2022 LEXUS NX: THE LUXURY SUV

The Lexus NX is returning for a second generation, aiming to improve on the positives of the first-generation crossover while ironing out the flaws. The small luxury crossover has expanded, has more sporty powertrain choices, and can now be configured with the Toyota RAV4 Prime's plug-in hybrid engine. The most significant update, though, comes on the inside, where the vexing Lexus infotainment arrangement has been overhauled with the forward-thinking modern Lexus Interaction system, finally giving the NX a leg up on luxury rivals.

What’s new?

Given that it has barely been two years following a complete redesign, the 2022 LEXUS NX features few updates. Lexus has changed the inside colors of the SUV and introduced more uniform color-keyed features throughout the cabin. Remote parking is now available on NX350h and NX450h+ models, whereas the NX450h+ F Sport is also available with either a conventional or panoramic sunroof.

Trims and Specs of 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX offers the NX 250 trim and 250 Premium trim and features a robust 2.5L Inline-4 Gas engine. Paired with an efficient 8-speed Automatic transmission, these trims provide a seamless driving experience. Available in both FWD and AWD configurations, the NX 250 offers versatility for various driving conditions. They combine performance and value with a starting price of $42,009 for NX and $42,135 for premium.

NX 350 trim and NX 350 Premium trim are powered by a robust 2.4L Turbo Inline-4 Gas engine. Paired with an efficient 8-speed Automatic transmission, these trims offer bucket seats, premium synthetic seats, and loads of other features. Designed exclusively with AWD capability, the NX 350 ensures confident handling and traction in various driving conditions. With a starting price of $47,078 for 350 and $47,508 for premium, these trims combine performance and sophistication.

• The NX 350 F SPORT Handling is designed exclusively with AWD capability and ensures exceptional traction and agility in various driving conditions. With a starting price of $49,795, this trim harmonizes performance with sporty handling features.

• 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid, powered by an efficient 2.5L Inline-4 Gas Plug-in Hybrid engine. Coupled with a smooth CVT transmission, this trim offers a seamless and eco-conscious driving experience. Designed with exclusive AWD capability, the NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid ensures reliable traction and efficiency. With a starting price of $56,150, this trim harmonizes sustainability with premium features.

• 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid F SPORT features the same advanced 2.5L Inline-4 Gas Plug-in Hybrid engine with a starting price of $57,400. Paired with a seamless CVT transmission, this trim offers an eco-conscious yet exhilarating driving experience. Designed exclusively with AWD capability, the NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid F SPORT ensures confident handling and efficiency.

Infotainment

All 2022 Lexus NX vehicles include an interactive infotainment system; base versions have a 9.8-inch display, while higher-end trims have a massive 14.0-inch show. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and operate via Bluetooth; a wireless smartphone charging pad and a head-up display are optional. A 10-speaker stereo system is legal, and a free trial of Amazon Music is included; a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system is offered on vehicles with the Premium or Luxury packages.

Mileage:

According to the EPA, the hybrid NX350h is the most fuel-efficient NX model, with scores of 41 miles per gallon urban and 37 mpg interstate. The entry-level NX250 gets up to 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the interstate. The top numbers for the turbocharged NX350 are twenty-two miles per gallon city and 29 miles per gallon highway. The NX450h+ plug-in hybrid is rated at 38 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that its battery pack may give a maximum of 37 miles of electric-only range for driving before needing to be recharged.

Interior and Comfort od 2022 Lexus NX

The cabin design in this version of NX takes a significant step ahead with a sophisticated style and elegant materials. The NX has one of the roomiest interiors in the premium subcompact crossover market, with somewhat more rear passenger room and cargo capacity when the back seats fold down than many of its competitors. A panoramic sunroof, heating back chairs, an ambiance interior illumination system with 64 color options, and black open-pore wooden trim are available.

How is it Handle?

The NX's cornering capabilities are more than enough. This isn't an exciting and athletic family SUV, but it handles nicely and has little body lean through turns. It has accurate steering and weighting that is intuitive and constant enough to offer you confidence on a twisty route.

The heavier 450h PHEV feels less elegant than, the lighter 350h, but the adaptive suspension on the F-Sport versions lets you increase body control by firming it up with a button. Overall, the NX is more like the XC60, feeling more calm and agile than the GLC 300e but not as snappy as the X3.

When the 450h's battery is ultimately charged, it runs like an all-electric car. That implies smooth and somewhat quick acceleration up to and above highway speeds, with only a trace of electric motor hum. If the battery runs out of power, the 2.5-liter gasoline motor kicks in. You can hear it and feel a slight vibration through the seat, owing to the difference with full electric mode.

Progressively putting your foot down harder, the CVT automatic transmission makes the engine sound harsh and feeds tremors through the floor. The roar of the engine drifts into the background during a cruise.

What do journalists Say?

Top gear says:

“The interior is decently plush [but] the NX’s real party piece is the new electronic door opening system. The handle has essentially been replaced with an electronic latch that springs the door open if you squeeze it in the right place. The clever bit is that Lexus has integrated this opening system with its blind-spot warning set-up. The car will stop you from opening the door if there happens to be a cyclist, pedestrian, large bus, or missile about to fill the space where your door is headed. Every car needs a party piece you can show off to your passengers. Especially now, the Highway Code mandates the Dutch Reach door opening technique.”

Pocket Lint says:

“Lexus hasn’t foregone the idea of physical controls, finding that sensible balance between touchscreen and tactile interactivity. The climate controls, for example, are rotational dials complete with neat illumination and a clear display of the chosen temperature. Overall, the tech suite here sees Lexus step forward and positively leap into the current generation. It’s good nine times out of 10… ensuring it will get a big thumbs up from most drivers.”