Lexus NX

Overview

The first-generation NX was revealed at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on 20 April 2014.[7] The NX shares a small portion of parts with the Toyota RAV4 primarily related to the structure and wheelbase, while the styling, suspension parts, some engines, interior, and level of luxury and craftsmanship are unique to the Lexus.[8] The NX variants sold in the United States feature slightly altered fascias, which facilitate higher departure angles, allowing it to be identified by the US EPA as a "light truck".[9][10] US sales began in November 2014.[11] Production commenced on 8 August 2014 at Toyota Motor Kyushu's Miyata plant.[12]

In September 2017, the NX received a mid-life facelift. The front bumper, grille, and headlamps were revised, as were the taillights and dashboard. The tailgate also received new sheetmetal, echoing Lexus "spindle motif" grille design.[13] Equipment levels were also boosted, with a new safety package (Lexus Safety System +) and an optional head-up display becoming available.[14]

Powertrains

The first-generation NX is available in three powertrains; which are designated NX 200t/300, NX 300h, and NX 200.

The NX 200t/300 is powered by a 2.0-liter 8AR-FTS turbocharged four-cylinder direct injection engine that can run on both Otto and Atkinson cycles. This engine has Lexus' Economy with Superior Thermal Efficient Combustion (ESTEC) direct injection with turbo (D-4ST) fuel injection. With separate twin injectors for both direct and port injection, ESTEC D-4ST could perform high-pressure direct injection into the cylinder and conventional intake port injection, or direct cylinder injection only, according to engine speed. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, this engine produces 175 kW at 4,800–5,600 rpm and 350 Nm at 1,650–4,000 rpm. The NX200t name was used until the September 2017 facelift, after which the car was marketed as the NX 300 instead so as to unify marketing efforts with the 300h.[13]

The NX 300h is powered by a 2.5-liter 2AR-FXE engine mated to an electric motor and CVT that puts out a combined power output of 145 kW.

In addition, the NX 200 with a 2.0-liter 3ZR-FAE naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 110 kW is available in the Russian market[15] and in China.

Gallery

• Pre-facelift (2014–2017)

Safety

ANCAP

Euro NCAP

IIHS

Launch

The AZ20 second-generation Lexus NX is a completely new model underpinned by a new platform, the GA-K shared with the mechanically identical Toyota Venza/Harrier and the fifth-generation Toyota RAV4.

Revealed on 11 June 2021, the AZ20 is the first Lexus vehicle to be developed at the Shimoyama Technical Centre.[20] Its exterior dimensions were enlarged by 20 mm in length and width, while the 2690 mm wheelbase is 30 mm longer than before.

The NX incorporates Lexus' new design philosophy, which includes overlapping L shape daytime running lamps that were first introduced onto the RC and UX in 2018. 3-LED headlights are standard. According to Lexus, the hood section has been extended to the edge of the front end, while the grille surface has been raised vertically to create a visually longer front end, which also enables more efficient air flow and cooling.[21]

A first in a Lexus production model, the 'L' badge in the rear has been replaced by a spaced out Lexus logotype. This change was done last-minute during development, as a leaked marketing material video in February 2021 shows the vehicle using older 'L' rear badge.[22] The design feature was previewed by the LF-Z Electrified concept from March 2021.[21]

The suspension consists of MacPherson struts in front and a trailing arm, double-wishbone design at the rear with extra tuning for the shock absorbers. The F Sport package comes with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) as standard. Except for the plug-in hybrid model, the steering adopts Lexus’ first variable rack gear to improve high speed stability and quicker cornering response, in addition to easier low speed handling. NVH improvements was done, with Lexus claiming that the air flow and wind noise entering into the cabin has been reduced by around 15 percent.[21]

F Sport models receive the driving modes: Normal, Eco, EV, Sport, Sport S+.[23]

Features

At launch, models were equipped with a 9.8-inch screen, whereas higher-end models came equipped with a 14-inch screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and operate via wireless connection. Lexus Climate Concierge, Lexus Connected Services, and the "Hey Lexus" interface are all standard. A head-up display and wireless smartphone charging are both optional. 10-speaker stereo is standard and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system is available on Luxury and Premium packages. Emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control are all standard.[24][25] The interior design was based on the 'tazuna' concept that was previewed by the LF-30 Electrified concept car. The word tazuna is derived from the “reins” used to control horses.[21]

Remote connectivity features allow the driver to enable and disable features from their smartphone, such as air-conditioning and lighting. The air conditioning system utilises a deodorising and pollen removal clean-air filter. The Lexus Climate Concierge essentially identifies which seats are occupied based on the opening and closing of doors, and ventilates which seats are occupied.[25]

Ambient lighting is available on F Sport and Sports Luxury models for Australia.

In 2023, for the 2024 model year, the NX 350h and NX 450h+ receive remote parking features, while the NX450h+ F Sport is now available with either a regular sunroof or a panoramic sunroof.[26]

Markets

Production for most markets began in December 2021.

Australia

For Australia, trims include: the NX250 Luxury, NX350h Luxury, NX350h Sports Luxury, NX350h F Sport, NX350 F Sport AWD, and the NX450h+ F Sport.[27] Luxury grades receive a 9.8-inch screen, whereas F Sport and Sports Luxury receive a 14.0-inch.

Brazil

The NX is exclusively sold as the 350h in Brazil through 3 grades: Luxury, Dynamic and F Sport.[28]

Europe

Trims in Europe include: Business, Luxury, Executive, and F Sport. Available packages include the Premium, Premium Plus, and Takumi. The Lexus Safety System+ is standard, and F Sport grades receive Adaptive Variable Suspension with lateral performance dampers.[23]

Middle East

In the Middle East, it is sold as the 350, it is available in three grades, Premier, Prestige and F Sport.[29]

Philippines

In the Philippines, the NX is exclusively sold as the 350 with 3 grades: 350h Executive, NX 350h Premier, and NX 350h F Sport.

South Africa

In South Africa, models include the NX 250, NX 350, and the NX 350h. Grades include the SE, EX, and the F Sport.[30]

United States

Trims in the US include: the NX 250, NX 250 Premium, NX 350, NX 350 Premium, NX 350 Luxury, NX 350 F Sport Handling, NX 350h, NX 350h Premium, NX 350h Luxury, NX 450h+ Luxury, and the NX 450h + F Sport Handling.[31][32]

Powertrain

Most of the powertrains are shared with the XA50 series Toyota RAV4. The 2.4-liter T24A-FTS turbocharged four-cylinder engine was introduced for the NX 350, producing 205 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The NX 450h+ was also introduced as the first plug-in hybrid vehicle in Lexus' lineup and shares the same powertrain as the RAV4 PHV.[33]

Safety

IIHS

The 2022 NX was awarded the "Top Safety Pick +" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. [39]

Euro NCAP

The 2022 Lexus NX scored five stars overall in its Euro NCAP test.[40]

ANCAP