Lexus's entrant in the compact luxury crossover segment offers bold styling, standard turbo power for zippy performance, and a generous amount of standard equipment.
The NX is based on the same platform as the Toyota RAV4, but the two look and drive completely differently. Key competitors include the BMW X1 and X3, Audi Q3 and Q5, and the Infiniti QX30 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. Despite its small dimensions, the NX offers a surprisingly spacious cabin and cargo area, making it a more practical offering than some rivals.
For 2017, the NX 200t carries over mostly unchanged, although the features in the optional packages have been enhanced. The Premium Package now includes blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. There's also a new colour available to buyers of F Sport models - Solar Flare, the same vibrant orange featured on the RC F and GS F.
The NX 200t is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder that develops 235 horsepower and a punch 258 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. The NX is rated at 10.6 L/100 km city and 8.4 L/100 km highway in standard form. The F Sport model, is rated at 10.8 L/100 km city and 8.8 L/100 km highway.
Standard equipment on the NX 200t includes leatherette upholstery, heated eight-way power front seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, display audio system with reverse camera, USB audio input, eight-speaker audio system, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear spoiler, and dual exhaust. The NX also comes standard with a couple of features that some competitors don't - LED headlamps, LED fog lamps, and a proximity key with push-button start.
The Premium package adds power tailgate, garage door opener, 120-volt power outlet, moonroof, aluminum roof rails, driver memory, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, power tilt and telescoping steering column, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The Luxury Package adds a 10-speaker sound system, clearance and reverse sensor, remote-touch interface, navigation, auto-leveling headlamps, premium LED headlamps with LED high beams, leather upholstery, and woodgrain trim.
The Executive Package adds wireless device charging, head-up display, pre-collision warning, automatic high beams, emergency autonomous braking, radar cruise control, remote release switches for power folding rear seats, and unique 18-inch alloy wheels.
Lexus also offers the NX in three F Sport trims, each of which includes F Sport-specific 18-inch alloy wheels, F Sport body kit and mesh spindle grille, paddles for manual-mode shifting, sport-tuned suspension, black mirror covers, sport seats with additional bolstering, aluminum pedals, and specific sport instrumentation.
Each of the F Sport packages builds on an existing upgrade package. F Sport 1 corresponds to the Premium Package, F Sport 2 to the Luxury Package, and F Sport 3 the Executive Package.
The NX 200t starts at $42,750, with the F Sport 3 Package selling for $55,000.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed