The NX may not be Lexus‘ most popular SUV – that title goes to the RX – but it’s got a lot to offer in a compact package. Lexus redesigned the NX for 2022, and the big stories are its new PHEV powertrain, updated tech, and improved safety features.
The 2022 NX 450h+ is Lexus’ first plug-in hybrid vehicle. It’s expected to deliver 36 miles all-electric range, 84 MPGe combined, a 0-60 mph time of six seconds. It’s joined in the NX lineup by the NX 350h hybrid, which uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two high-torque motor-generators that produce a combined output of 239 horsepower. The NX 350h is capable of returning 39 mpg combined and a 0-60 mph time of 7.2 seconds.
New tech and updated safety features are headline changes for 2022.Lexus
A turbocharged gas engine rounds out the NX powertrain selection. It’s a 2.4-liter unit that makes 203 horsepower and 184 horsepower. Surprisingly, it’s weaker than both of the hybrid powertrains, and is only capable of a 0-60 mph time of 8.2 seconds with front-wheel drive. Fuel economy lands at 28 mpg combined.
The new NX comes standard with a 9.8-inch touchscreen that employs a new Lexus interface to make interactions smoother and easier. A 14-inch touchscreen is optional, and includes a three-year trial for a bundle of connected services. Lexus offers a new connected smartphone feature that allows drivers to store their vehicle profiles in the cloud and take them to other Lexus vehicles equipped with the tech.
The NX gets a PHEV powertrain option for the first time.Lexus
The Lexus Interface also offers advanced voice controls and a new voice assistant feature. The automaker says that it was designed to recognize natural speech, and uses two microphones with noise cancellation, seat detection, and speaker location capabilities. Drivers can ask for the weather, traffic situations, control the audio system, and more with their voice.
The NX’s safety features got a boost for 2022 as well. Standard features now include risk avoidance emergency steer assist, left-turn oncoming vehicle detection and braking, right/left turn oncoming pedestrian detection and braking, and dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed management.
F Sport models get sporty interior finishes.Lexus
The 2022 Lexus NX should begin arriving on dealers’ lots in December 2021. Pricing for the NX 250 FWD starts at $39,025, which includes a $1,075 destination fee. The range-topping NX 450h+ starts at $56,635.
