Kicking things off is the entry-level NX 250 which starts at US$ 37,950 with front-wheel drive and US$ 39,950 with all-wheel drive. While Lexus didn’t go into full details, the crossover features 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-dimming mirrors, a 10-speaker audio system, and an Amazon Music integrated streaming trial. Drivers will also find an all-new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 9.8-inch display as well as support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The model also comes with Safety Connect, Service Connect, Remote Connect and Wi-Fi Connect trials, but Drive Connect will require a subscription. The latter provides access to the new Intelligent Assistant as well as cloud-based navigation with Google points-of-interest data.
On the safety front, there’s the Lexus Safety System 3.0 suite of driver assistance systems. It includes a pre-collision system with forward collision warning, pedestrian / bicyclist / motorcyclist detection, and automatic emergency braking. There’s also intersection assistance, intersection turning assist, emergency steering assist, and a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. Other highlights include all-speed dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed reduction, lane tracing assist (lane centering), road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Rounding out the highlights are digital latches with safe exit assist and a rearview camera with dynamic gridlines.
Moving up to the US$ 41,000 NX 250 Premium adds rain-sensing wipers, a power moonroof, an adaptive front lighting system and a power liftgate with a kick sensor. Inside, there’s heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt and telescopic steering column, and a memory system. Other highlights include black prism trim, ambient lighting, and intuitive parking assist with auto braking, rear cross-traffic braking and rear pedestrian detection. If that isn’t luxurious enough, the US$ 44,100 NX 250 Luxury adds leather upholstery, black open-pore wood trim, a heated steering wheel and thematic ambient illumination. Other niceties include a higher resolution multi-information display, a 10-inch color head-up display and a 14-inch infotainment system with cloud-based navigation.
Regardless of which trim is selected, all NX 250s have a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 203 hp and 249 Nm of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which enables the model to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in as little as 8.2 seconds when equipped with all-wheel drive. Buyers looking for more power can upgrade to the NX 350, which starts at US$ 41,550. It features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 275 hp and 430 Nm of torque. Buyers will also find an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system, which enable the model to hit 96 km/h in 6.6 seconds.
Trim packages echo those offered on the entry-level model and the NX 350 Premium starts at US$ 44,600 while the Luxury variant retails for US$ 49,000. However, the NX 350 is also available in F Sport guise for US$ 46,650. The latter features a sportier front bumper, a unique grille, additional body-color trim and 20-inch alloy wheels with a gloss black finish. The model also sports black mirror caps, dark chrome window trim, and a sport-tuned adaptive variable suspension with performance dampers. The interior echoes the Premium variant, but is distinguished by a sport steering wheel, perforated NuLuxe sport seats and dark graphite aluminum trim. Other special touches include a black headliner, aluminum pedals, scuff plates and F Sport specific displays.
On the hybrid side of things, there’s the NX 350h which starts at US$ 41,050. It has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission, a small lithium-ion battery pack, a dual-motor transaxle, and an electric motor that powers the rear wheels. This setup enables the model to produce a combined output of 239 hp and have an estimated fuel economy rating of 41 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 39 mpg combined. Additional changes are limited, but the model features an EV mode for traveling short distances on electricity alone. Furthermore, the Premium variant is available for US$ 44,100 while the Luxury trim begins at US$ 48,500.
Lastly, there’s the range-topping NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid which costs US$ 55,560 in Luxury guise and US$ 56,900 in F Sport Luxury trim. While equipment mirrors the aforementioned variants, the NX 450h+ is notable for its powertrain which has upgraded electric motors and a larger 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup gives the model a combined output of 302 hp and an electric-only range of approximately 60 km. An assortment of options will be available on the various NXs and highlights include power-folding rear seats, heated rear seats and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. Customers can also order digital key technology and additional safety systems such as lane change assist and a panoramic view monitor. The 2022 Lexus NX is set to arrive in U.S. dealerships in December.
