2022 Lexus NX 250 Review: From benchwarmer to starting lineup

The 2022 Lexus NX amps up the pixel count in its quest for crossover avenue cred. The NX is a five-seat crossover SUV that’s been revamped for the new model 12 months with a extraordinary condition, a plug-in hybrid model, and a enormous touchscreen-driven infotainment technique. It is a competitor for autos like the Acura RDX, Infiniti QX50, and German BMW X3 and M-B GLC SUVs.

Effective in most of its types, the 2022 Lexus NX is a relaxed but not sporty alternative in a hard segment that includes set up European rivals. New touchscreen infotainment retains up with the moments, and the exterior structure appeals to all those with bolder tastes.

Almost everything is new for 2022, beginning with the shape. The 2022 NX does not stray considerably from the prior version’s gumbo of creases and slits, but it is exaggerated in new techniques. The hourglass grille dips decreased and flares broader, the facet glass tapers extra radically, and the sculpting all over the headlights and taillights grows a lot more pronounced. There is a lot more of a relationship with the Lexus SUVs that flank it in sizing, the subcompact UX and the mid-sizing RX.

Inside the NX, Lexus wraps and molds the dash all over really substantial touchscreen displays, a standard 9.8-inch device can be upgraded to a huge 14.-inch screen, perched on a modish flag of contrast-color trim. The mind-boggling technological prosper phone calls consideration to Lexus’ new touchscreen interface, in a massive way.

In the overall performance arena, the NX doles out a foursome of new powertrains. The NX 250’s base engine pushes out 203 hp from 2.5 liters and 4 cylinders, paired to an 8-pace automated and entrance- or all-wheel push. In the NX 350, a move-up 2.4-liter turbo-4 churns out 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. It is teamed to the same 8-speed automated and all-wheel generate.

Two alternatives tap electricity for better efficiency. The NX 450h+ teams a 2.5-liter inline-4 with a motor and battery pack for a quicker SUV: It’ll scoot to 60 mph in 6. seconds, Lexus promises, and will provide 37 miles of battery-only driving. On a Stage 2 charging method, it can be topped off in about 2.5 hours with an available 6.6-kw charger, a 3.3-kw charger will come typical. The hybrids use the rear motor to deliver all-wheel drive.

Lastly, an NX 350h with hybrid electricity but without plug-in skill delivers 239 hp and up to 39 mpg. The NX 350h utilizes an eCVT with 10 simulated gears. An F Sport NX, readily available in NX 350 or NX 450h+ spec, gets adaptive dampers, its have dark-grey trim, aluminum trim, and 20-inch wheels.

The NX is a little larger sized for 2022, which is a boon only to front passenger house. Cargo place actually falls, and it’s on the modest aspect for the class. More seem deadener and standard lively noise cancellation make for a quieter vehicle than the outgoing design. Base designs arrive with synthetic leather-based in black, brown, beige, or pink, with a decision of open up-pore wood and piano-black trim.

Every 2022 NX will come with automated unexpected emergency braking, adaptive cruise management, energetic lane control with steering aid, blind-location screens with rear cross-site visitors alerts, automatic superior beams, and a risk-free exit program. Obtainable are a rear camera mirror, front cross-targeted visitors alerts, a surround-see digicam method, a head-up display, and automated parking. The IIHS rated it a Best Basic safety Choose+.

The NX 250 starts off at $39,025 with front-wheel drive, with an further $1,600 for all-wheel push. It arrives normal with artificial leather upholstery, a 9.8-inch touchscreen, cloud-centered navigation, wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Vehicle, streaming Amazon Songs and Apple Tunes, a wi-fi hotspot, satellite radio, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The NX ranges all the way up to $56,635 for the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid design. Functions out there on greater conclude types contain the 14.-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, a Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio process, ambient lights, and 20-inch wheels. Our major gripe is that you can’t get a panoramic sunroof in a $60K SUV.

The all-new for 2022 Lexus NX delights in uncommon techniques amid a sea of tiny crossover competitors. Even though competitors have preferred to go larger in excess of time and prioritize butch off-road looks, Lexus has well selected to make the NX’s unique powertrains, styling, and know-how it’s standout features. Incorporate to that refined driving dynamics, legendary Lexus comfort and ease and high-quality, and it swiftly gets to be very clear why the 2022 Lexus NX is no longer a benchwarmer.