Used 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX is a small luxury SUV that’s received a wider range of engines, including a plug-in hybrid, and long overdue updates to its infotainment system.

While the new NX doesn’t look dramatically different from the 2021 model, these changes give this Lexus SUV a big boost in competing against rivals like the BMW X3, Acura RDX, and Volvo XC60.

One of the most frustrating flaws with the outgoing NX was the touchpad controller for the infotainment system. It was extremely tricky to use on the center console, especially when trying to stay focused on the road ahead.

This system is relegated to the Lexus history books, however, because the 2022 NX is now offered with either a 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen. Additionally, many commands can be executed via voice using the “Hey, Lexus” prompt. Tell it you’re cold, for example, and it will warm the cabin.

There are now four engine choices on offer, including a hybrid variant and a new-for-2022 plug-in hybrid that offers an estimated 36 miles of electric driving range. All-wheel (AWD) drive is standard on all but the NX 250, the base model.

Driving comfort and a hushed cabin were hallmarks of the previous NX — the Lexus brand’s 2nd-best-selling model — and that is still the case with this all-new version. And with twice as many powertrains to choose from, the 2nd-gen NX now has even wider appeal.

With the all-new 2022 NX, Lexus has not only doubled down on the choice of powertrains it is offering buyers, but is also doubling down on its hybrid variants. Whereas you could only get the prior NX with either a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or as a hybrid, this new model gives you a choice of four powertrains, two of which are hybrids.

The NX 250 with the base engine is the most affordable but conversely least exciting. It has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder — the standard engine in the NX’s mainstream cousin, the Toyota RAV4. Its 203 horsepower and 8-speed automatic transmission get the job done for general commuting duties, but with a 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds in front-wheel drive (FWD) form or 8.6 seconds with all-wheel drive (AWD), don’t go looking to drag race.

Far more peppy is the NX 350, which packs a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 275 horsepower under the hood. Lexus pairs the NX 350 with a snappy 8-speed transmission. This turbo powertrain enables the NX to be a zippy grocery getter in the city and instills passing confidence when cruising at highway speeds. Moreover, it slices a full 2 seconds off that 0-60 mph time everyone cites. Another perk: Like the hybrid models we’ll talk about next, the NX 350 comes standard with traction-enhancing all-wheel drive.

The lowercase “h” in the NX 350h designates “hybrid,” and again, similar to its Toyota cousin, this NX hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors. Here it brings a combined 239 horsepower to the party. It’s quick with a 7.2-second 0-60 mph time, yet also comfortable and quiet. In addition to greater fuel efficiency, another benefit of a hybrid powertrain such as this is the effortless assistance of those electric motors. They work like a secret handshake with the gasoline engine to provide smooth acceleration and passing confidence. The NX hybrids use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It can drone at times, but Lexus has otherwise done a good job of keeping things hushed.

Perhaps the biggest news in the latest NX lineup is the NX 450h+ — Lexus’ first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). This powertrain also does double duty, serving as the motivator for the Toyota RAV4 Prime. And that is not a bad thing. This pairing of a 2.5-liter engine and electric motors generates a total of 302 horsepower and has a battery pack large enough to enable an estimated 36 miles of electric-only range. This makes it both efficient and the most powerful of the NX models, with the ability to scoot to 60 mph in 6 seconds.

What all 2022 Lexus NX models have in common are manners that favor comfortable commuting rather than backroad blazing. It is a true younger brother to the Lexus RX — comfortable, confident, and quiet. It has a bit more athleticism and flair than its larger sibling, but otherwise follows Lexus’ successful formula of refined road manners.

We know that we keep going on about the new touchscreens that finally found their way into the 2022 NX interior. Trust us — if you experienced the older Remote Touch system, you’d understand our enthusiasm (and relief). As standard, the Lexus NX has a 9.8-inch touchscreen. An even larger 14-inch screen is optional and includes a 3-year trial for the Drive Connect services with cloud-based navigation, destination assistant, and more. Fun fact: Lexus developed the new Lexus Interface multimedia system at the automaker’s U.S. headquarters in Plano, Texas.

The NX is also available with a panoramic moonroof, 10-inch head-up display, and ambient lighting package with 64 colors to choose from.

The Lexus NX interior was always a quiet and comfortable place to spend your time, and this latest version ups the ante. The driver’s seat remains all-day comfortable and among our favorites in this segment. Rear legroom is adequate, but not exactly NBA-friendly, similar to other compact SUVs.

Cargo room is also merely on the adequate side: 22.7 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 46.9 inches with them folded. Notably, those figures are consistent for even the hybrids despite their housing a battery pack.

