2022 Lexus NX
Overview
After sitting back and watching the rest of the luxury-subcompact SUV scene mature over the past few years, the Lexus NX is getting back in the game with a modernization of its own. The 2022 model is completely new and its styling is more streamlined than the outgoing generation’s, featuring LED headlamps and a windshield with a more aggressive rake. Although the NX shares its chassis and powertrains with the Toyota RAV4, the Lexus more closely resembles the brand’s small UX crossover, albeit taller and wider. Lexus offers the 2022 model with two different gasoline-powered engines and also two different hybrids, one of which is a plug-in. The freshly minted 2022 NX poses a bigger threat to rival small luxury-brand SUVs—namely the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, and the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class—than its predecessor did.
What’s New for 2022?
Lexus has completely redesigned its subcompact SUV for the 2022 model year. It is scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships in fall, 2021.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The redesigned NX kicks off with a starting price under $40,000, but that base model may be too spartan for some luxury shoppers. Selecting the mid-range NX350 brings a new 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which offers more performance. We’d suggest adding the Luxury package, which includes premium equipment such as the larger 14.0-inch infotainment display, quilted leather upholstery, cloud-connected navigation, upgraded interior ambient lighting, 20-inch wheels, four-way adjustable lumbar support for the driver, and adaptive headlamps. For buyers looking for a more menacing appearance and more performance upgrades, the NX350 F Sport is similarly priced and also available with the Luxury package.
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Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Unlike the last-generation model, which was offered with either of two engines, the 2022 NX has four powertrain options. The base NX250 model comes with a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder while the NX350 is powered by a 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter; both come with an eight-speed automatic, but while the NX250 can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive, the NX350 has all-wheel drive standard. Two different hybrid options are on the menu, starting with the NX350h, which pairs two electric motors with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder for 239 horsepower. The more exciting option is the NX450h+, which borrows its 302-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain from the RAV4 Prime. In our testing, the range-topping NX450h+ hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Both hybrids come standard with all-wheel drive. Our first test drive was with a mid-range NX350 which snapped off a reasonably brisk 6.6-second zero-to-60-mph run. While it didn’t blow us away with its handling prowess, we noted that the NX’s ride was compliant and with enough prodding we were able to have a few backroad thrills. The F Sport trim comes with an adaptive suspension system that firms up the ride and delivers a bit more poise, but even so, the NX isn’t on the same footing as the X1 when attacking twisty tarmac.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient NX model is the hybrid NX350h which earned ratings of 41 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The entry-level NX250 is rated as high as 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway and the turbocharged NX350’s highest ratings are 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The plug-in hybrid NX450h+ is rated for 38 mpg city and 33 mpg highway and the EPA estimates its battery pack holds enough electrons to provide up to 37 miles of driving range before needing to be recharged. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, an all-wheel drive NX350 delivered 28 mpg but a hybrid NX350h returned only 34 mpg. For more information about the NX’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Cabin design takes a big leap forward with the new NX, with a more modern look and classier materials. The outgoing model offered one of the more spacious cabins in the luxury-subcompact crossover segment, but the new model offers slightly more passenger room in the rear seat, although cargo space with the rear seats folded is slightly less generous than the outgoing model. Optional features include a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, an ambient interior lighting system with 64 different color choices, and black open-pore wood trim.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
All NX models are equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system; base models come with a 9.8-inch display while high-end trims get a large 14.0-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and work via a wireless connection; a wireless smartphone charging pad is optional as is a head-up display. A 10-speaker stereo system is standard and comes with a free trial of Amazon Music; a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system is optional on models equipped with the Premium or Luxury packages.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Lexus offers a host of standard driver-assistance features in the NX. Shoppers can expect to find automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control on all models. For more information about the NX’s crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Lexus offers one of the most comprehensive protection packages in the industry. But while the Volvo XC40 and the BMW X1 come with three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, Lexus provides that benefit for only one.
Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles Hybrid component warranty covers 8 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Lexus NX350 AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $42,625/$52,245
Options: Luxury package, $9450; Mark Levinson audio, $1020; panoramic roof, $500
ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 146 in3, 2393 cm3
Power: 275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.9-in vented disc/12.5-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza A/S02 RFT
235/50R-20 100V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length: 183.5 in
Width: 73.4 in
Height: 65.8 in
Passenger Volume: 92 ft3
Cargo Volume: 23 ft3
Curb Weight: 3987 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.0 sec @ 95 mph
100 mph: 16.5 sec
120 mph: 26.3 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 126 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g
EPA FUEL ECONOMY(C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 25/22/29 mpg
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C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
2022 Lexus NX450h+ F Sport
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $58,550/$64,105
POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4, 181 hp, 165 lb-ft + 3 AC motors, front: 179 hp, 199 lb-ft; rear: 53 hp, 89 lb-ft (combined output: 302 hp; 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 6.6-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: continuously variable automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.9-in vented disc/12.5-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02 RFT
235/50R-20 100V M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length: 183.5 in
Width: 73.4 in
Height: 65.8 in
Passenger Volume: 92 ft3
Cargo Volume: 23 ft3
Curb Weight: 4487 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.1 sec @ 99 mph
100 mph: 14.4 sec
130 mph: 33.9 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.8 sec
Top Speed (gov): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 38 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 78 MPGe/35 mpg
75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 33/500 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 36/38/33 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 84 MPGe
EV Range: 37 mi
More Features and Specs
