Talking Cars with Consumer Reports #40: Lexus NX | Consumer Reports

[@MichaelD8393]

7:49 Tom was right, the NX is a big seller for Lexus. I see 'em on the road all the time, and I'm joining the club. I really like it.

[@ayeyah86]

Need a person between 20-30 on that show I love that spindle grille, Lexus market is young couple and that car is sporty yet family. These guys drank too much haterade

[@annieg7090]

I believe that I am the demographic to which Lexus is marketing the NX. I'm in my mid-30s. I have a steady career. I want a luxury car. My last two vehicles were Toyota Priuses, which were great. After that kind of mileage, it is very difficult to accept a car that's a gas guzzler. I thought about going with a different non-Toyota brand, but Lexus has the best hybrid lineup in luxury cars. I don't want a car that looks like it's for old people. The CT is too small to be practical for me. The NX is exactly what I am looking for. It is available in a hybrid, that gives about 35mpg. It's available in AWD (which is great because I live in a snowbelt). It'll easily stow my snowboarding equipment or bicycle. It has good leg room in the back. It has a nice, smooth ride. Good sound system. Most of all, it's GORGEOUS. I like the aggressive look. It looks fresh, young and in charge (exactly how I see myself/want others to perceive me). I've read that it doesn't have the power of some of it's counterparts. That doesn't bother me. It's not like I'm going to be racing it. If I could change one thing, the F Sport mesh-style grille would be on the hybrid version as well. The grille is the only part of the F-Sport version that I prefer to the hybrid version. Anyway, the point is - it's EXACTLY what I have been looking for. I think it will be a hit. To be clear, I have no affiliation with the brand. I just happen to disagree with a lot of the comments I've been reading and reviews I've heard. I thought there should be a comment from someone who fits the intended demographic.

[@XxXxXBig]

It's a very nice car in f sport model. Before you close on this. Drive the Nissan 2015 redesigned Murano similar design cues. Quality is getting near Infiniti regarding interior

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

We're in the same demographic/consumergraphic and we are cross shopping the NX, the new Murano, the X3, and soon to come 2016 RX and 2016 Q5. So far, the new Murano has our vote. It offers what we're looking for in a two-row AWD luxury CUV at an excellent price. Aside from the much smaller NX, which is comparably priced but much smaller and not as nice, all of the other vehicles mentioned are much higher priced.

[@nateawzom13]

Why do you guys hate the mouse pad so much I actually thought it was really easy and simple to use?

[@zklucsc]

As a younger people who use computer daily. I think the new touch pad is WAY BETTER than the older one that used on RX. I think as younger gen, this car is perfect. Maybe you guys should have some younger reviewers too. Just an suggestion

[@techdude6693]

I recently went from a 2013 328i Sport Line to a 2014 IS350 F sport. No regrets at all doing so. While I will say iDrive is superior to Enform, the way it drives and handles has blown me away. The engine while isn't a surging motor like the 335i and S4 has, it's more than quick enough. As a highway cruiser it's super quiet and smooth and it puts a smile on your face as you drive it hard. The IS250 on the other hand is just blah....

[@cadsux]

Last April, I traded in my 2004 Mazda3 hatchback for a certified used 2010 Mazda CX7 s GT awd for $20,000 with 25,000 miles on it. I enjoy the "soul of a sports car's" looks and dynamics, but not its mpg. I knew it had 17/23 mpg, but I'm getting 14 mpg in mixed driving, 17 mpg in all freeway driving. I've had more accurate numbers in the 2 previous Mazdas I've owned. Also, I'm concerned about the turbo engine's long term reliability. I've read some horror stories about this, and understand this thirsty engine led to it's successor, the CX5. I do let the engine idle for 30 seconds before shutdown and do not rev the engine high upon start. I drive about 6,000 miles a year, don't have a lead foot, and do have some hills around where I live. Should I trade this for a more fuel efficient used hatchback, wagon or compact crossover?

[@zachg9065]

Keep doing weekly shows. Love them!

[@kc5077]

Another great show! I don't understand why German and other luxury cars don't have touch screens? People pay more for touch screens on phones, tablets and computers. I've never heard anyone say "I'll pay extra for the knob system." I don't know why they can't provide a knob and a touch screen. Sub-$20k subcompacts can option touch screens.

[@justinclark5078]

Because reaching forward to the screen while you're driving is dangerous and distracting.

[@jenniferpenland8013]

Justin C 👍

[@JDMHaze]

Kamaka Chang yes bmw needs to stop it lol its getting shameful

[@jburi01]

Thank you guys for talking about the behind the scenes of your business/ industry.

