For 2015, Lexus offers a brand new model in the form of the NX. The NX is a very angular and attractive sub-compact SUV for all to marvel at and enjoy. With the signature Lexus hourglass shaped grill adorning the front, the angles and sights of this vehicle are almost uncanny. Designed to compete with the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the NX shows off as a great SUV that can be powered by either a turbocharged or hybrid engine and gives owners a very enjoyable price for a luxury classed vehicle.
Smaller than the RX, but still a roomy vehicle, the NX comprises a great selection of eye-catching appeal, sophisticated styling, high tech equipment and a lot of fun while driving. Add the fact Lexus has been a leader for many years when it comes to reliability and resale value and it’s easy to see why this SUV can and will be a very popular choice for the new model year.
With a very sharp steering and a smoothly adjustable suspension, driving the NX gives owners confidence and a thrill while maneuvering and navigating any windy roads. Add to this dynamic driving capabilities the inclusion of a Sport mode and a kick-down switch to give maximum power when accelerating and this little crossover SUV can be a very dynamic drive just about anywhere on the road.
Two engine choices are offered for the Lexus NX giving owners the options to have a hybrid motor under the hood. The Lexus NX 200t shows up with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that offers up to 235 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and can be had in either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive setup. The fuel efficiency comes in at 22 city/28 hwy for the FWD model and 21 city/28 hwy for the AWD version.
The second engine offered is the hybrid engine found in the Lexus NX 300h. This engine is a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine that adds an electric motor to the mix. The engine along offers 154 horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque while the electric motor gives 141 horsepower and an additional 67 horsepower for the rear planted additional electric motor found in the AWD model. This gives a net output of 194 horsepower overall for the vehicle. This power setup is attached to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) which allows for the kick-down switch to engage when the throttle is pushed to the floor. The fuel efficiency offered for this powertrain comes in at 35 city/31 hwy mpg for the FWD versions and 33 city/30 hwy on the AWD models.
With a ton of action taking place on the interior of the NX, occupants have plenty to keep their attention while the driver is given a great deal of additional information to help keep these occupants safe and secure. All surfaces are covered in soft and comfortable materials with the dash even being covered in a padded and stitched material. There is a touch-pad interface for the Remote Touch system that gives the tech crowd what they are clamoring for and with an upgraded sound system and quiet cabin the interior can be filled with musical selections rather than road noises. Add the surprisingly spacious area of the interior and the NX is amazing to ride in or drive.
On the outside, the NX shows off with angles and shapes at just about every profile. The front, of course, is adorned with the signature hourglass grill and flanked by very enjoyable trapezoidal headlights. Heading toward the rear, even the door panels offer shapes to the lower portion and the rear tail lights offer a dimensional look and shape to fully enjoy. With LED headlights, chrome trim and some dual star spoked wheels and the Lexus NX is easy to admire from every angle.
The Lexus NX is not short for standard features at all and this list includes power seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Lexus Display Audio with a seven-inch screen, voice recognition and the ability to divide the screen into three sections, LED lighting inside and out, LED headlights and low beams, LED taillights, a Drive Mode Select knob, advanced stability controls and lots of airbags. With so many standard features it almost seems as if no optional features would ever be needed, but there are quite a few to choose from.
The optional features for the Lexus NX show up to include all-wheel drive, a navigation package, the new Remote Touch interface, leather trimmed seating, driver’s seat memory and heated and ventilated front seats. As with the entire Lexus lineup an F Sport package is offered which adds aluminum pedals, a sport-tuned suspension, special badges and trim and contrast stitched seats. Regardless of the optional features added to this vehicle, the NX makes a great choice for driving enjoyment by true driving enthusiasts.
The Lexus NX starts out at a very modest price of $35,500 which almost seems like a steal with all the great features included. The hybrid version begins at a price around $40,700 and AWD can add $1,400 to the base model and $1,600 to the hybrid. Adding any or all of the optional feature can increase the price of this very enjoyable SUV to much higher levels, but still remains a great value in the compact luxury SUV segment.
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