As one of the older compact SUVs in the luxury segment, the Lexus NX was in desperate need of an update. The lackluster engine and infuriating infotainment system put the NX well behind the rest of the class and difficult to recommend. As Lexus’ second-bestselling model, the automaker has pulled out all of the stops for the redesigned 2022 NX.
Underneath the updated exterior, which looks a lot like the one on the refreshed IS sedan, the NX features new engines. The base NX250 comes with the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the RAV4 that makes 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. The NX350 comes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that’s rated at 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. The new turbocharged engine should be far peppier than last year’s turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s rated at 235 hp.
The hybrid version of the SUV also comes with an updated engine. The NX350h comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors for a combined output of 239 hp. While this is a similar powertrain to what’s found in the RAV4 Hybrid, it has 20 more horsepower. From last year’s NX hybrid, the 2022 model produces 45 more horsepower. Lexus claims the 2022 NX350h to get an estimated 36 mpg combined rating, which is better than the current model’s 31 mpg combined rating.
The biggest deal in the 2022 NX’s lineup is the new NX450h. It’s a plug-in hybrid, which is the first plug-in hybrid from Lexus, and shares the same powertrain as the RAV4 Prime. The powertrain consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, two electric motors, and a large battery pack. Combined output is rated at 302 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid SUV has a range of 36 miles, while plugging into a 240-volt charging system with the optional 6.6-kW charger will recharge the battery in two and a half hours. With the standard 3.3-kW, charging the SUV takes up to four and a half hours.
On the inside, Lexus has thankfully updated the NX’s infotainment system. It’s no longer controlled by a horrible touchpad, but brings touchscreen capability. A 9.8-inch screen is standard, but a massive 14-inch unit will be optional. Both touchscreens are angled toward the driver and are housed in the same panel as the instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. Lexus could also add some features in the future through over-the-air updates.
Lexus has plans to introduce 20 new or redesigned vehicles globally by 2025, half of which will all-electric or electrified hybrids. To preview its electrified future, the Japanese automaker came out with the LF-Z Electrified Concept. The new NX450h is just one of many electrified vehicles that are coming up from Lexus.
The 2022 Lexus NX will go into production in the third quarter of this year. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but the new model will certainly cost more than the current model that’s priced at $38,635 with destination.
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