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Road Test

The redesigned NX looks similar to the previous model, but beneath the surface there’s a quicker, more fuel-efficient, and swankier vehicle. It’s a pleasant all-around small luxury SUV, even though Lexus still hasn’t managed to capture the engaging driving experience—nor the strong road-test scores—of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, two main rivals.

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New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

/ 5
  • Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
  • Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
  • Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P
Standard
AEB-H
Standard
BSW
Standard
RCTW
Standard

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

/ 5
  • Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
  • Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
  • Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P
Standard
AEB-H
Standard
BSW
Standard
RCTW
Standard

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

/ 5
  • Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
  • Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
  • Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P
Standard
AEB-H
Standard
BSW
Standard
RCTW
Standard

Lexus vs. Other New Car Brands

 
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Luxury compact SUVs Ratings

$41,955 - $57,805
economy-icon
CR MPG
Road test
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
$45,100 - $54,850
economy-icon
CR MPG
Road test
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
$48,995 - $55,995
economy-icon
CR MPG
Road test
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
$52,800 - $66,800
economy-icon
CR MPG
Road test
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
$50,900 - $65,900
economy-icon
CR MPG
Road test
Predicted Reliability
Predicted Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD, Front
Engines Available
  • 2.5-liter 4 plugin hybrid (304 hp)
  • 2.5-liter 4 hybrid (240 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • CVT
Cargo Volume
Warranty
  • Basic NA
  • Drivetrain NA
  • Corrosion NA
  • Roadside Aid NA
  • Maintenance NA
Model History
2022-Present
Current Generation

The redesigned NX may look similar to the previous model, but it has evolved beneath the surface. We think the hybrid, badged the NX 350h, is the best version with its 38 mpg overall fuel economy. A plug-in hybrid with 37 miles of electric range is also available. The NX's handling is responsive though short of sporty, while the ride is firm but mostly comfortable. The snazzy cabin is impeccably furnished but narrow, and outward visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars and small windows, particularly toward the rear. A new touchscreen infotainment system replaces the previous NX's fussy touchpad setup. But, we're bothered by the NX's frivolous electronic interior door releases, unintuitive gear selector, and the low center dash vents. All NXs come standard with FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, RCTW, LCA, LDW, LKA, ACC, and automatic high beams. Several previously optional features became standard for 2025 including a power liftgate, auto rain-sensing wipers, and Lexus Intuitive Parking Assist -- a system which warns drivers of approaching objects while parking and can apply the brakes to reduce the risk of a parking collision. Lexus also added two USB type-C ports to the front console. Front-wheel drive versions were added in 2026.

2015-2021
2015 Redesign Year

The NX is a pleasant compact luxury SUV. Handling is responsive, and the ride is firm. The cabin is quiet. The NX 300h hybrid gets an impressive 29-mpg overall, but it feels underpowered and tends to be noisy during acceleration or hill-climbing. The NX 300's 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder provides ample acceleration and delivers 24 mpg overall. Snazzy details lend the interior a high-tech appeal and anime style, but the cockpit is snug. Elbow room is a bit tight, and the styling compromises rear visibility and crimps cargo space. The fussy touchpad that's used to interact with the infotainment screen is frustrating and distracting to operate. FCW and AEB with pedestrain detection are standard from 2018. Standard BSW and RCTW are added from 2021.