Introduction

Stylish but rather docile in personality, the 2020 Lexus NX is a five-passenger crossover SUV that boasts a high-quality interior but not much back-seat space. Dramatic lines make the NX a compelling contender against bantam luxury models from the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Serving best as a compact urban runabout, the NX can have either a conventional gasoline engine or a hybrid powertrain. 

Android Auto compatibility has been made standard for the 2020 model year. So have lane tracing and road sign assist, active cornering assist, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column. A Mark Levinson premium audio system and navigation are newly optional for upper trim levels. 

Lexus offers the NX in base NX 300, F Sport, and Luxury trim levels. Most versions are available with either turbo-4 or thrifty hybrid power, as the NX 300 or NX 300h, respectively. Both are equipped about the same. Only the base model is available with front-wheel drive. 

The NX 300 makes use of a 2.0-liter turbo-4 that makes 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed automatic transmission works with standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. The AWD system isn't ready for treks into the deep forest. 

Adapting elements from Toyota's hybrids, the NX 300h couples a 2.5-liter inline-4 to twin electric motors and a battery pack. One of the electric motors powers the rear wheels, giving every NX 300h an all-wheel-drive configuration. An electronic continuously variable automatic transmission sends power to those wheels. 

Gas mileage is surprisingly mediocre with the NX 300, but thrifty with the hybrid NX 300h. The NX 300 is EPA-rated at 22 mpg city, 28 highway, and 25 combined. Substituting all-wheel drive lowers the combined figure to 24 mpg. With its bigger wheels, the F Sport achieves 22/27/24 mpg. In stark contrast, the NX 300h sips fuel, checking in at 33/30/31 mpg. 

The F Sport edition adds some sporty detailing and bigger wheels, as well as a stiffer suspension. Otherwise, nothing functional differs from the regular NX 300. A Sport+ mode not only holds transmission ratios longer, it pipes augmented engine rumble into the cabin. Not everyone may be pleased to receive those superfluous auditory transmissions. 

Mostly good crash test scores and plenty of collision-avoidance technology enhance the NX's appeal. The IIHS named the NX a Top Safety Pick+, earning “Good” marks for each crash test performed. The NHTSA gave the compact crossover five stars overall. 

Every NX comes with adaptive cruise control, active lane control, forward-collision warnings, lane-departure warnings, automatic high-beam headlights, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. 

Wide pillars and a sloping roofline restrict over-the-shoulder views. Visibility is only slightly offset by the optional surround-view camera system. 

Lineup

The NX is available in three trim levels: base NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and NX 300 Luxury. The hybrid NX 300h is available in base and Luxury form. Prices include a $1,025 destination charge. 

The NX 300 is priced from $37,745 and includes power-adjustable front seats upholstered in synthetic leather, power-folding mirrors, an eight-speaker audio system, keyless ignition, and 17-inch wheels. The infotainment system has an 8.0-inch display screen plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. 

For a sportier experience, the NX 300 F Sport ($39,985) comes with a specially-tuned suspension, metallic interior trim, aluminum pedals, G-Force and turbo boost gauges, race-inspired paddle shifters, and 18-inch wheels. Front seats include enhanced bolstering. 

Stepping up to the $44,835 NX 300 Luxury adds a 10.3-inch display screen with navigation, perforated leather upholstery, a moonroof, heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and Linear Black Shadow interior trim. 

The NX 300h costs $40,095 and brings the hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive. Standard features are similar to the gas-engine NX 300, adding a fast-response heater and wiper de-icer. The $47,185 NX 300h Luxury is equipped identically to the NX 300 Luxury, but uses the hybrid powertrain. 

Walkaround

Rakish body lines stand out more prominently on the Lexus NX than similar design details do on other Lexus vehicles. Disdaining curves, the NX relies on angular lines that are both “busy” and brash. 

Despite being launched half a decade ago, the NX's attention-grabbing styling has aged surprisingly well. Adopting a smaller variant of Lexus's now-familiar “spindle” grille results in a more pleasing appearance than front ends on other models. 

Not everyone applauds the NX's appearance, especially in polarizing F Sport trim, which flaunts a bigger mesh grille and upsized wheels. As its name suggests, a new Black Line package adopts blacked-out chrome, augmented by some intriguing bronze finishes and trim elements. 

Interior

Although greater space would be welcome, the NX boasts a classy cabin, fitted with comfortable seats. Adeptly-sculpted front seats provide good support, though head clearance is restricted, especially for taller passengers, and with the optional moonroof. 

Multiple adjustments help the driver find a suitable position, whether the seats are upholstered with real or synthetic leather. Seats are even more satisfying in the F Sport, offering more adjustments and snugger bolstering. 

Back-seat riders face less space: specifically, 36.1 inches of leg room. The sloping roofline constricts rear-seat head room, too. 

In most models, dabs of colorful trim offset the more mundane hues, preventing the cabin from looking low-budget. Dark shades tend to accent the relatively cramped interior. 

Atop the center stack, within the symmetrical dashboard, is an infotainment display with either a standard 8.0-inch screen or an optional 10.3-inch alternative. Both are bright. 

Buttons are neatly organized below, but, sadly, NX controls are an exercise in frustration.
Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility helps, but the system is burdened with a finicky controller, worsened by complicated software. 

Cargo space is on the low side for the compact crossover class, totaling 54.6 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. With it upright, volume shrinks to a skimpy 17.7 cubic feet (16.8 cubic feet in the hybrid). 

Driving Impression

Whether it's in standard or F Sport guise, the Lexus NX delivers only a modest level of driving exhilaration. The 235-horsepower turbo-4 is energetic enough, delivering brisk acceleration, but short on refinement compared to other Lexus engines. 

Instead of boosting forward force, the turbocharger tends to dampen power at low speeds. Then, when the turbo is ready for more demanding action, its thrust is unpredictable. 

These imperfections make the less-powerful, eco-friendly NX 300h hybrid a prudent, fuel-saving choice. Even if it feels short of stimulating, the NX 300h provides smooth and confident acceleration. When battery charge is sufficient, the hybrid powertrain can function in electric mode at low speeds. 

Steering feels light but satisfying, and the NX suffers only moderate body lean for a smaller crossover. Handling gets a boost with the F Sport's tightened-up suspension. Substituting the adaptive suspension available for the F Sport improves ride quality. 

When properly equipped, an NX can tow up to 2,000 pounds. Whatever it's engaging in, the diminutive Lexus crossover releases a surprising amount of road noise. 

Summary

In most respects, the 2020 Lexus NX delivers the premium, upscale feel that's long been expected from the brand. Careful attention to detail, soft materials, and attractive finishes help make the compact crossover feel worth its price. Most NX models on sale are likely to be either F Sport or Luxury trim. Even with sporty styling, the sedate but thrifty hybrid NX 300h might be the wisest choice, preferably in Luxury trim. 

-by James M. Flammang, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.