Lexus NX 2022 has an excellent range of options, including four different engine options and a comparable number of trim levels. Although this crossover shares several of its powertrains and platform with its corporate cousin, the Toyota RAV4, you wouldn’t know the two were linked just by looking at them. The NX’s creased appearance, influenced by the more prominent and well-liked RX, and its sleek, contemporary interior have little in common with the Toyota.
With its new design, Lexus has addressed some of the most pointed concerns about the previous NX. Cargo capacity has increased significantly, with 28% extra behind the back seat. A new basic model shares its engine with the RAV, a plug-in hybrid that shares its powertrain with the RAV4 Prime, and power and torque increases for mid-range versions and combinations. Lexus has also abandoned its outdated touchpad infotainment system in favour of a new one with large, bright touchscreens designed to depend primarily on voice commands.
In this competitive class, the NX faces up against crossovers such as the Acura RDX, BMW X3, Cadillac XT4, and Infiniti QX50. Although the Lexus offers more standard amenities, refinement, and fuel efficiency, the BMW and Cadillac provide more excellent dynamic performance. The Infiniti offers more interior space and a unique style, but the car performs poorly and has fewer options. The basic model of Acura’s RDX offers more excellent cargo space and horsepower, but the two are identical.
Let’s break down Lexus’s vocabulary, which is mainly composed of letters and numbers and may be perplexing for those attempting to follow the progression: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h (hybrid), and NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid). A 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower powers the 2022 NX 250; all-wheel drive (AWD) is an available feature. Front-wheel drive is standard. The top-of-the-line NX 450h+ and RAV4 Prime share a 302-horsepower plug-in hybrid system.
The NX 350 has a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with 275 horsepower, increasing over the NX 300’s 235 horsepower. The 2.5-liter powertrain shared with the NX 250 and two electric motors provides 239 horsepower in the 350h, up from 194 in the previous 300h. All-wheel drive is standard on both hybrids and front- or all-wheel drive is optional on gas-only models. Although it has additional space and cargo capacity, the larger body weighs almost no more than the previous one.
The 2022 Lexus NX excels as a high-end crossover, particularly now that it offers greater capacity and power. Any version of the NX would be comfortable for a family of four, and Lexus’ extensive safety package makes all the necessary safety precautions. The IIHS awards it a Top Safety Pick+ grade as well. Although its overall strength and sleek design aren’t going to blow anybody away, it’s a good option for a crossover with a lengthy track record.
Performance: Lexus NX
The 2022 model of the NX boosts the number of engine choices to four from the previous generation’s two. The basic NX 250 has an uninspired 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automated gearbox. It is only offered in the base and Luxury trim levels. The NX 250 has 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, which makes it comparable to a peanut butter sandwich without the jelly. Despite this, it is nevertheless a quiet ride in a well-appointed interior.
Upgrade to the NX 350 for a considerably snappier 2.4-litre turbocharged engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque with the same eight-speed automated transmission; AWD is now standard. Ordinary and luxury versions of the NX350 are available with the F Sport model. It receives visual upgrades and an adaptive suspension system that improves the crossover’s agility without increasing power.
The NX 350h is a distinctive hybrid available in basic, premium, and luxury trims and has no direct competitors in its price range. Two electric motors providing 239 horsepower improve the 350h experience when paired with the standard 2.5-litre engine. The 350h does not come in a F Sport variant. It has a calm demeanour similar to the other NXs, but we would choose it above the rest of the range because of its excellent fuel efficiency (up to 41 mpg in town) and skilful performance combination.
The top-of-the-line NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid is the priciest vehicle in the series but is fully equipped. The first plug-in hybrid from Lexus, the 450h+, is available only in the premium Luxury grade. It packs a powerful punch with 302 horsepower from its 2.5-litre engine and two electric motors, allowing it to go 37 miles on electricity alone. It is costly yet delivers, much as the comparable RAV4 Prime.
