Automotive

Wednesday, October 7, 2020

2021 Lexus NX Review


2021 Lexus NX

Overview


If you're shopping for a small luxury SUV and finding most of the offerings to be more like hatchback cars than truly trucky, the 2021 Lexus NX may tick the right boxes. 

While rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class and Lexus's own UX merely give the illusion of being an SUV, the NX has the ride height and overall driving experience of the real thing. 

2021 Lexus NX

The NX knows how to pamper its occupants too, with a spacious cabin and an overall sense of luxury, even though it's been around for a while compared to newer, more modern rivals such as the Cadillac XT4 and 2021 Volvo XC40

2021 Lexus NX


Cargo space is plentiful, and Lexus offers an optional hybrid power-train for those seeking maximum fuel efficiency—just don't expect sporty handling from any NX model.

2021 Lexus NX

What's New for 2021?

Even though the subcompact NX is on the far side of the age curve, Lexus hasn't made any major changes to it for 2021. 

Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is now standard, as are power-folding exterior mirrors with an auto-dimming function. 

2021 Lexus NX


Inside, Lexus has tweaked the NX's steering wheel and tachometer designs. 

Opting for the upgraded Mark Levinson stereo system now includes a Mark Levinson-branded amplifier. And a new color joins the options sheet: Nori Green Pearl.

2021 Lexus NX

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Not only does the NX300 F Sport look the coolest, it's also the best to drive, with a standard adaptive suspension and G-force and turbo-boost gauges. 

I think its extra attitude is worth the upgrade, plus it adds the most comfortable and supportive sport seats in the segment. Nonhybrid models come standard with front-wheel drive, so if you want all-wheel drive, plan to add $1400 to the bottom line.

2021 Lexus NX


Engine, Transmission, and Performance


While its acceleration won't blow the doors off any stoplight challengers, the 2021 NX should offer enough power for the casual driver. 

The NX300 (formerly known as the NX200t) comes with a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is also available. An all-wheel-drive F Sport model, it performs a class-average 6.9-second zero-to-60-mph time. 

2021 Lexus NX

The Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic manages to sprint to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, making the NX seem positively sluggish. It's a different story on the road. 

The NX doesn't feel lethargic pulling into traffic, the engine's power delivery is linear and predictable, and once the turbo kicks in, it's even peppier. 

The hybrid power-train provides even less pep, but its fuel economy is measurably improved. 

2021 Lexus NX

While the NX isn't as fun on a twisty road as the BMW X1 or the GLA250, its light steering makes it easy to pilot around town. 

Its center of gravity is higher than in either of those competitors, lending it a top-heavy feel when cornering.

2021 Lexus NX

Fuel Economy


Being the tallest and most SUV-like crossover in this segment means the gas-powered NX isn't as efficient as its lower-slung rivals. 

The hybrid power-train nets considerable gains at the pump, but its acceleration performance is hindered by its weaker horsepower output.

2021 Lexus NX


Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The NX's high-quality interior is a retreat and its front seats are among the most comfortable, but it's beginning to show its age against newer, more contemporary rivals such as the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLB-class. 

2021 Lexus NX


Its passenger space may not be as roomy as in some rivals and its exterior styling comes with large blind spots. With less headroom than the X1, the Lexus NX might feel tight for passengers in both the front and back seats. 

2021 Lexus NX

Legroom is a different story, where the Lexus delivers 42.8 inches of stretch-out space for front-seat occupants. Rear-seat legroom is also above average for the class. 

2021 Lexus NX


Second-row seats split and fold in a 60/40 configuration, but when they are flipped down, they don't lie flat. The rear seats offer recline adjustability and can be optioned with a power-folding feature throughout the lineup.

2021 Lexus NX

Infotainment and Connectivity


Lexus offers a comprehensive list of standard and optional connectivity features in the NX, and the infotainment system's software is easy to learn. 

Its touchpad interactivity. An 8.0-inch display is standard but the larger, optional, 10.3-inch display is the one I prefer. No matter the display, Lexus offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot as standard equipment.

2021 Lexus NX

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The NX earns great marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the latter of which gave the NX a Top Safety Pick+ award. 

The NX's standard driver-assistance features provide an extra layer of protection. The only thing holding the Lexus back from safety greatness is a better backup camera: the current one, while useful, has a disappointingly low resolution. 

2021 Lexus NX


Key safety features include:

  •  Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  •  Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
  •  Standard adaptive cruise control
  • 2021 Lexus NX

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage


Lexus offers one of the more comprehensive protection packages in the industry. Both the Volvo XC40 and the BMW X1 come with standard complimentary scheduled maintenance plans that span three years. Lexus provides that benefit for just one year, however.

  •  Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
  •  Power-train warranty covers 6 years or 70,000 miles
  • Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles.
  • 2021 Lexus NX




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