2022 Lexus NX Review

Engine

There are two flagship options: the NX350h uses a 2.5L Atkinson engine plus an electric motor to reach a combined output of 244 hp, while the brand-new NX450h+ uses a modified version of that setup and offers 309 hp. Some markets also get the NX350 with a turbocharged ICE 2.4L unit good for 279 hp and the NX250 with a 2.5L engine and 199 hp.

Transmission

The hybrid version uses a Shiftmatic CVT which can simulate six virtual gears. The ICE versions, in turn, employ an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Suspension

Lexus has redesigned the NX’s suspension in ways to reduce shock and vibration when traveling on rough surfaces. There were some changes on the anti-roll bars to make them lighter as well. The main highlight, however, is the F Sport’s exclusive adaptive suspension: it has expanded travel and the dampers feature smoother operation. The overall result is less roll and sharper handling.

Steering

Electric power steering is standard. Lexus claims its response is 20% faster than in the outgoing NX. Besides that, its assistance varies with the car’s speed to make maneuvers easy at low speeds while keeping high-speed corrections easily controllable.

Brakes

The all-new Lexus NX uses electronically controlled brakes on its hybrid versions and hydraulically controlled brakes on the ICE ones. There are larger discs, several electronic brake controls to make their operation more effective, and a pedal whose shape was redesigned to give a safer feel. For the first time, the pedal also received a damping mechanism to return.

Airbags

The standard model brings front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, curtain airbags for both seat rows, knee airbag for the driver, and cushion airbag for the front passenger.

Electronics

The model brings the third generation of the Lexus Safety System+, which is a full list of electronic systems. They help the car stay in its lane, help the driver deal with blind spots at all times, protect it from imminent collisions, make parking easier, and reduce the effect of an unavoidable collision.

Lights

Top-tier models use projector LED headlights with adaptive high beam function: a forward camera signals how intensely they should work. The signature L-shaped daytime running lights appear once again and have a new trick: they fade out to become turn lights when the driver needs that. The standard headlights use bi-beam LEDs with automatic high beam function.

Traction control

The model benefits from the Lexus Driving Signature, a bundle of construction notions that use the GA-K brand new platform and aim at enhancing the connection between driver and car. AWD is an optional item here, although not the same across the trim list: ICE versions use a regular full-time system while the hybrid ones use an additional electric motor to power the rear axle.

Engine size

We can better understand the NX’s all-new list of options with the table below:

The first two versions use only ICE engines and come with front-wheel drive standard. The ICE versions use an eight-speed automatic transmission while the hybrid ones use a CVT.

Gas per mileage consumption

The 2022 Lexus NX has four engine options, whose fuel efficiency information is listed below:

There will be more information on this topic once the model is officially tested by the EPA. Lexus claims that the plug-in hybrid NX450h+ has a combined EV range of “69 to 76 km”.

Seats

The new seats were designed to encourage the driver to keep appropriate posture and to minimize pressure on the body when cornering. They also have concave cut-out regions to enable proper elbow movement when the person needs to reach for the console box. The front seats may have eight-way power adjustments and lumbar support, while the F Sport package adds forward/backward adjustment for the headrests.

Design

The Tazuma cockpit design aims at integrating the design of all components. Besides that, Lexus makes sure to use high-quality build and the finest materials to give a typical premium feeling. Two noteworthy points are the ambient lighting, which can be customized according to color or mood, and a welcome sequence which turns on external lights, gauge cluster and infotainment system in a specific way as the driver approaches the vehicle and enters the cabin.

Infotainment

There is an all-new multimedia platform with increased computing power, quicker operation, and voice recognition. The standard system uses a 9.8” screen while the upscale one uses a 14” unit. Both are paired to some physical controls to make everything more intuitive. The top-tier system can have its layout customized by themes and accepts the creation of three different user profiles.

Trunk space

The new model has a 40-mm longer trunk space with the same height. Lexus claims a total of 19.2 ft³ behind the rear seats and 50.7 ft³ behind the front seats. There is a deckboard which can be divided in three ways, a side storage net, and a lightweight tonneau cover. Everything to give you several options to make the trunk space more appropriate for your needs.

When it comes to trim, they differ mostly in the quantity of standard and optional items – the same happens within each version, since they can be subdivided in Premium, Luxury or F Sport.

The F Sport package brings specific dynamic upgrades, but it is offered as an independent option for the NX350 (F Sport Handling, with fewer items) and NX450h+ (F Sport, the complete package).

AWD/FWD

All-wheel drive is only optional at the NX250 trim, for extra $1,600; it is standard for all the other trims. Self-charging and plug-in hybrid versions use a specific E-Four system where an additional electric motor powers the rear axle to provide all-wheel drive.

Warranty

Lexus provides one of the best warranty programs in the automotive industry. The only flaw is its complimentary maintenance schedule, which is only standard compared to its competitors.

• Limited warranty coverage of 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty coverage of 6 years or 70,000 miles
• Hybrid component warranty coverage of 8 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance coverage of one year or 10,000 miles

Extras

This is the first Lexus car to use the e-latch system, where internal and external door handles are replaced by push buttons on the same positions. That allows people to open doors with a smooth and silent gesture which, according to Lexus, is inspired by traditional Japanese shoji room dividers.

Another favorable point is that the new platform brings the use of high-strength steel grades in key parts of the body. Besides that, there is a new laser weld technique and the use of special adhesives to join body parts in a way that maximizes rigidity while keeping the overall weight to a minimum.