[@DévBoxLife]

What’s the quietest cabin ride you can get for 25-30k? Or do you need to go beyond that range for a quiet ride? I've heard adding Dynamat or undercoating would help reduce the road noise. Have any of you tried this? I have a 2011 odyssey and am considering this option. Is there anything for wind noise? Here is my take: Japanese cars = Boring Americas = gotten pricy for giving you less with un-refined engines. Euro cars (appealing)= pricy with complex interiors and high maintenances. Cars I’ve owned: 93 Camry 05 scion tc 05 Toyota Tacoma 05 Camry 2011 Odyssey 2014 Subaru Outback Cars I’ve tested for quiet cabin: Dodge Dart/charger = great job on wind noise, bad on road noise Hunyadi genesis = highway speeds all the road noise comes in Dodge Ram = Very quiet and the hemi is awesome! But to big for a daily ride in LA.

[@BillAnderson1]

2015 Outback in an upcoming show???

[@93455Driver]

CR, please you are great! You are the only folks saying my Mk VI GTI is a better drivers car than the new Mk VII! You are helping my residual! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Please though, sad to say, I think we should hold fire until we get to drive the Mk VII with the performance pack, I think then we can honestly say if the MkVII brings it or whether some one should offer me big bucks for my always garaged MkVI :) (then I buy a RWD!).

[@aedean]

Can you discuss he upcoming newly designed prius for 2015? What do you guys want to see in the new model?

[@basketball798]

Why do so many people hate on the Camry? Its one good car!

[@SSC3034]

It's a good car if you don't really care much about cars since it's very reliable in the typical Toyota fashion and gets you where you need to go, but that's about it

[@rsxzx6r]

SSC3034 exactly...its a purpose car...people hate talk...but its sells like hot cakes...

[@XxXxXBig]

Poor car. Design is poor vs competition. Toyota hasn't stepped up there designs enough. Their lexus line up is now getting serious regarding design. Camry is fine for a family with kids that may ruin the car. Outside of that, cars like the sonata are putting a hurt on it.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

It's not that there's much to hate, there's just not much to love. It's great for the things that it's meant to be. Unfortunately, exciting isn't one of those things.

[@alpha7ization]

Robert LeBlanc What drives me nuts about Toyota is they can produce a LFA, but they can't or won't inject some sport into their so called S ( Corolla) and XSE ( Camry) models

[@cm6246]

I own an IS250S and recently purchased the NX. I consider it an upgrade from my 2006 IS and can't wait to receive it. I only agree that it's nothing like the RAV4.

[@ekoller]

Can you discuss minivans? Why are there no minivans with a Diesel engine in the US? Also, why does no one mention the Nissan quest when discussing minivans? You rate it #2!!

[@Slimecrazy234]

Do you have a larger photo of the video thumbnail? Looks so badass.

[@1chipmaynard]

Can you guys talk about your thoughts about the new WRX vs BRZ/FR-S? Everyone raves about the Toyobaru twins' amazing handling and drivability, but laments the lack of power. Does the WRX bring the power and have comparable handling?

[@randyrome4448]

Can someone from Consumer Report please tell me if the color of this NX200t F Sport is "Black" or "Starlight Black GF"?

[@93455Driver]

Great tips on auto-journalism. I wish I had the nerve and did not have the mortgage, would go for it. Not really up for flying around a track or even street driving, I really would like to work in the area of interpreting the data whether it be sales data, survey data, MPG etc., fascinating stuff and can be correlated to the journalist reviews in many cases.

[@7freddie7]

Hey guys, I've just started my first real grown up job, and it's made buying a new car in my reach for the first time. I don't yet have kids, but I'm interested in starting a family in the next few years, and I want to future proof because any new car I buy, I intend to keep for years. I'm considering getting a Subaru Outback, because I think the space could be great if I have kids. But is it worth the hit to gas mileage in comparison to a midsize sedan like an Accord, a Camry, or an Altima? MPGs are important to me. Advice appreciated. Thanks.

[@EvanderSmart]

The RX's younger, darker, more fun little brother. If you think it's ugly, it's because you're old and lame.

[@alpha7ization]

You don't have to be old and lame to think this grill is ugly, the consensus among most people is that it's ugly....5 years from now this will become so yesterday and Lexus will be on to yet another design language

[@npru9016]

I think the BMW I3 is a bad car. The steering wheel is way too low as is common for bmw. The seats are tight and that's saying something since i'm only 5'0. I wonder what you guys think of the bmw I3. Also what do you think of the c class wagon.