Fuel Efficiency: Lexus NX
Drive front wheels: The 2.0-litre NX 250 is EPA-rated at 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the interstate, and 28 mpg overall. AWD models get one mpg less in the city and highway tests. Fuel efficiency drops to 22 in the city and 29 on the highway in the more powerful, AWD-only NX 350; the F Sport model loses one mpg on the interstate.
Except Lexus’ own UX hybrid, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are the clear choice for an SUV with superior fuel economy. With a 590-mile range, the NX 350h model’s fuel efficiency increases significantly to 41 in the city and 37 on the interstate. Of course, the 450h+ achieves an EPA-estimated 84 MPGe, which includes 37 miles of all-electric range and 36 mpg combined city/highway if fuel efficiency is your primary goal.
In contrast, the 2022 Acura RDX only manages 23 combined mpg for the all-wheel-drive variant and 24 mpg for the front-wheel drive vehicle, not matching the NX 250 or 350 efficiency. The EPA estimates combined fuel economy for the FWD and AWD Cadillac XT4 are the same as those for the Lexus NX 250, at 26 mpg and 25 mpg, respectively.
Driver assistance and safety:
The most recent version of Lexus’s active safety equipment suite, Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, is installed in every 2022 Lexus NX. A wide range of functions is included in it, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, front automated emergency braking with pedestrian identification, bicycle detection, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and many more.
New features include risk avoidance emergency steer assist, which helps you steer and brake in your lane of traffic to prevent collisions; left turn oncoming vehicle detection braking, which alerts you to oncoming traffic and applies brakes if needed; right and left turn oncoming pedestrian detection and braking, which functions similarly to the previous feature but for slower-moving pedestrians and bicycles; oncoming vehicle detection to support the pre-collision system; and an improvement to the dynamic radar cruise control that helps you maintain a steady speed when rounding a bend.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the SUV a Top Safety Pick+ rating. At the same time, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not assigned a rating to the 2022 Lexus NX.
Coziness & Space:
Lexus is known for its luxurious and comfortable interiors; the NX is no exception. The revised model for 2022 offers some additional capacity for passengers and freight. Although there isn’t a shortage of space, several rivals have somewhat better legroom or luggage capacity.
The NX has moderate legroom, measuring a little over 36 inches in the second row and over 41 inches in the front. The QX50 from Infiniti is smaller upfront but makes up for it in the rear, with an extra inch to spare. There are two more inches in the end and an inch in the front of the Acura RDX. With a roomy 44 inches up front and 39.5 inches behind, the Cadillac XT4 has the most significant interior space of the group. In most measurements, the BMW X3 and NX are almost identical.
The Premium option adds a power sunroof, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, heated and ventilated front seats, and a memory driver’s seat for around $3,000. Add $3,000 to $4,500 for the Luxury option, which comes with a four-way lumbar support for the driver’s seat, an open-pore wood trim, perforated leather quilted seats, and a 64-color ambient light system.
Infotainment: Lexus NX
After a thorough redesign, Lexus’ infotainment system has two choices instead of the much-maligned touchpad: a basic 9.8-inch touchscreen or a luxury 14.0-inch one with voice-activated artificial intelligence. The visuals are clean and sharp, and it has a futuristic feel.
However, it relies heavily on voice commands, which may not be to everyone’s taste. To Lexus’ credit, the temperature control, seat heating, and ventilation settings are conveniently located. But Lexus, please, please bring the tuning knob back. It might be frustrating to try to find adjusting functions within the system.
Additional standard amenities include a 10-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connection, and Wi-Fi hotspot. All trim levels come with a 10-inch head-up display, a digital key, and a wireless phone charger. With 17 speakers and 1800 watts of surround sound, the Mark Levinson audio upgrade is something audiophiles would want to consider seriously.
Storage & Cargo Space:
With 22.7 cubic feet of room behind the back seats and 46.9 cubic feet when the seats are folded, Lexus improved the load capacity for this model year. That was accomplished partly by reallocating the space to make the most of the NX’s footprint and extending the wheelbase by 2.2 inches. Comparing this to the QX50 (31.4 cubic feet behind the back seats and 65.1 when they are folded), the RDX (29.5 and 58.9), the X3 (28.7 and 62.7), and the XT4 (22.3 and 48.9), it is still relatively small.
