the new NX is in many ways a flagship model for Lexus. It is the first to feature new Lexus lettering across the rear hatch, it features never before offered technology, and it is the first plug-in hybrid to wear the Lexus badge. Aimed squarely at the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Audi Q3, the new NX needed to bring a lot to the table, and little Lexus doesn’t disappoint.
The NX offers two gasoline power plants and two hybrid options, the base NX250 features a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic and is surprisingly responsive and fun to drive especially with the optional all-wheel-drive. For those wanting more power, the NX350 delivers 375-hp from a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with standard all-wheel drive. But while these conventional powerplants are very good, I’d expect that most luxury buyers will be more interested in the hybrids which offer more horsepower and better fuel economy than their all-gas counterparts.
The hybrid drivetrains include the NX350h which packs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors which make 239 horsepower, and the top-spec plug-in NX450h+ producing 302-hp powertrain which offers up to 36 miles of electric driving per charge. For the performance-minded driver, the F Sport package offers appearance upgrades and adaptive suspension. While the standard suspension does an excellent job at providing decent handling while still offering a luxurious ride, the F Sport does up the fun factor when you do get a twisty road, but I suspect most NX buyers will find the appearance part of the package more appealing than the handling.
Where the NX really shines is the redesigned interior which feels far more luxurious than one might expect in a sub-compact SUV. Ambient lighting, quilted leather heated and ventilated seats, and the optional wood inserts all feel like they belong in a much more expensive vehicle. The much-maligned “trackpad” infotainment interface has been replaced with natural-language voice recognition that wakes up with the command “Hey Lexus” allowing the driver or passenger to do anything from getting directions or searching for a restaurant to turning on the windshield wipers or adjusting the temperature. The dual-zone voice recognition can differentiate between driver and passenger allowing a passenger to adjust their climate zone separately from the driver simply by speaking the command. User profiles are stored in the cloud so your unique settings can travel with you between vehicles.
The technology doesn’t stop with new voice commands, a standard 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touch screen offers great visibility, built-in 4G LTE allows streaming of Apple Music and Amazon Music, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard. The Lexus app will also allow users to use their phone as a key or share a temporary key via the app to any user they authorize, meaning you're never really locked out of your car.
Lexus has also equipped the NX with their latest Safety System Plus 3.0 which includes the usual lane-keeping, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, but also adds new features to help detect oncoming traffic and pedestrian to prevent collisions while making turns at intersections. The new safety features even help prevent accidents when you are parked with electronic door latches that work with the pedestrian safety system that prevents the door from opening if there is an oncoming cyclist or runner.
Lexus has said that they hope that the NX will reach a younger buyer demographic, and with a starting price of under $40,000 for the NX250 they certainly will, but the NX will have a broad appeal to older shoppers as well who aren’t in need of a mid or full-size SUV. The top-tier NX450h+ F Sport starts at $57,975 but if the plug-in hybrid doesn’t fit your lifestyle the NX350h with the optional luxury package will give you the best of everything.
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