Verdict
The Lexus NX would not ooze luxurious or sportiness like a few of its higher-end counterparts do (i.e.: the Genesis GV70). However even on this hyper-competitive phase, the little Lexus brings loads to the desk. It combines a cushty trip, environment friendly powertrain choices, and usable tech right into a bundle that is priced competitively.
And the 2022 Lexus NX 350h particularly has an edge over the competitors for one easy purpose: it is the one non–plug-in hybrid within the class (though a type of is out there too). Which means you may have your effectivity and afford it too, with as much as 39 miles per gallon mixed and a beginning value of $42,700.
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18 Pictures
Design
Exterior Coloration: Cloudburst Grey Inside Coloration: Black Wheel Dimension: 20 Inches
The 2022 NX shares a variety of visible cues with its predecessors. The large spindle grille is comparable and the slim headlights bear equal hook-like LEDs – though now these accents are embedded throughout the lighting fixtures quite than beneath them. Even the silhouette is nearly equivalent.
However with new mesh and a revised form, the spindle grille is much less imposing. And even with out the F Sport bundle, the grille now extends all the way in which all the way down to the bottom of the bumper quite than curving inward like earlier than. The LED mild bar within the rear might be the most important improve of all although, joined by a “LEXUS” wordmark unfold throughout the trunklid. It makes the NX a lot sleeker from behind.
The inside is extra noticeably improved. The structure has much less litter with fewer knobs and buttons, and better of all, no extra touchpad within the middle console. Even the shifter is a tinge smaller to assist shrink the general footprint. There’s extra leather-based, too, with the black and cream combo on this tester jutting upward from the middle console alongside the driving force’s facet, to create a partition between the shift knob and the brand new central touchscreen.
Consolation
Seating Capability: 5 Seating Configuration: 2 / 3 Cargo Capability: 22.7 / 46.9 Cubic Toes
The entrance seats within the new NX are straight-up cozy. With actual leather-based on this tester included as a part of the $7,450 Luxurious trim, the chairs are delicate and supportive with ample facet bolstering, wonderful lumbar assist, and 10-way energy adjustability, and seat warmth in addition to air flow if you choose the $3,050 Premium bundle (this automotive does with out it). The second row is comfortable too, with greater than sufficient headroom and legroom on your 6-foot-tall creator.
Solely the F Sport fashions get an adaptive suspension, however even with out it, the NX has an opulent trip that performs effectively over damaged and imperfect pavement. The NX is extraordinarily quiet too, with barely any wind or tire roar at larger speeds.
As one of many smallest choices within the phase, although, the NX does fall a bit quick in cargo house. Despite the fact that it features an extra 5 cubic toes of trunk room in comparison with its predecessor, its diminutive measurement nonetheless places it on the decrease finish of the luxurious phase.
Know-how & Connectivity
Middle Show: 14.0-Inch Touchscreen Instrument Cluster Show: 8.0 Inches Wi-fi Apple CarPlay / Android Auto: Sure / Sure
That is one space the place the Lexus NX improved tenfold. The dreaded touchpad is gone, as is the monolithic display screen. As an alternative, the NX makes do with a beautiful 14.0-inch touchscreen show (as a part of the Luxurious bundle) and the newest and biggest infotainment system baked-in. There’s additionally a ten.0-inch head-up show and a completely digital cluster behind the steering wheel, and each are configurable sufficient to show all of the options you would possibly want.
As for that new infotainment system; it is the closest factor to an Apple or Android interface on your automotive with out truly plugging in. A minimalist structure, modern graphics, and immediate touch-responsiveness make it extraordinarily simple to navigate options. There may be some litter whenever you dive deeper into the choices, and the shortage of a house button is type of annoying – however these are minor gripes. That is nonetheless the most effective new infotainment methods on the market.
Efficiency & Dealing with
Engine: 2.5-Liter I4 Hybrid Output: 240 Horsepower / 167 Pound-Toes Transmission: Constantly Variable
So far as premium crossovers go, the Lexus NX is middling within the efficiency division. The two.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine pumps out a mixed 239 horsepower, with the engine provding 167 pound-feet of torque. An electrical motor on the rear axle provides the NX commonplace all-wheel drive.
The NX hybrid is not fast, agile, or a lot of something thrilling, however it’s nice sufficient to putter round city in. The steering is light-weight, the suspension is plush, and the brakes are completely compliant. If you would like extra enjoyable, the non-hybrid F Sport has additional energy and adaptive drive modes that notch issues up a bit, or there’s a plug-in hybrid possibility with but extra grunt.
Security
Driver Help Stage: SAE Stage 2 (Arms-On) NHTSA Score: Not Rated IIHS Score: Not Rated
Each NX comes commonplace with Lexus Security System+ 3.0. That features adaptive cruise management, computerized emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane centering, emergency steer help, and a bit extra. And all of it works precisely as marketed; the NX involves a full cease in site visitors jams and the lane-assistance tech retains the automotive completely centered within the lane at freeway speeds.
Gas Financial system
Metropolis: 41 MPG Freeway: 37 MPG Mixed: 39 MPG
Even with out the hybrid powertrain outfitted, the Lexus NX is already probably the most environment friendly car within the phase with as much as 28 miles per gallon mixed. As the one conventional hybrid possibility within the class (not counting plug-ins), the Lexus has an much more important leg up over its non-hybrid opponents.
Pricing
Base Value: $38,475 + $1,075 Vacation spot Trim Base Value: $50,150 As-Examined Value: $52,150
The non-hybrid Lexus NX undercuts each different compact luxurious crossover with a sub-$40,000 beginning value. However the hybrid possibility continues to be one of the reasonably priced choices within the class, too. The NX 350h with commonplace all-wheel drive has a base value of $42,700 with the $1,075 vacation spot price; solely the GV70 and RDX are cheaper to start out (and much much less environment friendly besides).
The automotive examined here’s a cool $52,150 as examined, with the $7,450 Luxurious trim and some choices outfitted. However choosing the Luxurious mannequin provides you entry to issues like 20-inch wheels, actual leather-based seats, an even bigger touchscreen, and a head-up show. The ability moonroof is one other $1,100 on high of that, the Cloudburst Grey paint is $500, and the ability liftgate is $400.
The 2022 Lexus NX 350h isn’t flashy – nor does it look all that totally different from the one it replaces. However it nails the fundamentals; a cushty cabin, superior expertise, and effectivity and pricing that outpace almost all the pieces within the phase. For luxurious buyers wanting a wise fuel-sipper, the NX 350h is the crossover to get.
