The door handle yields no response at first touch. Is it frozen? Not exactly. The door is open. The new en-X features touch-sensitive handles: pull the handle and simultaneously touch the interior touch button. The system is straightforward, yet the habit of old muscle memory makes the act feel a bit off for a moment.
Clearly, it’s not the handles. The vehicle itself is 95 percent refreshed. What remains of the older model is hard to pin down, and even company representatives struggle to recall specifics. One thing is certain: there are no units built on an older platform anymore.
The NX maintains steady confidence in tough conditions, keeping the rider calm rather than rattled by extreme weather.
How does it drive?
The latest NX rides on the GA-K modular platform, familiar from the Camry and RAV4, delivering a lively feel on the road. Asphalt seems to respond with bounce. Yet in the Rostov region, snow covered every surface, testing every terrain vehicle. Roads were packed with snow and debris.
NX is no mere novelty. With more than 19 cm of ground clearance, the engine shield remains protected, yet one must tiptoe when parking near a snowbank or descending a steep grade. The front overhang is prominent, and a low bumper increases the risk of minor contact.
The virtual cockpit mirrors architecture seen in other Lexuses and Toyotas, with the tachometer occupying a dominant position at the center.
The gear selector is not fixed; rather, Lexus keeps the travel path to shifting moves more fluid, a habit to be cultivated over time.
Earlier NX models fell short on material quality. The current version steps up, delivering a premium feel for all of the 95 percent. In well-equipped trims, the multimedia system expands to a 14-inch display, while the base remains at 10 inches. The Mark Levinson sound system provides a refined listening experience, and tests with classic rock tracks affirm its capability.
And off-road?
Unlike some rivals with independent rear-drive clutches, the NX’s all-wheel-drive system relies on a single clutch, which the Japanese engineers say is sufficient with proper calibration. This claim holds up in practice. The rear wheels engage directly, even without preload, and on pristine pavement the NX maintains a confident 100 km/h without discomfort. The vehicle proves steady and reliable in challenging conditions, keeping the driver secure and composed.
The downhill assist feature hesitates only mildly, performing as a delicate aid rather than a blunt instrument.
The folding roof reduces headroom, though the remaining interior space remains ample for most needs.
Official figures list a trunk capacity of 520 liters, though real-world measurements may suggest a tighter fit. A practical test can clarify exact volume for practical use.
NX and RAV4 – what’s the difference?
In the end, premium status should translate not just to styling and trim, but to real performance gains. The NX’s transmission remains simpler than the RAV4’s, but the engine offers a more robust character. Six years ago, the NX featured a 150-horsepower engine, and the current lineup still evolves. The NX250 remains the base model with roughly 199 horsepower, signaling a steady upgrade path. The eight-speed automatic remains a valued feature for smooth shifts.
The top grade for this market is the NX350 with the T24A-FTS engine: direct injection, turbocharged, 279 hp and 430 Nm of torque. It is possible that power could dip slightly under heavy load, around 249 hp. A test drive in the NX350 F Sport with a 2.4-turbo engine, rated at 279 hp, showed brisk acceleration and lively feel on slick surfaces. However, the premium price in comparison to the NX250 may not appeal to every buyer, especially given tax considerations.
Rational luxury
Purchasing the NX350 F Sport mainly makes sense for those seeking maximum performance, but price points already push beyond the floor price of the NX250. In markets where pricing is dynamic, the NX250 begins around the five-million range, with no front-wheel-drive NX models like the two-liter NX200 yet available. The current climate means prices can only be estimated, and the most affordable trims are often in high demand.
There are no front-wheel-drive versions in the lineup yet, including the two-liter NX200.
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NX250 is a very balanced crossover |
So balanced you don’t need an NX350 |
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LEXUS NX |
NX250 |
NX350 |
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Length / Width / Height / Base |
4660 / 1865 / 1660 / 2690 mm |
|
|
Roadworthy / gross weight |
1755 / 2265 kg |
1835 / 2370 kg |
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Trunk volume (VDA) |
520/1411 l |
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Acceleration 0–100 km/h |
9.1 sec |
7.0 sec |
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maximum speed |
200 km/h |
200 km/h |
|
engine |
petrol, P4, 16 valves, 2487 cm; 147 kW/199 hp at 6600 rpm; 243 Nm at 4000-5000 rpm |
petrol, P4, 16 valves, 2393 cm³; 205 kW/279 hp at 6000 rpm; 430 Nm at 1700-3600 rpm |
|
Fuel / fuel reserve |
AI-92, AI-95 / 55 l |
AI-95 / 55 l |
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Transfer |
four wheel drive; A8 |
four wheel drive; A8 |
- Smart crossover value checking in today’s market with top 8 options.
- Planning trips beyond city limits? The NX equips capable trunk space for gear.
- Performance notes can be shared in group chats for quick updates.