[@Darkender1988]

Unfortunately I think Tom's view of the interface on cars is starting to get a bit long in the tooth... He's reviewing the car as an older man. I have a 2014 IS350 and he also thinks the controls in that car are so confounding. ANY younger person or anyone with any computer experience has no problem operating any of the controls in my car. I'm guessing the same goes for the NX. You can't be afraid of change, it is beyond easy to operate the controls in any modern car.

[@fsugrad03]

Tom is in his mid to late 30s. Not many people younger than him can afford a lexus. His reviews and opinions are spot on! Keep it up Tom! !

[@tombourque7726]

fsugrad03 Really?!? I would guess he is in his upper forties.

[@andrewnprice]

Did you watch their video on car interfaces? Younger people are actually the ones that have most of the complaints with these systems in terms of flaws and user experience issues; as they actually use these systems to their full extent and push them to their limits. Additionally, I will remind you that they were talking about a Lexus; which is generally not a brand favored by anyone that is under 30 or has under 30k in their bank account. (Despite what Lexus might be intending for this vehicle.)

[@ryushishiratori2312]

fsugrad03 Bullshit.....

[@fsugrad03]

Tom Bourque Upper forties? Get some glasses!

[@mbahadig99]

when is the new rx350 ?

[@jamesedmunds6102]

Love the edge and aggressive of the new Lexus NXt and now the RC-F. Yes, its a Lexus, so i expect comfort. After all luxury means comfort. I don't want it stiff like a M4 and also deal w/ BMW reliability issues.

[@akshaychhabria7054]

The 2.4l engine in the Altima is nice although the CVT makes a whining noise every time you push the paddle. The car accelerates quicker than the camry maybe bec of linear acc of CVT but I hate the engine noise. On the other hand, the CVT in the accord is much much better than Nissan, NO NOISE, more gut and the car feels like a conventional automatic.

[@boovoo66]

hello cr I had a 2012 gti for 3 years and just got the 2015 im no car reviewer,but as someone who can understand steering feel and how a car drives( sporty or not) I have to say theres not a big change from the 12 to the 15....take it from someome who owed one for 3 years...lol but..one thing I will give you...the steering is alittle off not a lot but little..in terms of feel...but again still not bad..other than that same car...but with a lot more power ohhhhh and man can you feel that. ok im done. lol

[@kc5077]

If CR's videos don't have advertisements does that mean CR doesn't make anything from all these great KZbin videos?

[@Red_Bearded_Dad]

CR is advertising itself. These KZbin videos get the Consumer Reports name out there and into people's heads. I think you might be surprised at how many people check out the CR website out of curiosity from watching these videos.

[@12gloom]

thank you cr!

[@sobewisdom]

Need suggestion on my next car. I'm probably a car enthusiast's worst nightmare. I prefer comfort over sporting, but find most comfort geared cars ugly/boring looking. My previous cars: 2012 Odyssey- great ride, super ugly 2007 Rx350- great ride boring looking 2014 range rover sport - ride too harsh 2011 G37 coupe. Beautiful. Harsh ride and too much road/engine noise. 2006 mercedes slk. Noisy and bumpy ride My friends suggest audi s5, but concerned about reliability. IS350 seems like what I'm looking for but consumer reports gave pretty bad rating. Basically would love a car that looks like a G37 but rides like an rx350/odyssey.

[@andrewnprice]

If it is in you budget, and you don't need the space of a minivan anymore: some of the new Audi's look to be a huge step forward in terms or reliability, and you get a wagon for the extra practicality. To me they are really comfortable, but I tend to be a fan of the more Germanic idea of luxury.

[@sobewisdom]

Andrew Price Thanks, I'm really leaning towards the Audi S5. I've driven my friend's 335i before and found it uncomfortable.

[@kc5077]

Have you considered the A5? Wouldn't it be more comfortable than the S5's stiffer suspension? Along those lines the MB E-Class coupe and Buick Regal are nice, solid and comfortable.

[@sobewisdom]

Kamaka Chang What I've read the 2.0 four cylinder in the A5 tends to be noisier and needs higher revving than the 6 in the S5? I was imagining not using Sport mode in the S5 to reduce stiff suspension, but not having to rev higher with the v6. Maybe I'm completely off. I really like how MB drives, but prefer the look of Audis over MB. Just personal preference.

