Test bench | Lexus NX 2022: understated efficiency

The Lexus NX is a well-bred utility. That turns out well. On this mid-range, which largely determines the production volumes and the profits of the manufacturers, the clientele is rather traditional.

Also, when we set ourselves the objective of retaining the “portfolio” of the previous generation’s customers, whose loyalty has earned it good results, you should not offend anyone. From where this front facade which takes again the new Lexus design with its high grille like a skyscraper. On the other hand, the elliptical design of the roof roof and that of the tailgate as well as the rear lights give this vehicle a slightly more marked personality.

Neither a simple reformulation of a successful product nor a fundamentally original model, the NX is above all an adaptation to the demands of its time. In addition to the quality of manufacture, the effort has been put on safety and respect for the environment.

Hybridization

Moreover, on this aspect, Lexus offers a full range of engines, including a plug-in hybrid. This last figure – unsurprisingly – at the top ($$$) of the range. Like the RAV4 Prime, this NX 450h + boasts enviable electric range and far outperforms all hybrids in its class.

Failing to be able to afford the top-of-the-range variation, the other hybrid (the one that does not have a thread to the wheel and marketed under the code NX 350 h) is undoubtedly the most enlightened choice and makes it possible to reduce consumption in a very appreciable way. As for the new turbocharged gasoline engine that powers the NX 350, it does not lack verve, but is distressed by a response time a little too long.

As for the NX 250, its engine is of no interest with its very sound engine borrowed from the RAV4. Moreover, its presence in the catalog is essentially aimed at attracting consumers to dealerships.

Clear horizon

On the road, the laws of gravity are quite clearly felt at start-up and on small winding roads, but are attenuated when traveling on expressways. In fact, we spontaneously adapt our behavior to the temperament, placid without being soft, NX.

Longer, taller and wider than the model it replaces, the NX now has more interior space at the rear and a more square trunk. At the front, the seats are less cramped than in the past, especially for the person behind the wheel.

The dashboard, flanked as it should by the inevitable infotainment screen, occupies the space with a certain harmony. The irritating touchpad once offered is conspicuous by its absence in favor of a touchscreen.

More broadly, the latest NX takes advantage of the new platform on which it was designed, and in particular its chassis, to improve its performance in terms of driving precision, acoustic comfort and on-board well-being.

As you will have understood, it is very difficult to find a weak point, a flaw in the armor of this vehicle, the gasoline versions of which are now assembled in Canada. More generous in terms of roominess than the Lexus UX, less bulky and massive than the imposing Lexus RX, the NX represents a sort of happy medium in the world of automotive luxury, a fine example of homogeneity.

O Canada

With the exception of the plug-in hybrid version (450 h +), all NXs intended for the North American market will originate at the Canadian facilities of the Toyota group. This plant, located in Cambridge, Ontario, already assembles gasoline-powered RAV4s. This is a first for Lexus; until now, the production of its models has been exclusively concentrated in Japan.

Increased displacement

Toyota’s current RAV4 shares many of its components with the new NX. Indeed, the architecture is more or less the same. In Canada, the NX adopts all-wheel drive as standard and offers the same gasoline engine as the RAV4 at entry level. Here the comparisons end, since the NX exclusively releases a new 2.4L supercharged mechanic. This takes over from the 2L.

Share your experience

Press will soon publish the test of the following vehicles: Audi A3, Cadillac CT-5, Hyundai Santa FE, Infiniti QX60, Nissan Frontier, Subaru Forester, Toyota Tundra and Volkswagen GTi / R. If you own one of these vehicles, we would love to hear from you.

The owners’ opinion

Used happiness

I have owned a 2015 Lexus NXT 200 for three years, which I bought used with 63,000 km on the clock. I am fully satisfied with it: it is a complete vehicle, well equipped, with very comfortable seats, a good balanced suspension that mixes sportiness and comfort, a powerful turbo engine and not too greedy, a respectable cargo space, a very good audio system, complete equipment, and above all, absolute reliability. In short, I am very satisfied with it, unlike my previous vehicle, a 2011 Mercedes GLK 350 which, although more pleasant to drive, nevertheless booked me several visits to the dealership for all kinds of glitches as soon as the three-year warranty. has been expired. Also, every time I visited the dealership I felt like I was being extorted, which is the complete opposite of the Lexus dealership. It was not my first experience with Lexus, as my wife owned a 2008 ES 350 for 12 years, which was just as reliable and never caused her any problems. In short: reliability, comfort and normal maintenance, period.

Jean Roy

Fully satisfied

We have owned an NX since last spring. Even though it was not highly recommended by the various specialist media, we really like our new acquisition. Comfortable, silent, very agile, and it gives us complete satisfaction. It’s true that the infotainment system is difficult to handle, but we don’t spend our time playing on it.

Michel Belec

Only check-ups

I was the proud tenant of the 2015 NX 200 model. Currently, I have the 2019 NX 300 model. Same power and same quality from several points of view. I have never returned to the dealership for repairs except for the usual recommended maintenance. Remarkable fuel consumption per 100 km: 8.5 L for city driving, winter and summer. On the highway, it consumes between 6.5 L and 7.5 L per 100 km. This is the payoff for keeping my Lexus NX 300 in top condition. The only downside, the soundproofing could be improved.

Gaétan Faubert

Infotainment system to review

We have owned an NX 200 for almost five years and are very happy with its handling and comfort on long journeys. We go south in the winter and there is enough space with the seats down for whatever we want to carry. On the open road, its consumption is very good (from 7.8 L to 8.6 L per 100 km). In the city, it’s different: from 10.5 L to 11.8 L per 100 km). The engine power is more than enough to take us away from the lines of trucks that ply the American highways. Unfortunately, as always with Lexus, the infotainment system leaves a lot to be desired. But we are very satisfied with our vehicle and the next one will undoubtedly be the 300h.

Andrew Myre