Getting a model with a motorized rear door with a kick sensor is the most practical way to open the back tailgate, whether loading up kids’ sports equipment or materials from the landscaping centre. Nonetheless, the basic model comes with a manual liftgate as standard.
There are very few cubbies and little storage spaces in the NX. There isn’t much room for additional small item storage in the centre console, which can only fit a phone and a wallet. The driver and passenger both get two sets of cup holders.
Design: Lexus NX
The new NX’s shape is defined by its sleek front and beautifully sculpted sides, while the new Lexus badging that runs the length of the rear side gives it a contemporary edge. An angular headlight and hourglass grille combine to create a front that seems determined to welcome onlookers first.
With lines that lead the eye to the next and next plane, the NX’s design is more stylish than Cadillac’s CT4 crossover. The Acura RDX has a more macho appearance and a more sinister visage than the NX. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the NX will tell its own story. Alternatively, maybe it’s a superhero flying to the rescue.
Is the Lexus NX Worth It?
Regarding cost, the Lexus NX is positioned well among its rivals. The NX 250 has an inline four with 203 horsepower that can be purchased for $39,025 for the front-wheel drive version or $40,625 for the all-wheel-drive version. You can upgrade to the NX 350, which has 275 horsepower, for an extra $2,000. With its 20-inch gloss black wheels, improved bolsters in the seats, and a specially tuned adaptive variable suspension, the NX 350 F Sport has the most elegant look at $47,000.
But the hybrid NX 350h, which costs $42,125, is the best option and will save you a few visits to the gas station. It has 239 total horsepower, a 7.2-second zero-to-60 speed, and an estimated combined fuel economy of 39 mpg.
With 304 total system horsepower and a rapid zero-to-60 speed of only 6 seconds, the 2022 Lexus 450h+ pushes the envelope even farther, albeit for $56,725. You can upgrade to the F Sport option on the 450h+ for an additional $1,200, which adds adaptive variable suspension to the already impressive 37-mile all-electric range.
How Much Does the 2022 Lexus NX Insurance Cost?
Insurance for the Lexus NX is comparable to those of its competitors. An average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a clean record is $1,989. The pricing of the Acura RDX was $2,00, the Cadillac XT4 was $2,055, the Infiniti QX50 was $2,242, and the BMW X3 SDrive 30i would all come to $2,100.
Lexus NX Generations
Second Generation
2022-present
The NX has outperformed its rivals with a redesigned exterior and a new infotainment system. To appeal to a broad range of prospective buyers, the NX is offered two distinct gas-powered engines and two different hybrid alternatives starting in 2022. Improved infotainment and more luggage capacity were undoubtedly top priorities throughout the design process, and the new NX is demonstrating its commitment to forging its route in the premium crossover market.
First Generation
2015 to 2021
In 2014, Lexus unveiled the initial iteration of the NX. The NX, a condensed form of its best-selling RX crossover, was developed to cater to buyers who want the features of that car in packaging more like those of the Acura RDX and BMW X3. “Nimble crossover” is what NX stands for, and it shares specific structural components with the Toyota RAV4.
A 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower or a hybrid 2.5-litre engine with 194 horsepower that was linked to an electric motor drove the first generation of vehicles. The NX was a popular device despite its lacklustre performance. It was quiet, well-made, and hassle-free. The touchpad infotainment controller, which Lexus recently abandoned, was its worst flaw.
Verdict
The Lexus NX, a compact luxury crossover redesigned for 2022, is now competitive in a saturated market with many formidable rivals. Big, futuristic displays and a new range of powertrains, including a PHEV, have removed the previous NX’s lack of enthusiasm and annoying infotainment system. Its hold is still tiny but adds 28% additional freight capacity. Although the $57,000+ PHEV is expensive, the NX series offers a bewildering selection of capable, quiet, and abundant options for anyone searching for a luxury five-passenger SUV for less than $50,000.
