Lexus NX In-Depth Review 2022 - Most Refined Hybrid SUV?

BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A LEXUS NX FROM OSV - bit.ly/3NRruUu
With this second generation NX, Lexus has brought us a strikingly styled premium mid-sized SUV that's unafraid to go its own way when it comes to cars of this kind. It's still one of the only models in its class that can't be ordered in diesel form, offering instead a beautifully refined and highly efficient petrol/electric hybrid powertrain, now available in PHEV Plug-in as well as self-charging forms. If you're choosing in this segment, most of the magazines will tell you to buy something German. But if this revitalised NX appeals, you may well feel that you know better. And you could be right.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00​​​​ Introduction
00:51 Background
02:51 Driving Experience
16:51 Design & Build
34:00 Market & Model Range
59:04 Cost of Ownership
01:13:54 Summary
Background
At last, Lexus seems to have sorted out its SUV and drivetrain strategy. The brand has never had a properly-sized mid-shaped model similar in aspiration and shaping to key premium models like the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes GLC. The company's first generation NX crossover wasn't quite big enough to fill that role, but it was just a little too large and pricey to fill the compact premium SUV niche now taken by the smaller Lexus UX. This second generation NX, in contrast, is a direct Q5 and GLC rival, also taking on cars like the BMW X3 and the Jaguar F-PACE on equal terms.
All of these models now offer a plug-in hybrid option, something no Lexus in history has ever provided. Well this second generation NX can give you that too - if you don't want its standard self-charging hybrid powertrain. In short, this car looks a rejuvenated proposition.
Driving Experience
Most NX sales will be of the standard self-charging hybrid NX 350h model, which as before uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol electric engine. This car though, uses a re-engineered fourth generation hybrid system offering 241bhp (20% more power than the previous version of this engine could produce). As before, sales are focused across the range on AWD versions. The extra power means a 15% improvement in acceleration, so 62mph from rest in the 350h AWD takes 7.7s. Plus this MK2 NX will handle the turns better thanks to a stiffer body shell, a 20mm lower centre of gravity, better weight balance and increased track width at each end. Professional racing drivers were apparently used to tune the handling responses.
This time round, there's also an alternative NX model, the NX 450h+ plug-in variant which uses the same PHEV powertrain we've already tested in the Toyota RAV4 and the Suzuki Across. Here, a 182bhp 2.5-litre normally aspirated four cylinder engine is paired with a 180bhp electric motor on the front axle and a further 54bhp motor on the rear axle. That means a total power output of 305bhp, channelled through permanent 4WD, with a 0-62mph time of just 6.3s. The motors are powered by an 18.1kWh battery which when fully charged has an electric driving range of up to 47 miles and can run at speeds of up to 83mph.
Design and Build
This second generation NX takes the styling themes established with the brand's smaller UX crossover and interprets them into a slightly larger size, with various cues from the first generation NX model. Owners of the original car might notice and find familiarity with the complex side surfacing, the signature Lexus front grille and the 'kick up' around the rear C-pillar. There's a neat tailgate arrangement that sees the rear lamps adopt a slim wraparound signature over the rear bodywork. Most significantly, this MK2 NX is quite a lot larger than its predecessor. The overall length is now 4,660mm, 20mm more than before, making this car now only about 2cm shorter than an Audi Q5. This NX is now also 20mm wider and 5mm taller than before. Under the skin is the same TNGA-K chassis used in the Toyota RAV4.
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#LexusNX #LexusNXReview #OSVCarReviews

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Are you a fan of the new NX? 👍 or 👎

[@kingneptune886]

👍🏼

[@kjetillura2570]

👍

[@wuming9151]

👍

[@robinholmescnx]

Absolutely👍

[@beardedprince4942]

👍🏻

[@chillout1109]

I love these hour long reviews. So detailed. So informative. Thank you.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching! 🙏 Would you consider getting the NX?

[@beri232]

So sleeeeepy

[@bollpierre116]

Sold ! Expecting mine this Friday! Thanks for your detailed analysis!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

We hope you enjoy your new Lexus, Boll! If you enjoyed the review, make sure to subscribe: bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@CambridgePLettings]

The most clear comprehensive review. Thank you

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching! If you're interested in getting the NX, we supply every make and model in the UK and would be happy to help. Get in touch on 01903 538835 or click here - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

This Lexus will be far more reliable than any of it's German competitors making it a far more appealing choice for me. They really have stepped up the game with this car. Loved the amazing in depth review, thank you!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Eamonn, glad you enjoyed the review! Make sure to subscribe for more in-depth reviews of the newest cars - bit.ly/319ZKoT​

[@mahistokes8758]

You explain things very clearly. Thank you. As a result of your presentation, I am hoping to go to my local garage to consider a test drive and possible purchase.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the feedback! That's great news, we have a team of Vehicle Specialists who can find you a great price on this vehicle, arrange any finance and of course delivery, so please do reach out to us by completing our enquiry form bit.ly/39YHCml

[@mitadoc]

Thank you for the meticulous and profound knowledgeable review. I am waiting for my NX350h F sport since mid of Feb and so far the estimated delivery date is end of Sep.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Not too long now Dimitar! You've made a great choice with the NX 👍What made you choose this vehicle in the end?

