By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(October 10, 2023) Lexus, the upmarket brand of vehicles from Toyota has always built rock solid, dependable offerings with excellent resale values. But when it came to runway beauties Lexus was always patently missing. Much of that attributed to its polarizing love-it-or-hate-it gaping spindle grille along with psychotic styling lines and body creases. But along the way Lexus began to beautify their ugly ducklings by introducing beauties like the LC 500, IS 500 and most recently its compact NX crossover driven here.

While reasonable people often disagree on the subject of taste there's general acknowledgement with these three at least that they rank among some of the best-looking new vehicles in their competitive sets. In the case with our Cadmium Orange color NX its looks are nothing short of strikingly impressive.

Ditto for NX models I've seen when wearing the Nori Green Pearl, Redline and Grecian Water blue (pictured here). Exterior color is one of the very first features that draws our attention to a new vehicle and when adorning what is already a very attractive, proportioned design, Lexus should sell a ton NXs on its hot looks alone. It definitely looks expensive and stands out in a way few German competitors do with their generally restrained styling and boring palette of numerous gray, white, and black exterior color choices.



Given, its only been two years since the NX received a full redesign, there has been few changes since adding new interior color choices and a new remote parking feature since that time. NX is offered in a choice of six trim levels from the base 203-horsepower 4-cylinder NX 250, the 275-horsepower turbocharged NX 350 with AWD, a sportier handling NX 350 F Sport, and a choice of three hybrid NX models, 450h+ AWD. 450h+ F Sport and our tested NX 350h AWD. NX starts at just over $40,000 for the base but we think the mid-range 350h with its 240-horsepower hybrid powertrain and a dramatic improvement in fuel economy is the better choice and the one to get.

Sharing its platform with the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Venza crossover, most similarities to those vehicles end there. The NX 350h is definitely skewed towards its silky smooth quiet ride, excellent fuel economy, easy driving dynamics, quality craftsmanship, excellent safety features, reliability and resale value that have been the hallmark of the Lexus marque for decades. If ultimate and cosseting luxury, powerful and sporty handling dynamics are a priority they're not part of the NX offering. I'd classify the NX closer to a premium or near luxury crossover just short of pure luxury.

Powered by a 2.5-Liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine which pairs two electric motors is good for a combined 240-horsepower that's rated at 39 MPG combined city-highway fuel economy. It's paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel-drive. I'm guessing it's based on the RAV4 Hybrid's power line, yet the Lexus gains 21 more horsepower here.

On the road and in our testing, our NX 350 hybrid needed 7.6 seconds to hit 60 mph from a stand start. Hardly one could call brisk. While the ride was compliant, smooth, with generally a quiet cabin at highway speeds, we weren't overly impressed with its handling qualities and didn't find the NX with the same prowess in handling dynamics as its German competitors like the BMW X1, Mercedes GLC or Audi Q5 especially when driven on twisty Arizona mountain roads. But any attempts at speed was met with reluctance as the optional 20-inch tires squealed early in protest. Of course the aggressive traction and stability control intervention prevented us from testing the actual balance capabilities as understeer prevailed. Braking is confident and responsive.

That said, it seems doubtful that the NX caters to those who prioritize a quiet, comfortable crossover utility place a high emphasis on delivering exceptional handling on a twisty road, or powerful push-you-back -in-your-seat acceleration. We're guessing acceptable performance, easy to drive and park maneuverability, and excellent fuel economy are on the "must haves" checklist.

Inside the new NX its clear comfort was a high priority in its design with the most noticeable and dramatic changes was the new design layout unlike any previous Lexus to date. The NX is one of the first to benefit from the updated infotainment system with a massive 14" screen that's lightyears ahead of the outgoing system.

We liked the physical volume knob at the got of the screen along with the large dual individual HVAC control knobs on either side. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sirius XM Platinum Plan, 4G WiFiConnect AT&T Hotspot 30 day trial all included. The wireless phone charger and digital key adds $480 and $450 to the MSRP. A 17-speaker audio system is standard with an optional Mark Levinson system optional on models equipped with the Premium or Luxury packages.

The cabin itself is trimmed with heated and ventilated leather seats. Black open-pore wood trim unfortunately looked cheap and could easily pass for molded plastic. We also aren't fans of piano black trim that screams of a dust and fingerprint magnet. There's also a few awkward controls like buttons that replace traditional latches for opening the doors on the inside. They come across as a gimmicky novelty and didn't always work like they should.

Pushing on the door while simultaneously pushing the button and the door might not open all the way. But one quickly learns to push the button and then push the door open. Oddly, there is a little emergency mechanical lever that also opens the door that's visible and not even hidden. I don't get the point of having two when a single metal door handle you pull works absolutely perfect.

Overall, the new NX 350h hybrid is a safe and logical choice for a generously equipped five passenger, right-sized near-luxury crossover if your vehicle priorities are maximum fuel efficiency, delivers a smooth, comfortable, relaxing ride in a refined, well built, high-quality cabin. Its technology is mostly user-friendly and quickly learned, and while cargo space is small for the class it will handle groceries, packages from errand runs and luggage for a trip without a problem.

There's even an underfloor storage compartment in the rear cargo hold that's ideal to hide valuables. If you're already a fan of the Lexus brand you'll be more than pleased with the new NX - it brings traditional reliability, excellent resale values, the benefits of all-wheel-drive good visibility and definitely great looking crossover utility vehicle. Overall, a huge improvement over the first-generation NX.

However if your priorities are driving excitement with powerful acceleration, performance handling and throaty exhaust notes the NX is the vehicle for you.

Vital Stats

Base Price: $48,795
Price as Tested: $56,855
Engine/Transmission: 240 horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder with two electric hybrid motors paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive.
EPA Fuel Economy: 41/37/39 MPG - City/Highway/Combined
Seats: Five
Where Built: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

Crash Test Safety Rating: Five out of a possible five stars for side crash test results and four out of a possible five stars for frontal crash test results. It does not have an overall crash test rating by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Competes With:
Alfa Romeo Tonale
Lexus RX Hybrid
Lexus UX Hybrid
Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

Likes:
Excellent fuel economy
Gorgeous styling design
Smooth, comfortable, relaxing

Dislikes:
Mundane driving dynamic
Fairly anemic acceleration
Quirky door handle operations