2022 Lexus NX Starts at $39,025, While the 302-HP PHEV Costs $56,635

October 11, 2021

Pranav Anand

Table of Contents

The 2022 Lexus NX is an all-new model sitting on a brand-new platform, featuring an all-new interior and packing a powerful 302-hp plug-in hybrid option.

The NX is Lexus’s answer to other established players like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, and the Mercedes GLC. And despite selling a lot of vehicles, Lexus still couldn’t dethrone the Germans—until now. Indeed, the second-gen 2022 NX looks poised to do just that, with eye-catching looks, revamped infotainment, and all-new powertrains.

Streamlined Design with Sporty Looks

Right off the bat, the crossover looks more grown-up compared to its predecessor, with an extra 14% cargo space, thanks to its increased dimensions. Meanwhile, the front fascia features updated U-shape elements on the customary open-faced spindle grille contrasted by sharp LED headlamps and smooth lines. The new front design is topped off with an updated rear-end, receiving a full-width LED strip connecting the two tail lamps for a more modern look.

Interestingly, Lexus chose to replace its logo with letters like most luxury brands nowadays, for a more premium feel (it personally reminds me of old Chevy trucks but that’s another story). And if you fancy sporty styling, the F-Sport trim on the NX 350 receives more aggressive front and rear bumpers, blacked-out roof rails, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and some exclusive colors: Ultra White, Obsidian, and Ultrasonic Blue 2.0.

All-New Powertrains, Including a Plug-In Hybrid

The 2022 NX shares a common platform and engines with its Toyota sibling, the RAV4, although Lexus threw in two hybrids, taking the total to 4 powertrain options. The baseline NX 250 comes with a 2.5-liter i4 engine producing 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque at the crank, good enough for a 0-60 mph time in 8.2 secs (FWD) and 8.6 (AWD) and an EPA-estimated 28 MPG—not bad for an entry-level model.

Moving higher up the ranks, the NX 350 receives a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged powerplant belting out 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. As a result, it accelerates to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds (AWD) and manages a pretty good 25 MPG combined.

All gas variants of the NX are hooked to an eight-speed automatic, transferring power via a FWD transaxle or a mechanical all-wheel-drive system.

Furthermore, Lexus also offers the NX 350h and the NX 450h+ hybrids, with a 2.5-liter i4 paired with two electric motors — one front and one back. The NX 350h is a conventional hybrid producing 239 hp, for a slightly slower 0-60 mph time in 7.2 seconds but a decent fuel economy of 39 MPG.

Meanwhile, the plus on the NX 450h+ signifies a plug-in hybrid setup, producing 302 hp. As a result, it’s by far the quickest in a straight line, sprinting to 60 mph in just 6 seconds. The NX 450h+ also provides an exceptional 84 MPGe, can drive on battery power alone for 36 miles, and thanks to the 6.6-kW onboard charger, can be recharged in only 2.5 hours.

Also worth mentioning, the hybrids will feature an electric motor at the rear, for a truly smart AWD setup, as opposed to more conventional AWD setups with a driveshaft, transfer case—what’s not to like, right?

All-New Interior with a Vastly Improved Infotainment System

Apart from the engines, the biggest upgrade is in the cabin. Gone is the dated infotainment system with a touchpad interface, and in its place is an all-new unit with an optional 14-inch screen (9.8-inch standard). The software is also brand-new, with modern graphics, OTA updates, and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay support in all models. Lexus also points out its new system accepts voice commands, just like Siri, and includes an advanced Drive Connect system with Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assist, and Destination Assist.

The cabin looks significantly more modern, with soft-touch plastics on every surface and perforated leather upholstery in Black, Black/Rich Cream, Palomino, and Rioja Red NuLuxe colors. Other highlights include 14-way ambient lighting, black open-pore wood trim, heated seats, and an optional electrically adjustable moonroof. Worth mentioning, it is also equipped with the comprehensive Lexus Safety System 3.0+ driver’s assist, providing semi-autonomous drive on the highway.

With an updated face and cabin, the NX should take the fight back to the Germans pretty strong. Prices start at $37,950 for the base model and go up to $55,560 for the NX 450h+, excluding a $1,075 delivery fee. Expect the models to arrive at dealerships by the end of this year.