[@aussie8114]

Being old school I would prefer the turbo Fsport model available here. I have a top spec 2023 CX5 turbo now and considering going up the ladder to an NX but there are things I prefer about the CX5 to the NX even though the exterior build is better on a Lexus.

[@kingneptune886]

Great work, this gentleman is a presenter of the highest quality. Can I ask if you guys have ever got the opportunity to get access to Acuras? I am aware it is hard outside North America but it would be nice to see your thoughts!

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the great feedback! Sadly not, which Acura do you have your eye on?

[@olatzaizpuru2543]

Hi. I`m reading that the NX's Digital Key isn't working/isn't available in Europe. Is that the case?

[@tectoramia-sz1lu]

We are still trying to decide what to replace our IS300h with this year. It won't be a new car, probably something a couple of years old, so we'll no doubt miss out on this particular NX. I'm not a great fan of SUV's so may even go for an ES300h....So many choices.

[@ZE4MC]

WOW Great review! USA owner here. bought an NX350h love it- faster than I thought- its my daily driver - not its not the most "dynamic" but doesnt need to be- its not its purpose. I have a BMW M2 for going out and driving in the hills. But this is perfect for daily use and pretty efficient. My only misgivings: 1> Great gas mileage but not the 41 MPG that USA regulators gave it. (I get avg 35- other owners have said the same thing) 2> Infotainment MMI is good but not great - for the size of the screen it could have been a bit easier and more intuitive. 3> and I paid $60,000 not terrible but pretty pricey against some newer competition. But its a great vehicle comfortable and smooth as butter. Thanks for the review.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Many thanks for watching and for your honest review of the NX model, De. Fantastic to hear you are enjoying your Lexus!

[@maciektyfel-aczkowski518]

Regarding the fuel usage it depends on the kind od drive, the speed, is it in a congested city or on a highway, is it summer or winter etc. Here in Poland people claim that the fuel usage is between 5 to 9 l/100km. The highest one is during wintertime and on a highway with the speed of 140 km/h

[@parveshpoeran8036]

great review...do you think it's a miss that the instrument cluster doesn't have navigation?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching Parvesh! It's a bit of a shame, hopefully this functionality will be added in a future software update 👍

[@parveshpoeran8036]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Can't wait for the next review!!!

[@bondjamesbond9041]

A proper luxury car. Better than the German brands by far. Good review

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks Mr Bond! Why do you prefer the NX to the German alternatives?

[@bondjamesbond9041]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Back in the day of the Mercedes Benz 190e/w123/w124, Mercedes Benz produced very well engineered cars and were the very best. BMW were also well engineered but were always second best in my opinion. Audi were OK. Today this is no longer the case as the aforementioned manufacturers perform poorly in car reliability surveys and the dealer service is so so. Also I would never buy a VW brand product due to the dreadful way that they handled the diesel gate scam. Lexus offer a well engineered product, are very well put together and test their cars to the nth degree to make them the best engineered cars for the money. The end result is a very well designed and refined car. The dealer service is also the best. That is why in my opinion only Lexus gives the customer a true luxury car experience. Sorry to go on but those are my reasons. Thankyou.

[@michaelvella8511]

Smaller then the rivals though......

[@ejones3157]

We have placed our order, told itll be 7-8 months. A bit off topic but what coat is that you are wearing?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Great choice! What made you go with the NX in the end? (sorry not sure about the coat)

[@ejones3157]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply the combination of luxury, reliability and fuel efficiency. The inflated used ca prices pushed us to buy new also.

[@jonessenoj6753]

Just to clarify the rear seats recline ?

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Hi Jone, the rear seats split fold in a 60/40 arrangement. Are you thinking about getting an NX?

[@joey-pn3xe]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Haha you didn't actually answer. The answer is yes the rear seats to recline as well as fold 60/40

[@hassana22]

👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for watching Rzgar! What are your thoughts on the NX?

[@jasonyu6649]

CVT is a pain to live with if your driving style is a bit more aggressive, yet with a little bit skills such as building up the revs, and planning your moves better, then it would be more bearable

[@jackreza504]

These don't have true cvts

[@jasonyu6649]

@@jackreza504 we see improved versions of CVTs here, as latest Toyotas/Lexi do have a gear to assist a more responsive start from still

[@itsm3th3b33]

How do you build up the revs with a CVT?

[@jasonyu6649]

@@itsm3th3b33 be patient, no need to flat out. Slightly deeper throttle to signal to the CVT that you want more speed from it then it would respond by accelerating with a little more revs

[@itsm3th3b33]

@@jasonyu6649 I don't think you understand how a CVT works. The revs stay constant (within a very small ideal operating range). There is no way to "build up the revs". Speed is increased by varying the gear ratio. You can't rev the engine like in a manual or even in a conventional automatic.

