Lexus NX: There’s a lot to like underneath its tough-guy facade
In the growing automotive subsection of small luxury SUVs, the Lexus NX is a smart choice that caters to buyers with penchants for style and comfort. Its cozy cabin features softly cushioned seats, plenty of high-end features, and a unique design that is right in step with the NX’s wild exterior.
A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides decent pep around town, and an optional hybrid powertrain sips fuel efficiently. Drivers can expect few thrills from behind the wheel, though, as the NX’s dynamic abilities are limited. Lexus makes up for any deficiencies by offering standard features that are likely more important to its target audience, such as onboard Wi-Fi, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2018?
The NX receives a flurry of updates for 2018 and can be distinguished from last year’s models by an updated front grille, revised front and rear
bumpers, and tweaked taillamps. The NX200t model has been renamed NX300 despite no changes to its powertrain. Both the NX300 and NX300h hybrid receive a retuned suspension, while a new standard equipment includes automated emergency braking, an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot, and power-folding exterior mirrors.
Inside, the cabin sports updated climate-control switches, a larger touchpad infotainment controller, updated infotainment screens (8.0-inch is standard; a 10.3-inch display is optional), a new GPS-based dash clock, and metallic accents on the window switches.
The NX’s Luxury package now includes auto-dimming side-view mirrors with reverse tilt and memory settings; the Comfort package now comes with heated and ventilated seats for both the driver and the front-seat passenger. A power rear liftgate with a foot-activated sensor is now a stand-alone option, as is blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. There is one new exterior color — Caviar — and two new interior colors — Glazed Caramel and Circuit Red.
WHAT WAS NEW FOR 2017?
Introduced as a new model in 2015, the NX carried on through 2016 and into 2017 with few changes. The NX300h hybrid’s front-wheel-drive option was dropped in 2017 in favor of standard all-wheel drive.
A new 18-inch wheel design joined the options list, as well as two vibrant new colors — Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 and Molten Pearl — for F Sport models. Lexus added Scout GPS Link as a standard feature; it uses a smartphone app to offer turnby-turn directions displayed on the infotainment screen.
TRIMS AND OPTIONS WE’D CHOOSE
We’d choose the F Sport trim of the NX300, which is powered by the standard 235-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. It represents a $2,390 price increase versus the standard NX, but we think it’s worth it, as it adds:
• Supportive sport bucket seats
• G-force and turbo-boost gauges
• Unique wheels and aggressively styled front grille and lower bumper
We’d go sparingly on options, but the $400 power-operated rear liftgate seems like a handy feature at a reasonable price. Altogether, our frontwheel-drive NX300 retails for $39,770; all-wheel drive adds $1,400.