History/Overview
Lexus is a relative newcomer to the compact luxury crossover segment, having only arrived in 2018 with its NX model. Its gas and hybrid powertrains have helped differentiate this small utility in what has become a lucrative upscale compact vehicle class.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2022, the NX is all new and enters its second generation. Of note, Lexus builds the 2022 NX in Ontario.
Available Trims
The 2022 Lexus NX comes in four distinct trim levels, each built around its own powertrain. NX 250 uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine, and NX 350 gets a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder. NX 350h is a gas-electric hybrid with a 2.5L gas engine and dual electric motors, and NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid that also gets more power than the NX 350h.
Gas models use an eight-speed transmission, and hybrids get a continuously variable transmission. All-wheel drive is included across the line.
Standard Features
NX 250 comes with passive keyless entry, remote engine start, 10-speaker audio, a 9.8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, heated steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated/power front seats, NuLuxe upholstery, dual-zone A/C, 18-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights/fog lights/taillights, and a driver’s-side auto-dimming mirror.
The NX’s basic safety kit includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high beams, road sign recognition, lane departure alert with steering assist, pedestrian/cyclist detection, forward collision avoidance, radar cruise control, and front-to-front oncoming vehicle detection.
NX 350h is equipped similarly to the NX 250 but adds a front wiper de-icer.
NX 350 gains rear automatic braking, parking assist, risk avoidance steering assist, front cross traffic alert, lane change assist, wireless phone charging, a power tailgate, a 14-inch touchscreen, power steering wheel adjustments, ventilated front seats, and 20-inch wheels.
NX 450h+ adds heated rear seats, leather upholstery, driver’s seat lumbar, and also gets a wiper de-icer.
Key Options
NX 350h can add a premium package of a sunroof, ventilated front seats, power steering wheel adjustments, a power tailgate, and ambient lighting. A Luxury package brings wireless charging, a panoramic roof, 20-inch wheels, parking assist, a 14-inch touchscreen, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, steering assist, and rear cross-traffic braking.
An ultra luxury pack builds on that with auto-levelling headlights, 360-degree cameras, hands-free tailgate, digital rearview mirror, headlight washers, intelligent high beams, cornering lights, and a digital key.
NX 350 offers a pair of F Sport packages with a sport-tuned suspension, and a variety of appearance and convenience features.
NX 450h+ can be optioned with executive and F Sport series 3 packages with various combinations of features listed above.
Fuel Economy
Lexus’s fuel consumption estimates for the NX start at 5.7/6.4 L/100 km (city/highway) for the NX 350h, and 6.2/7.0 L/100 km for NX 450h+ when running as a hybrid and 2.8 Le/100 km in electric mode.
The NX 250 is rated at 9.4/7.4 L/100 km (city/highway), while the NX 350 comes in at 10.5/8.3 L/100 km, and the F Sport’s ratings are a little higher.
Competition
With the NX, Lexus competes with the Acura RDX, Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X1 and X2, Cadillac XT4, Volvo XC40, Lincoln Corsair, Infiniti QX50, and Buick Envision.
