2022 Lexus NX Review Highlights:

• 2022 Lexus NX ($39,025 – $47,725)
• Pro: The 2022 Lexus NX has been redesigned with a bold new look and more tech-savvy features.
• Con: While the NX is priced competitively, some of the higher trims can be pricey with all of the option boxes checked.

The Lexus NX was redesigned for the 2022 model year. This small luxury SUV now offers up a bold new look inside and out, new tech features, and a wide variety of engines to suit the needs of nearly any buyer. As an added plus, the new changes make the NX far more competitive in the segment, which is filled with rivals like the BMW X3, Acura RDX, and the Volvo XC60.  

I spent a week driving the 2022 Lexus and was impressed by the car’s new styling, sophisticated driving dynamics, and easy-to-use tech features. There’s no doubt that this revised model will impress the most budget-minded luxury buyers.

Which 2022 Lexus NX trim level is right for you?

There are six different trim levels of the NX to choose from. Here is how they break down:

• NX 250: $39,025 (FWD), $40,625 (AWD)
• NX 350 AWD: $42,625
• NX 350 F Sport AWD: $47,725
• NX 350h AWD: $42,125
• NX 450h+ AWD: $56,725
• NX 450h+ F Sport AWD: $56,725

Gone are the days when the numerical naming conventions denoted the engine size. As such, the NX 250 is the base model equipped with a 2.5-liter engine, the NX 350 has a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, the NX 350h has the hybrid 2.5-liter powertrain, and the NX 450h+ is the plug-in hybrid model.

My test car for the week was a 2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport AWD with many options like the F Sport handling package, the upgraded sound system, and a panoramic view monitor. The price as tested was $55,510.

The 2022 Lexus NX looks far better than its predecessor

As Kelley Blue Book notes, the Lexus NX hasn’t changed much in size and shape compared to the outgoing model, however, I think it does look better. Yes, there’s still a massive front grille, but Lexus did well in making it work with the sharp edges and angles found on the rest of the car. Also, the angled LED headlights blend in quite well.

Speaking of lights, the taillights now run across the rear end of the car and sit above a “LEXUS” script badge that replaced the traditional “L” badge from the previous year. Overall, I think that the NX looks sleeker and smoother than the outgoing model and a refreshing look for the luxury SUV segment.

Is the Lexus NX comfortable?

Yes, especially considering its small size. There’s plenty of room upfront in terms of head and legroom and the F Sport seats are well-bolstered and comfortable. There’s even plenty of room in the rear seats –  including the middle one – especially if you’re around 5 feet, 8 inches tall like me. But if you’re taller, you’ll still fit fine.

In true Lexus fashion, you can find soft-touch materials all over the cabin and all of the knobs and buttons have a smooth tactile feel. A 7-inch digital instrument panel sits in front of the driver and my tester came with the optional 14-inch infotainment system that takes up the middle of the dashboard. Aside from its massive size, the interface is easy to use and easy to reach – it’s far better than the mouse pad version control in the previous model.

The 2022 NX is loaded with features

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The 2022 NX is loaded with standard and available features in its base form. The most notable features include wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, dual-zone auto climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and synthetic leather seating surfaces. However, buyers can unlock more convenience and tech-savvy features by opting for a higher trim level.

Going up the ranks in the NX trim line will open up more features like a panoramic moonroof, leather seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a hands-free power tailgate, and a Mark Levinson audio system that sounds utterly sublime.

Buyers that want everything on their NX should opt for the top-trim 450h+ plug-in hybrid model as it comes with features that are optional on the lower trims. This range-topper comes with a 14-inch infotainment screen and cloud-based navigation system, a hands-free power tailgate, leather upholstery, and a 10-inch head-up display. However, some features can be added when opting for the lower trims as well.

Those additional features include a digital key, a wireless phone charger, a digital rearview mirror, and a camera system with a panoramic-view monitor. That monitor even displays an “underfloor see-through view”  as well as a 360-degree exterior view so that you have no reason to mess up any parking situation.

The Lexus NX handles well

On the road, the Lexus NX feels comfortable and composed on public roads and on the highway. Lexus vehicles have always been known for their supple ride characteristics and the NX is no exception. Despite its shorter wheelbase, the NX soaks up road bumps and imperfections well and only exudes minor body roll when pitched in the corners. Then again, my test car had the F Sport-tuned suspension with stiffened shocks, springs, and stabilizer bars, so I’m sure that helped it handle better at speed.

The Lexus NX 350 F Sport gets up to speed quickly

The Lexus NX 350 is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, which is more than adequate for the tooling around town and running errands. Even on steeper inclines, the engine powered the car with ease and there’s no hint of turbo lag when going through the RPM range. Additionally, the eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and transfers the power to all four wheels.

As far as fuel economy, the NX 350h is able to achieve up to 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. In my mixed driving conditions, I was able to get a combined average of 25 mpg.

As for the other trim levels, the entry-level NX 250 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine that produces 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard in a front-drive configuration, but an all-wheel-drivetrain is available. Also, this model can achieve up to an EPA-estimated 26 city/33 highway mpg.

The NX 350h is motivated by a 2.5-liter engine that’s mated to a pair of electric motors and a CVT. Overall, this setup produces a combined power rating of 240 and gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.

Lastly, for maximum power and the best fuel economy, then the RX 450h+ is the way to go. The top-trim model is powered by a 302-hp gas-electric powertrain that consists of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a pair of electric motors and a CVT. What sets it apart from the other hybrid setup is that the 450h+ can be driven for up to an EPA-estimated 36 miles on full electric power. It also gets an EPA-estimated 37 mpg when the hybrid setup kicks in.

How safe is the Lexus NX?

The 2022 NX is very safe. In addition to eight standard airbags, the NX also comes with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which is the brand’s suite of driver-assist features. This suite includes features like radar cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, a lane-departure warning, lane-tracing assist, and intelligent high beams. 

In case those safety features aren’t enough to wow buyers, then they may be impressed by Top Safety Pick award that the NX received from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). However, the NX was not rated by the NHTSA yet, but I’m sure it will receive high marks.

The Lexus NX comes with a great warranty

While the overall cost of maintenance for the 2022 Lexus NX is yet to be determined, buyers can rest assured that they won’t need to spend much on unforeseen repairs during the first few years of ownership. The NX is backed by the brand’s 48-month/50,000-mile basic warranty in addition to a 72-month/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. For the hybrid models, there is also a separate 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, whichever comes first.

The 2022 Lexus NX is poised well to take on the competition

The 2022 Lexus NX is well-suited to take on other rivals in the segment with its new updates and revised styling. Luxury SUVs like the Acura RDX bring sportiness to the table, but the NX brings comfort that’s coated with a dose of sophistication. Anyone in the market for a small luxury crossover would be remiss if they didn’t check out the Lexus NX.

MotorBiscuit gives the 2022 Lexus NX an expert rating of 8.9 out of 10

The editors of MotorBiscuit gave the 2022 Lexus NX an overall rating of 8.9 out of 10. The redesigned NX is comfortable to drive and has enough tech features to keep nearly any buyer satisfied. Also, it’s priced well in the segment and should lure buyers away from pricier German rivals.