
The 2022 Lexus NX replaces the first generation - it has a new platform, new engines and a completely new interior- all the changes make this Lexus NX an even stronger contender in the luxury mid-size SUV market. It drives better, is more spacious and luxurious, and is loaded with the newest technology.
Four primary variants make up the all-new Lexus NX range, comprising the entry-level NX250 petrol, NX350 turbo-petrol, NX350h petrol hybrid and 450h+ plug-in hybrid.
Each has the same 152kW/243Nm four-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet, with the Lexus Hybrid Drive reducing the official combined fuel consumption from 6.9L/100km to 5.0L/100km.
Lexus expects the NX350h to be the most popular variant, comprising a 2.5-litre petrol engine in combination with an electric motor and battery, which lifts power to 179kW (petrol and electric combined) and brings 239Nm of torque to the party. The hybrid powertrain is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to save money on fuel.
The second-generation NX is 20mm longer (with an extra 30mm in the wheelbase- now 2690mm - to the benefit of passenger space/legroom) and the car is 20mm wider.
This is a Lexus SUV, so it's fair to expect a decent level of comfort inside, and you won't be disappointed regardless of which trim level you choose.
The second-generation Lexus NX’s interior will grab your attention because it is a huge step up from the previous cabin.
The first thing you'll notice when you step up to the NX is how the door handles don't move when opening the door. Instead, the NX had the new e-latch door handles inside and out, which operate like the most newer tailgate openers.
Lexus interiors always feel well-made and use high-quality and tactile materials, but where the new NX moves forward is in the realm of interior tech. One tangible proof-point is that Lexus designers reduced the number of switches from 78 to 45 overall.
Both the 9.8-inch and brash, bold and brilliant 14.0-inch screens work via touch rather than a fiddly trackpad controller, offer smartphone-like swiping and pinching, and seemed to process commands swiftly without glitches.
The NX now has an advanced voice control system called 'Hey Lexus' that operates navigation, phone, climate control and certain vehicle functions such as opening windows.
If you want to open the window you say: 'Hey Lexus, open my window.' Because the system can tell where your voice is coming from it will open the driver or passenger-side window depending on where you're sitting.
The boot has 520 litres of luggage volume regardless of variant (up 45 litres from the first generation), which expands up to 1411 litres with the rear seats down. Need additional space or want to take your bikes along? Why not fit a Lexus NX II towbar. The NX350h has the largest 1500kg towing capacity which is 500kg more than the other variants.
Standard Luxury-trim features include 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-levelling LED headlights, leather-appointed upholstery with a choice of colours, eight-way power-adjustable and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, heated door mirrors, and smart keyless entry/start.
There are also new E-Latch electronic door handles, powered tailgate, Tazuna cockpit driver display with 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster, 9.8-inch touchscreen, cloud-based connected satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, 10-speaker audio and a drive mode selector offering Eco, Normal and Sport settings.
The 2022 Lexus NX brims with advanced driver assistance technology across all specification grades. Some of these, such as e-latch, safe exit assist, intersection turn assist (which operates the brakes to avoid a collision while turning) and emergency steering assist, are making their Lexus debut on this car.
Other safety features include Lexus Connected Services with SOS call, automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, auto high beam, parking support braking, blind-spot monitor, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane-keep assist, road sign assist and tyre-pressure monitoring system.
The NX is also equipped with eight airbags including driver/passenger front, side, head and knee, front centre, and rear passenger head.
The new NX is a great improvement on the previous generation, particularly its drivetrains, its more resolved design, and upgraded interior technologies.
Couple this with Lexus’s excellent reputation for customer care and reasonable running costs, and you have a mid-luxury SUV that ticks off most of the important boxes.
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