The Lexus NX is a vehicle of firsts for the luxury brand from Toyota. It was the first compact crossover from Lexus, the first with a turbocharged engine, and the first example of a more extreme design language. This new, aggressive exterior styling is now showing up on other Lexus models, like the new RX 350 F Sport we tested earlier this month.
While some won’t like the big, “hourglass” grille up front, it’s starting to grow on others as it sets itself apart from the crowd. Over the weekend, we drove the hybrid variant, the 2016 Lexus NX 300h.
What’s New For 2016?
New for 2015, the Lexus NX carries over unchanged for 2016 except for some new colors and expanded smartphone capability.
Features & Options
The 2016 Lexus NX 300h ($41,310) comes loaded with luxury features like eight-way power front seats, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 8-speaker premium audio, HD Radio, rear climate vents, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. It also comes with 17-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED foglights/running lights/taillights, rear privacy glass, heated mirrors, and keyless ignition and entry.
Options on this tester included the Premium package ($2,670) that adds 18-inch wheels, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and driver memory settings. The Navigation package ($1,875) included a navigation system as well as the Remote Touch electronics interface, two additional speakers, voice controls, and various Lexus Enform smartphone-integrated apps.
Other options included auto-dimming outside mirrors, power rear hatch, leather heated steering wheel, and illuminated door sills.
Total MSRP including destination: $47,818.
Interior Highlights
The NX interior is the strong point with a level of craftsmanship not typically found in a small, luxury crossover. The 2-tone leather interior with Dark Umber trim and light stitching is stylish and attractive. We especially liked the lighter colored seats that were cooler on warm days. If we did get too warm, we turned on the ventilated seats – they worked like a charm too.
The leather seats in front and back are noticeably soft and extremely comfortable. The seats aren’t elevated like in other crossovers, which increases headroom and gives the driver and passengers the unique sensation of driving a typical sedan.
There’s lots of legroom and headroom in the back and the NX feels like a bigger vehicle than it is. Lexus gave rear passengers plenty of room, but had to take it away from the cargo area. There’s 16.8 cubic feet with the seats up and 53.7 cubic feet of total cargo carrying volume, which falls short of the competition. There is storage under the cargo floor for valuables you want to keep out of sight, however.
Visibility suffers because of the raked roof, but large outside mirrors and a backup camera make up for it.
Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The NX 300h is powered by a hybrid power plant using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors. Total combined output is 194 horsepower. The hybrid system is mated to a electronically controlled Continuously Variable automatic transmission (ECVT).
EPA estimates are 33/30 city/highway mpg and 32 combined with all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
Other than the annoying drone from the ECVT automatic transmission, the cabin in the NX 300h is quiet and comfortable. When it’s in EV mode, it’s eerily quiet if you don’t have the radio turned up. The NX’s hybrid system is designed for efficiency, rather than performance. Acceleration is good for most driving situations – less than the NX 200t, but the 300h is the mileage champ.
It does feature a kickdown switch for an extra burst of power when you need it.
The 300h features an EV mode that allows it run on full-electric at low speeds (under 30 mph) for up to a mile. We stayed in EV most of the time while navigating through parking lots and in stop-and-go traffic this weekend.
The hybrid-powered NX 300h behaves very much like the gas-powered NX 200t but doesn’t have the power off the line. Overall, the 300h has sporty driving dynamics and handled the tight mountain corners well in our area. The larger, 18-inch wheels look cool, but the ride suffers a little and they don’t soak up the bumps as well as the standard, 17-inch aluminum wheels.
Conclusion
The 2016 Lexus NX 300h looks a little different than other crossovers because it is. It features bold exterior styling that won’t appeal to everyone. Once you step inside, however, the cabin will win you over with it’s extra attention to detail, luxury, and quality. The NX is a good alternative to other cookie-cutter, five-passenger crossovers. It features excellent fuel economy, impeccable cabin quality, eye-catching styling, and a sporty driving experience.
*Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
Video courtesy of Lexus College
Some F Sport models shown in above photos
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