[@MaestroTJS]

I've driven the previous-generation ('07-'12) Altima and thought it was quite a nice car in comparison to most of its competitors. The same-era Camry seemed quite poorly-assembled and chintzy by comparison and while the Malibu drove nicer, it was really plasticky. I have only sat in the new one. Is it really worse? I have to agree with Mike in questioning what it is that Nissan stands for these days. They really don't seem to have a clear vision of the kind of automaker they want to be. Why they want to chase the bottom end of the market seems a little puzzling from a company which is, at the same time, trying to enhance its luxury image and engineering prowess (electric vehicles).

[@anotheran]

Lol. When ppl like your opinions they say you're right on. But when someone bought or loves a car you don't like they just say you don't care about sporty. But this car talk show really helps us know you guys and realize you like the drive but lots of factors decide what gets recommended by CR. For example ppl like you m235i review.

[@justinclark5078]

You guys re-opened a recently closed wound by mentioning the culling of Automobile Mag's staff! Maybe you should take on Ezra Dyer as your evil doppelgänger?

[@JAngelD89]

wow vin diesel lost a lot of weight

[@happy543210]

the stupid front grille is ridiculous. they should butcher the guy who came up with it!

[@ryushishiratori2312]

Trolls will keep on shitting troll comments..........

[@happy543210]

Ryushi Shiratori You should avoid using the word "shit", Ryushi SHITatori, if that is your real name!

[@brucec43]

The Volvo XC60 is bigger than the Q5, Mr. "expert". This includes shoulder room, curb weight, ground clearance, and a huge advantage in cargo area. The Q5 has a whopping 1" advantage in rear seat room. I'm sure the kids will appreciate that. If you can't figure out what size class these cars fall into, why should we accept your conclusions as to how it feels driving or living with them?

[@Jarl_69]

Good episode, but missed the Russian guy...

[@justinclark5078]

You mean Gabe Shenhar? I think he's Israeli.

[@mountainhobo]

You guys need to make it 30 minutes.

[@Romeo204FC3S]

Let's get one thing straight here, NX are made for your adult and you got old farts reviewing it. What type of response d'you think you're gonna get?? lol

[@mikesmith5375]

Driving the NEW GTI= WOW ABOUT TIME and don't forget the R coming up!

[@ludovicovongraf2100]

The Lexus NX300h is just a worse version of the newer Toyota Rav4 Hybrid (both mount the same engines and give same horsepower) but heavier (285 more pounds than the RAV4), worse safety scored than the RAV4 (at EuroNCAP, at the IIHS and at the NHTSA), less off road capable (the Lexus has a worse attack angle and lacks of spare wheel), with worse acceleration (one more second than the RAV4 to reach 60 mph), with a poorer towing capacity and far more expensive even with far fewer accesories or extras.

[@12gloom]

i hate it when this show ends

[@jtafoya88]

I like the grill on the regular NX more than on the F sport, but the F sport doesn't look that bad IMO. The Nissan Altima was good in the years of 2002 - 2010, the new ones are are average, if u want something much better get a new Mazda 6 and you'll thank me for it.

[@badimpulses17]

How about sticking to the subject.

[@dhowser2008]

I will stick to my Murano thanks! :)

[@Neno8403]

LOL.

[@freds4764]

Lexus and Acura IMO make the best vehicles for the money. You can not beat their reliability. I don't know what Lexus was thinking when they put that cheap looking black plastic around the wheel wheels. The nav screen looks like an afterthought. They designed the dash and than said whoops we forgot the nav screen so we will velcroed an aftermarket one on top of the dash. Both these are enough for me to keep my RX350. Shame because the rest of the vehicle looks great.

[@greglaurence7707]

Buttons look like they came out of 1990 es250.

[@angelanelsoncoach]

I currently have a 2007 IS250 and are ready to purchase a new car. If it wasn't for the ugly grill it would definitely be another Lexus. I just can't get past it.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

You'll have to switch brands then, because the spindle grill is the current corporate face of Lexus, across the board.

[@alpha7ization]

Robert LeBlanc yeah unfortunately that grill is not going away anytime soon.

[@Mabeylater293]

U guys are all over the place. One minute u call the nx one of the worst new cars, here u say nothing of the sort. U also don't inform the public of Renaults negative influence on reliability.

[@rickyay26]

Was going to pick up my GS after service and decided to take a look at the NX and all I'll say is, cheap hard plastics where ever you look.

[@djvnb]

Please have the russian dude next time!!!

