The all-new 2015 Lexus NX compact SUV is not your father’s ho-hum Lexus. The sedate Japanese brand distinguishes its new model with sharp lines, a polarizing front-end, and unique driving position. The NX is available as the 200t turbocharged variant and the 300h hybrid model—which swaps some power for class-leading fuel efficiency.
With the turbocharged engine, the 235-horsepower NX 200t moves from zero to 60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds. It returns a combined 25 MPG and starts at about $35,000. The $40,000 300h is the hybrid model reduces horsepower to 194 ponies, but bumps combined mileage to an impressive 33 MPG. That’s a $5,000 premium to reap greater fuel savings.
Regardless of the engine choices, the NX represents a long list of firsts for Lexus:
- Bold re-interpretation of Lexus styling
- Entirely new turbocharged engine (NX 200t only)
- Wireless charging tray
- Remote Touch Interface (replacing the mouse and used to navigate infotainment system)
- Kickdown switch in the hybrid, for an on-demand boost in power
- Pre-loaded differential on front axle to assist on slippery conditions
- Standard LED headlight/taillights
- Touch-sensitive interior lamp switches and G-Force meter and boost gauge
On the outside, the sharper front-end with the signature Lexus spindle grille takes the F Sport look to a new level—accented by its checkmark-like daylight running light design. Whether you love or hate the design, it’s a bold new approach especially wrapping well in the back. Inside, the interior offers greater visibility, with a sharply sloping rake in the windshield. It is roomy for a compact SUV, but many critics believe it lacks cargo capacity. However, there’s no question that the new Remote Touch Interface with touchpad is an improvement over the previous Lexus mouse-like design.
The Lexus NX 300h is easy enough to drive. However, at times, I found it a bit sluggish with odd transmission shifting points. Moreover, it’s not exceptionally fast. But the primary purpose of the stylish new hybrid Lexus 300h is fuel economy—and its 35 MPG in the city and 31 on the highway makes it the most fuel-thrifty of any SUV on the market.
See Lexus NX300h for sale on eBay.
