The 2022 Lexus NX Redesign Was Accidentally Leaked Online
Editor’s note: This article was updated on 6/13/2023.
The Lexus SUV was rumored to get a significant upgrade in 2022, which is true. Over the weekend, the newly redesigned 2022 Lexus NX leaked beforehand. Does the redesign have interesting enough features to gain the popularity the Lexus RX sport utility vehicle once had?
What is new for the 2022 Lexus NX?
According to MotorTrend, some of the 2020 and 2021 NX significant flaws have been fixed ahead of next year’s version. Mainly, the screen on the dash has been totally redesigned. What was once clunky and outdated (even though it was not obsolete) now looks refreshed and modern.
One of the new bits of the Lexus NX is part of the Tazuna interior concept (more on that later). The new 14-inch touchscreen replaces the old one that looked like a last-minute addition. This screen sits flush in the dash between the driver and the passenger.
This makes the driving experience better for the passenger, given the added climate features on the dash. It also offers more information than the driver cluster, with added safety features. A new front end looks more aggressive, while the taillights look similar to the 2021 version. As for the headlights, the design has vastly changed.
The check-mark-style daytime running lights were separate from the actual headlights on all Lexus models in previous years. Now, the lights appear combined. In addition to that, the new headlights consist of four small square lights.
The Lexus NX and the TNGA platform
According to Toyota Global, the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) is a program of innovation. The company explains in a brief article, “We are completely remaking the powertrain unit (engine, transmission, HEV unit) and basic frames (chassis).” There are plans to rapidly improve the three most important areas: moving, turning, and stopping.
This program starts simply: with well-built cars like the Lexus NX. From there, collaboration and group development will help make the next iteration of vehicles even better. This also means a more streamlined process of getting better cars to customers faster. In addition to that, the Tazuna interior concept has an interesting background.
Inspired by how a single rein can be used to achieve mutual understanding between horse and rider…creating a space that enables the driver to focus on driving while controlling various functions, such as the navigation and audio system and driving-mode selection, without having to shift one’s vision or operate manual switches
Toyota Global
This makes driving and controlling the car easier without as much effort. It is a concept incorporated into all the new Lexus models and can be seen throughout the new lineup.
Is the NX better than the RX?
The Lexus RX has a cult following of drivers who don’t want a huge SUV and those who want an SUV but also want some luxury. Can the Lexus NX take reign of the original RX’s following? We think so.
The 2021 Lexus RX starts at just over $45,000 for the base model. It has a V6 with 295 hp and comes in all-wheel or front-wheel drive. The 2021 NX starts at $37,000 with a 235 hp turbo inline-four engine. The RX looks like it always has. Without a facelift in recent years, the 2021 model could easily be confused with the 2006 version.
Both are described as five-passenger luxury utility vehicles, but the NX has 17.7 cu ft / 54.5 cu ft of cargo space, while the RX has 16.0 / 32.7 cu ft. The RX does offer room for seven passengers in the RX 350L and RX 450hL. So, is the NX better than the RX? It might be. It seems that Lexus gave the RX fans an unchanged SUV because that is what has worked in the past. The NX might look similar, but it can create a fan base.