[@jackreza504]

I'm sorry, but you are off and providing incorrect information. The top trim nx450h does not have a panoramic roof option. None of the nx450h models come with a panoramic roof. It is not an option. Additionally, you referenced Mark Levinson as an option on the 450h and you panned out to show the sound system, but that vehicle comes with the 10 speaker pioneer. That is not a ML setup. The mark Levinson is not an option on the 450h. Lastly, The color of the tester vehicle is called cloudburst gray. I'm not sure what you called it, but it was definitely incorrect.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for raising this, Jack. Sadly, specs change all the time and we can only give details as they are at the point of filming. You do get a sunroof with the top-spec Takumi model. Hope this helps clarify things 👍

[@jackreza504]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply no it does not. The information provided was wrong at all times, please read my comment again. It should help you. None of the Lexus agents in Texas told you otherwise, whether this was filmed in 2021 or 2022. Wrong all the color, wrong on the mark levinson, wrong video captured on the pioneer thinking that it's Mark Lev, wrong information about getting more Pleasanton on the 450h, and wrong information about getting panoramic sun food on the 450h. No Lexus or Toyota agents when giving information for the summer of 2021. Take care and good luck.

[@joey-pn3xe]

The colour is Sonic grey. I've got the same on my 450h+

[@beri232]

We don’t get the Mark Levinson or pano moonroof on the top tiered NX450H+ here in Canada

[@aussie8114]

Options and colour names vary depending on country and times. Not sure why the need to have different names for the colours in different countries but they do.

[@chrispnw2547]

Once you have experienced the bullet-proof ZF 8-speed transmission, nothing else compares short of a single gear EV for smooth power delivery.

[@joey-pn3xe]

Are they the ones used by BMW?

[@ramatgan1]

The first Lexus the LS400 was beautiful and elegant. All these cars are now to extreme looking and ugly.

[@dimekoza]

You went all over the place with naming this car's competitors, sorry but that's not accurate. The Mark Levinson Audio System is NOT available on ANY trim level on the 450h+ due to technical limitations.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thanks for the feedback. All information is correct at the time of recording so it's possible specs have changed since our assessment. For up-to-date details please contact our team 👍

[@itsm3th3b33]

Pretty comprehensive review. Too much talking. Would have liked the use of more charts and diagrams.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Thank you for your feedback 👍 We'll take this on board.

[@daweigo6851]

No spares tyre😮

[@JavedKhan-ox5qe]

lovely jk i will buy one

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

That's great to hear Javed! We'd be more than happy to help get you behind the wheel of your perfect NX. Get in touch with our team on 01903 538835 or click here to book a call at a convenient time - bit.ly/3soFVbF

[@marin313]

Way way way too many words. Unnecessarily long. Very poor use of pictures. Jumping about all over the place without any constructed sequences. Script written for print not video. I am just hearing jaw jaw jaw but not getting any real sense of the car.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Appreciate the feedback Tim. As you know we're always looking to improve our content so we'll take this on board 👍

[@adha2913]

Why do the Japanese go with the terrible CVT and such old-fashioned interiors? Horrible car.

[@scaldon2]

Why are German cars unreliable pieces of crap ?

[@adha2913]

@@scaldon2 Have you seen the huge number of recalls on the Japanese garbage?

[@wyw201]

@@adha2913 Don't see any recalls on E-CVTs. These are bulletproof.

[@kingneptune886]

@@adha2913 Honestly, you've got to see recalls as a way the manufacturer is willing to take responsibility for known issues. I have owned Volkswagens, An Audi and a BMW, and each had problems that were well known but refused to do recalls instead they chose to "inspect" at the next service interval in the case of VAG and BMW just ignored everybody. My parents have had a Lexus and a Honda and they've had calls to please come by on both, and the Lexus was even taken on a flatbed. So yeah, don't stress about recalls.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

Wrong. The new Lexus interiors are very up to date and extremely well made. Far better than the German brands due to reliability and customer service.

[@RLTtizME]

You talk funny.

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

Glad we could humour you! Interested in getting an NX?

[@RLTtizME]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply Oh fooey....I just bought a Bentley. Maybe next time. Cheers and tah tah.

[@bondjamesbond9041]

@@RLTtizME Bentleys are money pits.

[@RLTtizME]

@@bondjamesbond9041 I got the cash sweetie...there is no pit big enough hon.

[@RLTtizME]

I am lying of course. Sucka.

[@beri232]

Listening to this guy add extra lib into just about every sentence he spews is nauseating.

[@andyml1]

Many thanks for a thorough and comprehensive review….ordered my 350h F Sport 6 months ago….just another 5 months to wait I understand…🫤

[@OsvUkVehicleSupply]

You have the patience of a saint, Andy! What made you choose the NX over other models?

[@andyml1]

@@OsvUkVehicleSupply already have a 16 plate 300h F Sport that I’m pleased with but the significant improvements of the new version were enough to tempt me. I’m happy with my Lexus experience over all, apart from my current car’s awful Nav and radio system, and if I’d ordered another marque I’d still have to wait a similar time or worse I imagine…