Specifications of Lexus NX (AZ10 facelift 2017) 300h (197 HP) Hybrid AWD Automatic
General characteristics of Lexus NX (AZ10 facelift 2017) 300h (197 HP) Hybrid AWD Automatic
The NX is classified as a compact luxury crossover SUV and posts dimensions similar to those of the Acura RDX and Toyota RAV4. The total length of all configurations is 182.7 inches, the width is 83.9 inches, and the height is 64.8 inches. The NX rolls on a 104.7-inch wheelbase, which is almost four inches less than its competitor; the Acura RDX that measures in at 108.3 inches. In its front-wheel-drive configuration, the NX crossover SUV tips the scales with a curb weight of 3,940 pounds. Going for the all-wheel-drive version will see that weight go up to 4,050 pounds. Hybrid models are the heaviest at 4,180 lbs.
The NX's shapely body looks great in almost every color, and Lexus offers a range of interesting hues that make the most of the NX's curves. The base model is available in your choice of seven exterior colors: Atomic Silver, Nebula Gray Pearl, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, and Nori Green Pearl. Cadmium Orange and Eminent White Pearl are extra-cost options. The NX 300 F Sport adds Obsidian as a standard option, with Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 as an extra-cost one. e Caviar, Eminent White, and Nori Green fall away, though. Blue Vortex metallic is no longer available in 2021. We'd go for the F Sport purely because Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 looks so cool.
The NX's shapely body looks great in almost every color, and Lexus offers a range of interesting hues that make the most of the NX's curves. The base model is available in your choice of seven exterior colors: Atomic Silver, Nebula Gray Pearl, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, and Nori Green Pearl. Cadmium Orange and Eminent White Pearl are extra-cost options. The NX 300 F Sport adds Obsidian as a standard option, with Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 as an extra-cost one. e Caviar, Eminent White, and Nori Green fall away, though. Blue Vortex metallic is no longer available in 2021. We'd go for the F Sport purely because Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 looks so cool.
As with most competitors in this class, Lexus sticks with a small-capacity turbocharged engine. In this case, it's a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine developing 235 hp and 258 lb-ft. Power is sent to the front, or all four wheels, via a six-speed auto transmission, with the AWD version being the quickest off the line. As with so many of its kind, this engine and transmission combo provides excellent low to mid-range torque but can fall out of the power band due to the small turbocharger running out of steam higher up in the rev range. This is fine for city driving, and in higher gears, the NX pulls strongly on the highway, but don't expect a performance SUV, even in F Sport trim. The F Sport does offer two extra driving modes, though - Sport S and Sport S+ - which change throttle response, but power figures remain the same. Hybrid models are stuck with a naturally-aspirated Atkinson cycle 2,5-liter engine and three electric motors. This setup produces 194 hp combined and feels slower than the competition. Power is sent to all four wheels via a CVT transmission.
Despite its relatively high curb weight, the efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the NX returns acceptable gas mileage but isn't as good as some rivals. According to the EPA, the FWD 2021 Lexus NX 300 will return a commendable 22/28/25 mpg, while the AWD car will manage 22/28/24 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycle. The F Sport sees a further dip to 22/27/24 mpg. The Acura RDX, by comparison, will manage best figures of 22/28/24 mpg, and the naturally-aspirated Toyota RAV4 will beat both with 28/25/30 mpg. With a 15.9-gallon fuel tank, the gas-only NX can cover a maximum distance of 398 miles on a single fillup. The NX Hybrid drastically improves on those numbers, returning 33/30/31 mpg. With a 14.8-gallon fuel tank on board, the Hybrid should see a maximum range of 459 miles.
The interior spaces of vehicles in this class are as far-flung from traditional off-road SUVs as you can get. There are no extra grab handles and hard rubber flooring. Instead, you get sleek styling, plush carpets, and luxury materials. The interior of the NX is a stylish place to sit in, but we'd expect nothing less from Lexus. The material choices are impressive, and even the synthetic leather proffered on the base trim feels close to the real thing. We did spot a few hard plastic bits, but even those were of good quality. The dashboard layout is ergonomic in the sense that it is easy to reach the controls from both the driver and passenger side, but we feel that there's a clutter of buttons that can get difficult to navigate while driving. The features list is good, however, and Luxury models feel precisely as the name suggests.
There's enough space for five occupants within the confines of the Lexus NX's cabin. The head and legroom in the front are ample, and six-footers should not find any problems getting comfortable. Front passengers get ten-way power-adjustable seats as standard and the driver has access to a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel. The standard seats are great for everyday use, but the F Sport seats add a bit of extra bolstering for those who desire a bit more support. In the rear, things get a bit tighter. The rear legroom is decent, but the NX's sloping roofline can impede taller occupants from having a relaxing time. Visibility out the front is good, the driving position is elevated and confident, and the overall space is good.
Lexus is a luxury brand and, as such, doesn't skimp on standard features. The base model features tech and luxury equipment including SmartAccess with push-button start, an illuminated entry system, dual-zone climate control with a smog sensor and automatic recirculation mode, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, and remote engine start. The F Sport adds a perforated leather shift knob and heated steering wheel, F Sport front seats with enhanced bolsters, a black headliner, aluminum pedals, and active sound control. Luxury variants add a perforated leather interior, a Lexus memory system for the driver, heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof. All models get driver assistance tech such as pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, a rearview camera, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, dynamic radar cruise control, intelligent high beams, lane departure warning with steering assist, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic assist.
