The compact luxury SUV market is one of the auto industry's most competitive segments. So much, so that traditional high-end luxury brands have decided to produce cheaper models specifically for it. In terms of a customer base, these small luxury SUVs are trying their hardest to grasp those customers trading up from the highly populated compact SUV market.
Today we're looking at one of the best contenders in the segment with the 2020 Lexus NX 300 F Sport. Like most Lexus models, the NX utilizes a Toyota SUV as its base, specifically the RAV4. However, Lexus does a great job of essentially axing most of the Toyota and replacing it with proper luxury components. That being said, our specific fully-loaded test vehicle has an as-tested price of $52,599. While it's far from affordable, there is a lot to like here.
Its Sharp Styling Is Aging Better Than Expected
There is no getting around the fact that the Lexus NX has been in production for over six years at this point. While its exterior design has received some minor tweaks, they are difficult to spot to the untrained eye. Thankfully for the NX, it started life as a very sharp looking SUV. Although you'd expect its sharp design language to date it, its chiseled looks have certainly stood the test of time. Even the controversial front grille has aged quite well. While it is still truly a love it or hate it design, subtle additions such as a mesh looking design help tone down its shocking appearance. The F Sport model even gets subtle air intakes below the LED running lights, which are lined with mesh and help break up the front end.
Looking at the side profile alone, it is almost impossible to tell NX's different years apart. While this is great for those who own a 2015 model, prospective buyers looking at a 2020 0r 2021 model might want an updated look. The rear end is where the changes are few and far between. We've still got the same "L" shaped taillights that have characterized the brand's most recent models. One thing that doesn't necessarily come across in pictures is how flat the rear hatch is. Compared to the front end, which almost jumps out, it is almost too subtle. Regardless, a great initial design saves the NX for now, although hopefully, a new generation isn't too far off.
Small SUV Dimensions With Big SUV Drive
The Lexus NX 300 F Sport is quite a small SUV, sharing its dimensions with the aforementioned Toyota RAV4. Despite this, the Lexus NX tips the scales at just under 4,000 pounds. While that puts it in line with competitors such as the BMW X3, it is almost 600 pounds heavier than the SUV on which it's based. Thankfully, Lexus decided to leave the RAV4's engine behind and include their very own 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder unit.
The turbo-four pumps out 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The torque figure is the most important here, seeing as the NX delivers a decent amount of it at 1650 RPM. The result is that the NX 300 feels reasonably quick in traffic, although it quickly dies out in the top end. The only transmission option available for the turbo engine is a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive comes as standard, although all-wheel drive is optional.
The handling department is where the NX truly begins to struggle, largely because it feels much larger than it should. For starters, the NX's steering feels quite heavy. While heavy steering could be associated with sportiness in some cases, the NX's steering feels artificially weighted with no real benefit. Speaking of weight, the NX's suspension is trying to manage a 4,000-pound SUV while retaining a refined ride. The result is that the NX is neither sporty nor overly luxurious. The benefits of its smaller dimensions seemingly disappear once the going gets curvy. The NX's saving grace is on the highway, where the suspension does a good job of softening bumps without creating an overly floaty ride.
A Fantastic Screen Is Let down By A Trackpad
One of the Lexus NX 300's major strengths is its interior. As you'd expect from a Lexus product, the cabin is covered in high-quality materials. While there are a fair amount of plastic trims present, all of your contact points are nicely leather-wrapped. The result is that the NX undoubtedly feels like a premium product. The dashboard has an almost three-dimensional effect as each layer of buttons gradually gets far away from the driver. Thankfully, all of the major switches are easily within reach and easy to use. The interior's crown jewel is the 8-inch infotainment screen. The display has a wide aspect ratio, neatly fitting into the dashboard. Its colors are also vibrant, working seamlessly with apps such as the included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
However, the wonderful screen is let down severely by its trackpad controller. While Lexus has put tremendous effort into making it the best it can be, it's still not great. Making fine-tuned selections while on the road still proves quite difficult. A traditional rotary dial would be much better suited. The only other downside in the NX's interior is its gauge cluster. For a $52,599 SUV, a digital instrument cluster should at least be an option.
All things considered, the 2020 Lexus NX 300 F Sport is a compact luxury SUV that achieves exactly what it sets out to do. While it does so with quite a steep price tag, buyers seem to have no issue paying up. Considering that this is one of Lexus' first efforts, the next-generation should be spectacular.