2022 Lexus NX Preview
With the popular premium compact SUV market becoming ever more competitive, Lexus has delivered a comprehensive update of its NX, installing plenty of new equipment and features. Notably, there’s an all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system, which offers available over the air updates, wireless charging, and an untethered smartphone connection. Along with the infotainment changes, Lexus has made a host of other developments, a key standout being the availability of a plug-in hybrid version of the NX.
Among available powertrains, the NX250 gets a 203-horsepower 4-cylinder engine while the NX350 gets a turbocharged 4-cylinder generating 275 horsepower. The normal hybrid NX350h gets two electric motors paired with a 4-cylinder engine to make 239 horsepower combined while delivering a Lexus-estimated 36 miles per gallon. For even more fuel efficiency, the plug-in hybrid NX450h+ provides a Lexus-estimated 36 miles of range with a fully charged battery on electric power only. All-wheel-drive is optional with the NX250 while standard with all other engines.
Updates have been made in the interior with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen for the Lexus Interface infotainment system. (A 14-inch touchscreen is optional.) The gauge cluster area has a 7-inch Multi Instrument Display while a 10-inch Head Up Display is optional. As for the Lexus Interface, a Virtual Assistant allows front passengers to utilize navigation, media, and phone functions as well as climate control settings and window opening/closing. The User Profiles feature allows the NX to adjust vehicle settings based on the driver which is determined by the smartphone connected to Lexus Interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.
Furthermore, Lexus has given the NX more sound-deadening and ambient lighting with 64 colors to pick from. The design of the front and rear seats is updated and passengers should notice increased head room along with more space in the cargo area. Those looking for a more dynamic driving experience can get the F SPORT package that brings active variable suspension as well as front and rear performance dampers. Also in the F SPORT mix are sport seats, aluminum trim in the interior, and perforated leather seats. The outside will have more aggressive bumpers and 20-inch black aluminum wheels.
Numerous safety features come standard on the NX with the inclusion of Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Dynamic radar cruise control, oncoming vehicle detection, oncoming pedestrian detection, road sign assist, a pre-collision system, and lane assist come on all NX models. There is also a new Digital Latch system which allows doors to open smoothly at the touch of a button when entering or exiting the vehicle. In addition, a Safe Exit Assist features checks for oncoming traffic or cyclists when opening the door at a standstill.
Scheduled to start production in the third quarter of this year, the 2022 NX should be going on sale before the end of 2021. With the numerous improvements that have been made to the NX, Lexus’s compact SUV becomes more desirable to shoppers looking for the premium vehicle that can accomplish just about anything. The NX will likely remain a mainstay of luxury shoppers and yield them the qualities they’re looking for in their next vehicle.
