A relatively new kid on the luxury compact SUV block, the 2019 Lexus NX stands tall in this competitive segment. The new Lexus NX is offered in three models: base NX 300, NX 300h Hybrid, and NX 300 F Sport. With two distinct powerplants to choose from, and a plethora of technology and driver-assisted safety features, the 2019 Lexus NX can be configured to fit the needs and wants of most compact luxury SUV shoppers.
What's New for 2019
The Lexus NX received a fresh upgrade in 2018 after a 2015 model year debut. The 2019 Lexus NX arrives at Lexus dealerships with a few enhancements, including a larger 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a foot-activated rear liftgate, and the Lexus Safety System Plus as standard in all trims.
Choosing Your Lexus NX
Consumers looking for a peppy yet practical compact luxury SUV will find the 2019 Lexus NX to their liking. The Lexus NX features three distinct trim levels, each of which is designed to attract a unique consumer base.
The base NX 300 and NX F Sport receive power from a 2.0-liter turchocharged inline four-cylinder engine that belts out 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant is paired to a standard six-speed automatic transmission, which can be configured in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel-drive variants return an EPA-estimated 22 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 combined. All-wheel-drive NXs drop one mpg in combined driving. F Sport models that are AWD exclusive are rated at 22 mpg city, 27 highway, and 24 combined.
The Hybrid NX combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, for a combined output of 194 hp. The hybrid powerplant is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with all-wheel drive being a standard feature. Fuel efficiency with this trim is expected to return 33/30/31 mpg (city/highway/combined), according to the EPA.
CarsDirect Tip
Choosing a 2019 Lexus NX is really about your style. With the starting prices falling within a few thousand dollars, each trim is uniquely built to fit your taste. If fuel economy is important to you, the 300h should be on your dance card. For the sporty consumer, the F Sport is a smart choice.
The 2019 Lexus NX is a boldly styled alternative in the compact crossover SUV segment. If you can get past its looks, or even find the exterior sheet metal attractive, the NX is a comfortable crossover with a healthy list of standard features. On the flipside, the NX manages to lag behind its American and German rivals with subpar handling and fuel economy, while Lexus' infotainment system, which now offers Apple CarPlay (sorry Android users, Android Auto still isn't available), is tricky to use.
Best Value
The Lexus NX lineup is offered in three trims: NX 300, NX 300 F Sport and NX 300h (hybrid). While the F Sport model is the best-looking of the family, making the step up to the F-branded model doesn't bring a large difference in performance with it. With that in mind, we'd recommend skipping all-wheel drive, unless you're in a northern part of the country, and going with the regular base trim.
Pricing for the NX 300 with front-wheel drive starts at $37,380. Power for the model comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower. Fuel economy for the configuration is EPA-rated at up to 22 miles per gallon city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 combined.
Standard features on the NX 300 include dual-zone automatic climate control, power-folding exterior mirrors, an eight-inch display, an eight-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a WiFi hot spot, Siri Eyes Free, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a rearview camera, and NuLuxe upholstery. The NX 300 also comes with Lexus Safety System Plus as standard, which adds automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams.
Here's how we'd spec our Lexus NX 300:
Model: 2019 Lexus NX 300
Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Output: 235 hp / 258 lb-ft
Transmission:Six-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Fuel Economy:22 City / 28 Hwy
Options:Premium Package ($3,270, a power moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, enhanced LED daytime running lights, a power-tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel), Navigation Package ($1,860, navigation, a 10.3-inch display, Lexus Enform Destination Assist, a 10-speaker audio system, an extra USB port, Lexus Enform Dynamic Navigation), Electrochromic inside mirror ($125, required with Navigation Package)
Base Price:$37,380 (including the $995 destination fee)
Best Value Price:$42,635
Performance
With its sharp exterior design, the NX may fool some into thinking it's a razor-sharp crossover to drive. That's far from the case, as its engine is outshined by competitors and its suspension setup that leans toward being more of a comfortable daily-driver.
That's not to say the NX isn't comfortable. The standard trim's suspension set up does a great job of masking rough roads and the feedback being translated through the brakes is good for a vehicle in the segment. Those seeking something sportier will be better off opting for the F Sport trim, as it comes with all-wheel drive as standard, larger 18-inch wheels, different tires, and an updated suspension. The six-speed automatic transmission in the F Sport is also tuned for quicker shifts.
Even the NX F Sport, though, is far from sporty, as the most athletic model fails to feel quick or lively on a windy road.
Style
Now that we've all had time to get used to Lexus' polarizing spindle grille, the crossover's styling isn't as off-putting as it once was. The massive grille leads the overall design for the model, as it has a lot of sharp edges and dramatic design elements. The F Sport is a little more menacing with black exterior trim pieces, a more prominent chin spoiler, and unique fog lights. It may not appeal to everyone, but Lexus did something different than its competitors, which should be commended.
The NX's interior tells a different story, one that's more subdued. Soft-touch materials, high-end elements, and a conservative design highlight the crossover's cabin. The front seats are especially noteworthy, being comfortable for long trips. The F Sport trim gets special sport seats that come with more bolstering for a tighter hold when cornering.
While the crossover's interior is great for the luxury segment, the haptic touchpad is still cumbersome to use. Thankfully, Lexus has finally added Apple CarPlay capability to its infotainment system, but Android Auto is still absent.
The Best and Worst Things
The NX's exterior design lands somewhere between being good and bad – some will love it, while others will hate it. A relatively high price will have some consumers looking at other options, but the vehicle's large list of standard features makes it a good value proposition.
Performance, especially with the NX's sharp styling, is disappointing, as are the crossover's fuel economy numbers.
Right For? Wrong For?
Couples and small families looking to get into a crossover that stands out in the crowd. If getting luxury, technology, comfort, and safety in a value-packed option is high up on the priority list, the NX won’t disappoint.
If you’re looking for a sporty ride, other options are a better choice.
The Bottom Line
Look past the unique styling and puzzling infotainment system and the 2019 Lexus NX brings value to a segment that's not known for it. Handling and fuel economy may not be on par with others in the segment, but the NX makes up for it with the latest safety features, a long list of standard equipment, and a comfortable demeanor, making it a good option for a lot of buyers.
Read Less
Specs & Features
Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
2.0L I-4 / 235 HP / 258 ft.lbs.
Transmission
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Standard:
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
22 / 28 / 25 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
This Safety Rating comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which evaluates how this vehicle performs in crash tests. NHTSA conducts frontal, side and rollover tests because these types account for the majority of crashes on America's roadways. This Overall Crash Safety Rating combines scores for these three crash tests.
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