The Lexus NX was first revealed in Beijing, China, in 2014, riding on the Toyota New MC platform. Offered with three powertrains, it was well-received and soon became the best-selling Lexus in Europe and Russia. For the 2022 model year, beginning a new generation, the compact luxury crossover SUV is based on the Toyota GA-K platform shared with the fifth generation Rav 4.
Slightly larger and much more boldly styled than the 2021 model, the new Lexus NX is redesigned for confidence and comfort. With four powertrain options and four trim levels available to choose from, there is something in the lineup for everyone. Thanks to the array of technology employed in its creation, Lexus is well positioned to redeem the image of the NX in a class with the likes of Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes GLA class. As dealers worldwide get set to receive the 2022 Lexus NX, here's what we already know about it.
10 Breathtaking Interior
Compared to the 2021 NX, the 2022 NX hits the mark, boasting a classier and more modern cabin packed with high-tech features. The giant 14 inches infotainment display available to welcome you is tilted towards the driver for enhanced convenience and usability.
Apart from features arranged in a convenient way for drivers' usage, a colored HUD and thematic ambient lighting are also offered. Other convenience features include heated 8-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar adjustment for the driver and dual-zone climate control with an air filter.
9 It Is Fitted With Advanced Safety Features
The new NX comes with an impressive array of advanced safety features designed to put you at ease each time you get behind the wheel. To ensure safer driving, the new NX comes with the new Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which boasts more driver-assist features than the previous iterations.
Safe distance between your NX and other vehicles on the road is maintained by the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which also controls speed on curves. Other features include the Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Pre-Collision system that can "see around corners" and warn drivers of oncoming traffic.
8 Improved Ride And Handling
With the new platform it is based on, the 2022 Lexus NX has a longer wheelbase and a wider track than the 2021 model. Although it may not seem like much, outwardly, that little difference is enough to improve the ride quality and handling considerably.
While the 2021 NX had a stiffer ride, the new NX rides more comfortably over bumps and performs better in corners. The F Sport handling model comes with an adaptive variable suspension that adjusts the damping force on each shock absorber to optimize ride quality on different surfaces.
7 Pricing Starts At $37,950
Pricing for the new Lexus NX starts at $37,950 for the NX 250 FWD and $39,550 for the AWD version. The NX 350h costs $41,050 while the NX 350 costs slightly higher at $41,550 and the NX 350 F Sport costs $46,650.
Top of the range NX 450h+ F Sport will set you back by $56,900 while the NX 450h+ costs $55,650. In comparison, the 2022 Audi Q3 has an entry price of $34,900, while the 2022 BMW X1 costs $35,400.
6 Better Multimedia System
The standard infotainment display that comes with the new Lexus NX is a 9.8 inches conventional touchscreen that is easy to use. Available as an option is a gigantic 14 inches display that is oriented towards the driver.
Other infotainment features include a Virtual Assistant with which you can access navigation, music, phone, as well as other vehicle functions. In addition to that, there is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, WiFi Connect, and a 10-speaker Lexus premium sound system.
5 Limited Plug-In Hybrid
The NX 450h+ is the top trim of the 2022 Lexus NX range riding on a plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 304 hp to take it from 0-60 mph in 6 seconds. Considering the benefits of a plug-in hybrid, it is clear that the NX 450h+ will be a highly sought-after model.
Unfortunately, the NX 450h+ is facing limited production, just like the Toyota Rav 4 Prime, with which it shares much equipment. Thanks to the global shortage of microchips and the favoring of zero-emission states, the NX 450h+ will be hard to get.
4 It Is Related To The Rav 4 Prime
The 2022 Lexus NX is built on the Toyota GA-K platform in the Toyota New Global Architecture family, which it shares with the Fifth-generation Toyota Rav 4. Both vehicles are in the same segment and share a common platform. They get to share many components, including their powertrain.
Powering the NX 450h+ and making the same output is the powertrain that powers the Toyota Rav 4 Prime. Though some people regard the NX as a spruced-up Rav 4, both vehicles are unique in their way despite their similarities.
3 Four Powertrain Options
While a choice of two engines powered the first generation NX, buyers of the new Lexus NX have four powertrains to choose from. The base trim is powered by a 203 hp 2.5-liter engine, while the NX 350 is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 275 hp.
For the NX 350h, the 2.5-base engine combines with an electric motor to deliver 240 hp through a continuously variable transmission. Powering the NX 450h plug-in hybrid is a 2.5-liter combined with two electric motors to produce an output of 302 hp.
2 Completely Redesigned For 2022
The Lexus NX has been given a complete makeover for the 2022 model year, which marks the beginning of its second generation. Wearing a more aggressive look, it boasts a wider and more upright front grille, with each trim given its unique design.
Full-width taillights now adorn the rear end, which now also bear a new "LEXUS" lettering in place of the Lexus logo. Equipped with run-flat tires, the new NX has under-deck storage since it carries no spare tire.
1 Exciting Trim Options
Lexus offers interested buyers of the Lexus NX a choice of four exciting trims for the new generation. The base NX 250 can be had either as an FWD or an AWD, while the next in line (NX 350 turbo) has AWD as standard.
Further down the line is a hybrid, the NX 350h, while the top model is the NX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid offering the highest performance. The only two models that offer an F Sport variant are the NX 350 turbo and the NX 450h+.