[@andrewnprice]

I am fine with Lexus targeting a younger audience, but why does a car have to be so ugly to appeal to young people? I thought it was the geriatrics that had issues with their vision and not those that are closer to college than retirement. And as for the the whole Hybrid SUV thing: there is always the XV Crosstrek Hybrid! I mean sure it costs $4000 more than the regular version, comes with the mildest of mild hybrid systems (seriously it about as spicy as McDonald's version of salsa sauce), and only gives you an additional 2-3 MPG, but it is a hybrid and it comes in a really nice green color: so you can let all of your friends and neighbors know that you care about the environment.

[@ryushishiratori2312]

Oh look, someone who thinks that he has the most superior taste in the land ......... /s

[@MaestroTJS]

If people had good taste, SUV's/crossovers would not be popular. They are all ugly. Some only look decent by comparison to other, even uglier SUV's/crossovers, but almost all look like crap compared to a sedan or a wagon.

[@npru9016]

True but the industry is stupid. In the family car industry just go for a toyota sienna awd. if the industry was smart i would be able to fit 4 bags in the volkswagen tiguan. Just go for a porsche cayenne or mercedes ml.

[@andrewnprice]

Maestro_T Nicky Pruitt I want to agree with you, truly I do; as I am very much a car person (based on the sounds of things like you guys), and I feel like a lot of people purchase SUVs when they would be better off with a Minivan or Sedan. That said, there is a case to be made for crossovers in some circumstances. More specifically if you live in a cold weather climate or work in a job where you are expected to be able to reach your place of employment regardless of outside weather conditions (like a hospital): it is darn near impossible to get a small practical fuel efficient car with AWD in this country for under 30 grand. The lone exception to this is of course the WRX, but the 2015 model is only offered as a sedan (meaning if you want the practicality of a hatchback you are out of luck), its fuel economy is not that great (as all versions other than the STI come with the same 268hp H-4 engine), and it is actually more expensive than a similarly equipped Forrester; a vehicle which might I add gets around a 14% better return in fuel economy and is much less expensive to insure. After that you are stuck looking at Audi's, which while extremely well finished and practical, are relatively expensive; especially if you get any options on them and add AWD. While I will agree with you that the Sienna is a great choice for anyone looking for a practical vehicle that has a third row: most families don't need that level of accommodations, and the Sienna is almost a full 20" longer than a Forrester and 10" than an Outback, gets significantly worse gas mileage than both of those vehicles (due in part to the fact that it has a V6, although when compared the 3.6 Outback they are fairly comparable), and the Sienna is less enjoyable to drive. All of which makes it less than ideal city traffic and/or commuting. Beyond that it is also a great deal more expensive when compared to a Forrester or Outback with similar levels of equipment. (But this again relates to the fact that it is a much larger vehicle, does have a lot more options available, and due to how Toyota packages things on a tier based system.) Additionally while in a lot of cases a hatchback would make more sense than a SUV for people that do not need AWD: there are increasingly fewer of those available in this country, and many of those that are available have fairly restrictive access to the rear seats; making them less appealing for family vehicles due to how difficult it is to get a carseat in and out of the vehicle. (Admittedly some SUVs, like the Tiguan have this issue as well, but the aforementioned Forrester actually had the size of its doors increased during it last refresh.) Now to Mr. Pruitt's point, the industry is partially to blame for this; as they do offer more hatchbacks in other markets (like the Civic in Europe), and part of the reason that they don't do so here is because it would undercut their more lucrative SUV offerings. But some of that blame is also shared with consumer; as in the past when more hatchbacks and wagons were available: people just did not buy them. Regardless though, the fact remains that currently in the US if you want a compact hatchback, with decent rear access, and especially if you need AWD: crossover SUVs are about the only choice. And as to Maestro's point: I don't think all of them look terrible. The Tiguan kind of has a nice look to it (although it has reliability issues), the Audi's to me are actually still quite stylish in SUV form (but again rather pricey), and the Forrester, to me at least, is not terrible to look at; as much like wagons the its design language is very much predicated on a case of form follows function.

[@andrewnprice]

Ryushi Shiratori Hey I have asked a few of my friends that own SUVs what they think of that thing... and none of them have liked it either; so I don't believe I am the only one that feels that way. However, I get that it is supposed to be polarizing (which I suppose is a step in the proper direction for Lexus), and it is not going to be everyone's taste. That said, even the Consumer Reports guys have commented on the fact that Lexus' new corporate grill is not doing them any favors. (Especially on F-Sport models.)

[@tombourque7726]

Bland,boring, white bread,Old Navy khaki wearing reviewers. It's because of reviewer's like this we have a ton of beige and silver Camry's on the road.

[@CaydenLudlow]

UGH Tom Blabber mouth again

[@GamersTrue]

Frst

[@morrisuddin356]

i would rather buy a hummer!