Back up front, we found good space to store necessities like a wallet, water bottle, and phone. Another first for a Lexus is the use of electronically operated door handles. To both enter and exit the vehicle, you press a button on the door. Beyond just being a cool factor, it’s for safety. This enables the Lexus to prevent a passenger from opening the door to avoid a collision with, say, a vehicle or cyclist. And don’t worry — the system can both be over-ridden by holding for 3 seconds, and still opened with a key if the battery is drained.

Lastly, the gear lever. The Lexus NX still uses one instead of a button-based setup, but we found it small and not the most intuitive to use. Practice getting into drive, reverse, etc. before heading off the dealer lot.

One thing that hasn’t radically changed in the new Lexus NX is the shape and design of the exterior. This remains a distinctive-looking small luxury SUV, particularly because of its large front grille.

The overall design has been toned down slightly. Some of the awkward angles and ridges that ran along the previous NX have been smoothed over.

At the rear, written-out L-E-X-U-S script is found in the center of the rear tailgate. No, this won’t replace the long-serving Lexus logo — Lexus officials assure us it’s here to stay and figures prominently in the grille.

The tail of the NX is updated with taillights that run across the entire width of the car. Again, it’s hardly a drastic modification, but it gives the NX a more upmarket look and feel.

When optioned in F Sport trim, the NX sports 21-inch gloss-black wheels, trim-specific front and rear bumpers, black roof rails, and several exterior colors not available on the rest of the NX range.

TOUCHSCREEN INFOTAINMENT
It sounds strange to call a touchscreen a game-changer, but that’s the case with the 2022 Lexus NX. The console-mounted touchpad controller was maddening to use. The standard 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreens in the updated NX help it compete on even terms with rival small luxury SUVs.

SAFE EXIT ASSIST
Warns driver and passengers of an oncoming vehicle or bicycle approaching from behind when opening a door. Doors won’t open (temporarily) if the system detects there’s a chance of collision.

LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM+ 3.0
Wide range of standard active safety features, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian detection, and more.

The Lexus NX has always come with an impressive array of standard comfort, safety, and tech features. The 2022 NX makes a good thing even better, with more standard items.

Standard comfort and tech features on the entry-level NX 250 include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, dual-zone climate control, heated side mirrors, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, synthetic leather seating surfaces, and the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of active safety features.

Having so much as standard is a plus point with the 2022 Lexus NX. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t load on the extras if you want to make this small SUV more luxurious.

Stepping up to higher trim levels allows an NX shopper to add features like an interior ambient lighting system, panoramic moonroof, leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, great-sounding Mark Levinson audio system, and a hands-free power liftgate. They’re all there if you want them — and don’t mind paying more, of course.

The range-topping NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid model comes loaded with features that are optional on lower trims. Among them are the larger 14-inch infotainment screen and cloud-based navigation system, a hands-free power liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, and a 10-inch head-up display.

Yet more features can be added, such as a digital key that allows your phone to act as a key, wireless phone charging, a digital rearview mirror, and even a slick new camera system called Panoramic View Monitor with a setting that creates an “underfloor see-through view.” We live in some amazing times.

The 2022 Lexus NX now has a choice of four engines versus the two offered in the outgoing 2021 model.

Starting with the NX 250, under the hood you’ll find a 203-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder coupled to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. While it comes in front-wheel-drive format as standard, NX shoppers can add AWD drive to the base trim.

Stepping up to the NX 350 nets a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that delivers a total of 275 horsepower to all four wheels, courtesy of standard AWD.

For NX shoppers who prefer a dose of electrified propulsion in their SUV, there are the NX 350h and NX 450h+.

The NX 350h is a standard hybrid. It uses a gasoline-fed 2.5-liter 4-cylinder coupled to two electric motors and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Total output is 239 horsepower, and AWD is standard.

Last but hardly least, the NX 450h+ is the most powerful choice, thanks to its 302-horsepower gas-electric powertrain. This combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder, CVT, AWD, and two electric motors. While that sounds similar to the hybrid version, the NX 450h+ has the benefit of an estimated 36 miles of electric-only driving range.

2.5-liter inline-4 FWD (NX 250)
8-speed automatic transmission
203 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26 mpg/33 mpg

2.5-liter inline-4 AWD (NX 250 AWD)
8-speed automatic transmission
203 horsepower @ 6,600 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25 mpg/32 mpg

2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 AWD (NX 350 AWD)
8-speed automatic transmission
275 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
317 lb-ft of torque @ 1,700-3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22 mpg/29 mpg

2.5-liter hybrid inline-4 AWD (NX 350h)
Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
Total horsepower: 239
Torque: N/A
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29 mpg/37 mpg

2.5-liter hybrid inline-4 AWD (NX 450h+)
Continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT)
Total horsepower: 302
Torque: N/A
EPA combined fuel economy: 37 mpg