2022 Lexus NX SUV: Buyer’s guide

Lexus Malaysia has finally launched the 2022 NX SUV in the local market, bookings for which opened last month itself.

Today we’ll be discussing Lexus's latest SUV in detail, giving the prospective buyer a thorough idea of its offering. So, let’s get started

Variants & Price

In Malaysia, the 2022 NX is offered as a CBU imported unit and is offered in two variant options - NX 250 Luxury and NX 350 F Sport. Their prices are as follows

Lexus NX 250 Luxury	RM 370,888
Lexus NX 350 F Sport	RM 389,888

The above-mentioned prices are on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of sales tax.

Ordering books are open now and the deliveries will start after June 30.

Engine

The new Lexus NX is offered in two engine options, depending on the variant. The NX 250 Luxury is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2,487 cc 16-valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder, inline engine generating 204 hp at 6,600 rpm along with a peak torque of 243 Nm at 4,000-5,000 rpm.

It features a dynamic torque control AWD drive system and power is sent to the wheels via Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission.

The NX 350 F Sport, on the other hand, is powered by a 2,393 cc 16-valve, DOHC,4-cylinder, inline type turbo mill pumping 275 hp at 6,000 and 430 Nm at 1,700 to 3,600 rpm.

The drive system here is an electronically controlled full-time AWD system with a direct-shift 8-speed automatic transmission system transmitting the power.

The common transmission system in both variants comes with AI Shift control that uses a camera to scan the road ahead and adapt its shift protocol accordingly.

Performance

Specs	NX 250 Luxury	NX 350 F Sport
0 to 100 kmph	9.1 sec	7.0 sec
Top Speed	200 kmph
Emission standard	Euro 6B	Euro 6C

Braking & handling

A smooth ride is assured by MacPherson Strut at the front and double wishbone at the rear. For braking, there is a ventilated disc at both ends.

The NX 250 Luxury comes packed with three drive modes (Normal, Eco, and Sport); while the F Sport gets five modes (Normal, Sport S, Eco, Sport S+, and Custom). The Sport S+ is more dynamic compared to the Sport S, as it adjusts the Adaptive Variable Suspension and electric power steering.

The new 2022 NX is the first Lexus with an electronically controlled full-time AWD system.

Dimension & Platform

The new Lexus NX underpins the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform’s GA-K version. Due to this there is a slight change in the car’s dimensions compared to the previous generation model. For instance -

• It is now 20 mm longer and wider
• Its wheelbase is 30 mm longer
• The rims are 2-inch longer

Dimensions	NX 250 Luxury	NX 350 F Sport
Length	4660 mm
Width	1,865 mm
Height	1,670 mm
Wheelbase	2,680 mm
Ground Clearance	195 mm
Boot Capacity	520-liter (all seat up); Max 1,411-liter
Fuel Tank Capacity	55-liter

Design

The new Lexus NX is a stylish SUV with several eye-catching elements. The list includes -

• Ultra Slim 3-Beam LED projector headlight with auto leveling and washer
• L-shaped LED headlights
• LED fog lamps
• LED cornering lamps
• Rear fog lamps
• LED rear combination lamps
• Rain sensing wiper
• Power back door with hands-free kick opening
• Smart entry system with additional Lexus Key Card
• ORVM with auto fold, heater, memory function

While the above-mentioned features are standard across the NX range, there are a few differentiating bits as well. For instance, the front grille, while the Luxury trim features Lexus signature spindle grille with a U-mesh design, the F Sport showcases an exclusive Spindle Grille with an interlocking L-mesh design. Also, there are some finishing differences like -

• ORVM: Body-coloured in Luxury & jet black in F Sport variant
• Roof rails: Stain silver finish in Luxury and jet black in F Sport
• Wheel arch moulding: Black in Luxury & body coloured in F Sport

Cabin

As expected, the new NX SUV cabin is super comforting and loaded with some of the best features. Part of its standard feature list is -

• Multi-function steering wheel with power tilt & telescopic adjustment with memory & touch type switches
• Smart start system with push-start ignition
• Auto, dual-zone air conditioning system with Lexus Climate
• Concierge and clean air filter
• Rear air-conditioning vents

• Ambient lighting with customizable 64-colour illumination
• Ample lamps (welcome light, room lamps, map lamps, deck lighting, door courtesy lamp, etc)
• 14-inch touchscreen display with smartphone lonking (iOs and Android),
• Bluetooth/Type-A USB/AM/FM
• Lexus Premium Audio with 10 speakers
• Dynamic voice recognition

• Head-up display
• Navigation system
• Wireless charger
• 3 type-C USB ports
• Smooth genuine leather seats with 8-way power adjustment (front) and memory function (driver)
• Seat ventilation

Safety

Lexus offers the best safety package with its cars and the 2022 NX SUV is no different. The best part is both the Luxury and F Sport variants come with the same active and passive equipment. This list includes -

Passive: 7 airbags (front, driver knee, side, curtain), ISOFIX child seat, and front & rear seat belt with height-adjustable anchor for front

Active: Lexus Safety System+ (Pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane keeping system, high beam assist), active cornering assist, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, vehicle stability control system, traction control, hill-start assist, down-hill assist control system, tyre pressure monitoring system, parking clearance sensor, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, parking support brake, and rear view camera.

Isn’t it a full package? Let us know in the comments your thoughts on the new Lexus NX SUV.

Also Read: Lexus RZ, brand's first BEV coming to Malaysia?