Test Vehicle's MSRP: $56,830 (Base Model NX 250: $39,426)
Seating Capacity: 4
Standard Safety
Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; pre-collision
system with pedestrian detection system; a radar activated cruise control
system; a lane departure warning system; a pre-collision system with pedestrian
protection; a lane departure alert with steering assist; a lane trace assist
system; automatic high beams; an electronic blind spot monitor with a rear cross
traffic alert; a rear camera; a vehicle stability control system; a tire
pressure monitoring system; and race inspired paddle shifters
Standard Equipment NX 350
F Sport: 20-inch wheels; a
2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine; 275-hp engine; premium fuel; all-wheel
drive; front tuned suspension; independent MacPherson struts; gloss Black roof
rails; mesh grille insert; rain sensing windshield wipers; color matched wheel
fender arches; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; leather trimmed steering
wheel and shift knob; sport aluminum pedals; front seats with enhance bolsters;
dark graphite aluminum trim; active sound control; G-force and turbo boos
displays; a variety of driving modes; and an adaptive variable suspension
Options: heated steering wheel; fast response
interior heater; power panoramic sunroof; power rear door with kick sensor;
memory operated driver’ seat; power tilt/telescopic steering wheel; intuitive
parking; automatic braking; a 14-inch touchscreen display; cloud-based
navigation system; a 360-degree monitor; an adaptive front lighting system; a
lane change assistance; front cross traffic alert system; a steering wheel
touch sensor; 2,000 lb towing package; a wireless charger; smartphone digital
access to vehicle; triple beam LED headlamps; headlamp washers; cornering
lamps; and 17-speaker Mark Levinson speaker system
Other Trim Levels:
Luxury
Premium
Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard
USB Connectivity: Standard
Apple/Android
Connectivity: Standard
Bumper-to-Bumper
Warranty: 4 years or 50,000
miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 70,000 miles
Standard 250 Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine/203-hp
Standard 350 Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine/275-hp (test
model)
Recommended Fuel: Unleaded (250 model)/ Premium (350 model)
Standard Fuel Mileage: 31-city/28-hwy
Maximum Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs
What’s New: The Lexus NX has been reinvented for the 2022 model year. The premium compact crossover is wider, taller and longer than its predecessor.
Stylish
Well executed
premium-level interior
Supportive seats
Roomier than previous generation
Easy to navigate
Sporty appearance with
the F Sport Handling Package
An oversized touchscreen infotainment system
A variety of driving
modes
HUD (heads up display)
available
A high-level of driver
assist features
A panoramic sunroof
The F-Sport Handling
provides a high-level ride quality
AWD availability
A wireless charging pad
Ability to activate
select features with smartphone
Available in a variety
of powertrains
But:
A
complicated audio system; takes a moment to master changing and programming
stations
The brand's Siri-like voice activated system is recommended to navigate the infotainment center; however, it doesn't always recognize one's request
The
navigation system is cloud-based; must have access to a smartphone and subscription to activate.
Like last year's model, the new turbo
engine requires premium fuel
Limited
rear seat legroom
Pricy,
when adding on options
Verdict: Lexus restyled second-generation NX made its debuts in
2022. The luxurious compact crossover
shares a platform with Toyota’s popular RAV4. At a starting base price just shy
of $40,000, the stylish NX is available in four trims, ranging from base to luxury.
This year’s model base price increased about $800, when compared to the outgoing model. The well-equipped 2021 NX 300 F Sport with options we reviewed last year priced out at $51,785. And this year’s F Sport model we tested, which is both larger and wider, which equates to a roomier interior, priced out near $57,000. That's a significant price increase.
Lexus has justified that increase by offering the following features on the all-new NX: a gigantic infotainment center screen, 17 speakers, 20-inch wheels, a larger turbo engine, which spews out more horsepower, and by removing the fussy mouse-like central infotainment controller. Does this justify the healthy price increase?
Whew, to put this in perspective, this compact crossover is just $3,000 shy from having a $60,000 price tag. That's steep. Last year, we were alarmed when the pricing of the NX tipped over $50,000.
Before making such an investment, buyers should consider stepping up to larger RX, finding a 2022 RX, before the 2023 model RX trickles into showrooms later this year? Moreover, Lexus requires that one has a smartphone to activate the cloud-based navigation system. Lexus is pushing its customers to use its new voice activated system to engage with the vehicle. This is going to be a learning curve for consumers. And unfortunately, without a smartphone, one can no longer use the navigation system.
Overall, we love the new design, the driving and handling capabilities, and most of the new features -- despite the NX's hearty price tag.
Competition: Acura RDX; Audi Q3; BMW
X1; BMW 2 Series; Cadillac XT4; Jaguar F-Pace; Land Rover Discovery Sport;
Lincoln Corsair; Mercedes-Benz GLC; and Volvo XC40
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