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Although the Lexus NX shares its mid-size SUV platform with the Toyota RAV4, it has much loftier aspirations.
Introduced in 2015, the NX has become one of Lexus’s top selling nameplates. It competes alongside rivals in the premium segment like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Jaguar F-Pace and Audi Q5.
Currently the NX ranges from the $63,400 NX250 2WD to the $95,900 NX450H+ F Sport + EP2 Phev AWD.
The NX has always been available with parent company Toyota’s Hybrid tech on at least one variant in the range. The NX was available from launch with either a 2.0-litre turbo or a 2.5-litre hybrid, both petrol in front- or all-wheel drive.
The interior of the Lexus NX is pleasant and feels well-built with flush joinery, thick soft touchpoints and premium materials throughout.
Seating is comfortable and well-padded, cabin noises are at a minimum and everything is user-friendly.
The dashboard is headlined by a 9.8-inch touchscreen multimedia display but is upgraded to a 14-inch display on higher grades.
Standard accessories in the Lexus NX include keyless entry/ start, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing LED lights, daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, a leather steering wheel, a reversing camera, front/rear parking sensors, a powered tailgate, electric front seats with heating, a power-adjustable steering wheel column, a touchscreen multimedia display, four USB-C ports, two 12-volt sockets and a wireless charging pad.
All Lexus NX grades have the same 520L of boot capacity available. The boot has a level loading space with an underfloor compartment for small item storage and a powered tailgate is standard.
Although both these cars are similar in many ways, there’s one area where they take difference philosophies. And that’s in the way their hybrid systems are configured and prioritised.
While the Lexus is more of a conventional hybrid with the electric motor doing a lot of the heavy lifting, the Volvo is what’s called a mild hybrid., As the name suggests, that means the electric power is limited to a 10kW boost when taking off or when the driver requires maximum acceleration.
A mild hybrid layout does still operate the stop-start function and can harvest energy when slowing down, so it’s still a worthwhile slice of tech, but it won’t affect fuel consumption as much as the Lexus’ full hybrid system.
Reliability is a bit of an unknown with any new car, but it’s fair to say that the Lexus’ reputation will count for something come trade-in time. Not to mention that, as the more hybrid-focussed of the pair, the Lexus might also be a little more future-proof.
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It seems off that the steering wheel should be heavily worn in such a short time, which suggests that there is a design or production quality issue with it. I suggest you check as many other NX200t cars as you can find to see if it is a common problem, and make a direct approach to Lexus for help in replacing the wheel.
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There are lots of fresh contenders in that class, including the Porsche Macan — which has an 18-month waiting list. The pick is the Land Rover Discovery Sport. I give it The Tick and rate it well ahead of the NX for comfort, quietness and class.
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The Lexus NX250 has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which produces up to 152kW of power and 247Nm of torque.
The Lexus NX350h F Sport has a 2.5L four-cylinder petrol engine and single electric motor, which produce up to 179kW of power, but Lexus doesn't quote the combined torque figure.
The Lexus NX450h+ F Sport has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with dual electric motors, which produce up to 227kW of power, but Lexus doesn't quote the combined torque figure.
The Lexus NX is offered with five seats in a 2/3 configuration.
All models enjoy electric front seats with heating, and on base models a synthetic leather upholstery is standard.
Cooling functionality and leather upholstery in a variety of colours are available on higher grades.
The rear seat has a 60/40 split and features a fold-down armrest with two cupholders.
None of the Lexus NX grades have an official 0-100km/h sprint time, but the NX250 can achieve it in around eight seconds, and the NX350h F Sport can do it in around seven seconds. The NX450h+ F Sport can manage it in around 6.3 seconds.
Top speeds sit around 200km/h.
The Lexus NX250 has an official combined fuel cycle figure of 6.9L/100km and a 55L fuel tank, giving it a theoretical driving range of up to 797km.
The Lexus NX350h F Sport has an official combined fuel cycle figure of 5.0L/100km and a 55L fuel tank, giving it a theoretical driving range of up to 1100km.
The Lexus NX450h+ F Sport has up to 87km of pure-electric driving range, and and official combined fuel cycle figure of 1.3L/100km and a 55L fuel tank — but real-world figures wouldn't reflect the theoretical '4230km' driving range that would give you.
A minimum of 95 RON unleaded petrol is recommended for all models.