When I first drove the Lexus NX F Sport in 2015 upon its introduction, I was unimpressed. In an attempt to appeal to a younger audience, the NX felt like a step down from other Lexus vehicles. The F Sport model was particularly disappointing in that it was really just an appearance package as opposed to a true sport version of the brand’s first CUV. I’m happy to report thanks to a number of upgrades, things have been improved significantly though there are still a few issues.
Lexus overhauled to its entry-level CUV for 2022, finally making it a credible alternative to the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Upgrades are apparent in every area including the powertrains, tech, styling, and comfort. Overall, it feels more solid, more luxurious, and more contemporary. But those looking for a true sport oriented SUV, will still be left wanting.
The problem isn’t the powertrain. The new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the 2023 NX 350 F Sport receives a serious boost increasing power from 235 HP to 275 HP and torque from 258 lb.-ft to 317 lb.-ft. The transmission gains two additional gears and a lower final drive ratio so it’s quicker 0-60 than than previous generation car, but it’s still can’t keep up with the competition. One issue is the weight of the NX. While it helps to make it feel more luxurious, NX F Sport AWD tips the scales at over 4,000 pounds. That’s 350 more pounds than the 2022 BMW X1. As a result, it’s a few 10ths slower than the Bimmer which makes just 228 horsepower.
Once you get over that disappointment, there’s a lot to like about the new NX. The styling is more aggressive and looks great, especially with all the blacked out trim in the F Sport version. Every surface has been refreshed, and overall NX is longer, wider, and taller than the 2021 model. Up front, it has a new fascia with LED lights standard. My test car had triple beam headlamps with cornering lights. The side profile is smoother and more fluid. Both the side and roofline resolve nicely into the rear hatch which has replaced the Lexus badge with lettering, giving it a more contemporary feel.
While both the body and engine are new, it’s what’s inside that makes the biggest difference in the new NX. Let’s start with – hallelujah! – a new infotainment system. Gone is the dreaded track pad and in its place is a 14-inch touch screen (a 9.8-inch screen is standard). The U.S. designed system is easy to use, especially with the voice interface which recognizes natural language commands and can control everything from the HVAC, phone, and audio system, just by uttering the phrase, “Hey Lexus.” Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. It is a big step up from the old system and takes away one of the biggest deficiencies Lexus had to its German and American competitors, but it’s still not best in class. For some reason, Lexus chose not to allow for split screen functionality, so you can’t view the map and the radio at the same time for example. Also there are no shortcut hard buttons to get you quickly to the most used functions. Lexus describes the system as “voice first” and were I to own this car, I’d do my best to get really good at controlling it that way.
Interior design and materials are also significantly upgraded. Lexus traded cargo space for rear seat legroom so it’s more comfortable for full size adults back there. For those with a flamboyant streak, the red and black contrasting NuLuxe surfaces and silver trim in the F Sport offer a lot of flair. For those who prefer a more understated environment, you can order all black seating and door panels with silver trim. Either way, the whole interior has been elevated to the level we’ve come to expect from Lexus, making this car finally feel at par with the RX an LX. All the switches, knobs, dials an other touch points exude quality.
Technically, this NX is an F Sport “Handling” which means the suspension has been tuned to inspire confidence on back roads. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s overly stiff and uncomfortable. The ride is well balanced and as suitable for interstate cruising as it is for canyon carving thanks the the selectable drive modes. Steering is predictable and becomes heavier as you move from normal to sport and then sport plus, but like all electronic power steering systems, lacks feedback and feel. I found myself in sport and sport plus mode most of the time. I felt like the NX was livelier and more drivable in the aggressive throttle mapping and transmission settings. Even at its sportiest setting, however, the suspension was still supple enough to provide comfort you expect from a luxury vehicle.
The Lexus NX is available with front or all-wheel drive and comes in several trim levels in addition to the F Sport Handling: the base NX 250, with its 208 HP 4-cylinder engine, the NX 350 which has the same powertrain as the F-Sport but a more mainstream suspension set up. Finally there are two hybrid options, the 350h which is a mild hybrid and delivers 39 MPG combined and the more powerful plug-in variant, the 450h+ which can get from 0-60 in six seconds flat while achieving 37 MPG combined. This powertrain is available with all the F Sport Handling goodies and should satisfy any craving one has for a performance CUV. It does come at a price, for 2023 the 450h+ starts at $58,995 a full $10K more than the 350 F Sport I reviewed. Whether it’s worth the extra change is up to you.
2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Handling AWD
Four-door, five-passenger compact SUV
Base Price: $46,650
Price as tested: $55,325
Engine: 2.4-liter, aluminum DOHC inline 4-cylinder with turbocharger and intercooler
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters
Power: 275 HP @ 6,000 RPM
Torque: 317 lb.-ft. @ 1,700 – 3,600 RPM
Curb Weight: 4,035 lbs
0-60 MPH: 6.6 seconds
EPA MPG: 22 city/29 highway/ 25 combined using 91 octane
