How safe is the 2022 Lexus NX? Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC40 SUV rival gets top marks in safety rating after crash test

Buyers in the premium medium SUV segment now have another safe option to consider.

The Lexus NX mid-size SUV has just achieved a five-star rating from the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).

While the NX was crash tested by Euro NCAP, the Australian vehicle safety watchdog carried across the top score and it covers all variants of the new Lexus - that’s all petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid grades.

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ANCAP said the NX performed well in the tests that assess child occupant safety, scoring 89 per cent.

Driver and front passenger protection also got a tick, with 91 per cent overall score for adult occupant protection.

The NX is fitted with a front centre airbag that helps prevent injuries to the driver and front passenger’s upper body in the event of a side impact.

Under ANCAP’s vulnerable user protection tests the NX scored 83 per cent.

But it did much better in the safety assist category, with an overall score of 92 per cent.

ANCAP chief executive Carla Hoorweg praised Lexus for its standard active safety features.

“Lexus has provided an impressive suite of safety features and active safety equipment in its latest NX model,” she said.

The NX’s auto emergency braking (AEB) system can detect other vehicles and pedestrians when turning, as well as cyclists.

This system can also detect and try and avoid collisions with motorcycles.

The second-generation NX went on sale in February this year and is priced from $60,800 before on-road costs for the NX250 petrol front-wheel drive and tops out at $89,900 for the plug-in hybrid NX450h+ all-wheel drive F Sport.