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There are lots of cool bits about the 2023 Lexus NX, including a stunning redesign, inside out but the most special feature lies under the hood.
As it enters its second model year, Lexus recently introduced the 2023 NX with a slight price increase across the board. Armed with lavish amenities, this luxury-subcompact SUV is now in its best-ever avatar.
Ever since its launch in 2014, the NX moniker, short for Nimble Crossover, is continuing to prove a stunning sales success story in the US. In Europe and other parts of the world, it enjoys the tag of a bestselling luxury vehicle as well. With the introduction of its second generation, Lexus raises the bar even higher by redesigning this luxury SUV inside out and making available multiple engine options, to suit every palate.
As the outgoing first generation was already a hit, expectations from the second generation were high. Thankfully, Lexus did not disappoint, gave its fans more than what they could ask for. Lexus brought its best to the table, a second-gen Lexus NX based on four principles - Design, Lexus Driving Signature, Electrification, and Advanced Technology.
Design-wise, it now wears elegant new block “Lexus” rear badging and a full-width tail lamp. For truly unique driving pleasure, it also boasts the Lexus Driving Signature philosophy. For Electrification, Lexus adds two electrified options to its rooster. And, finally, an all-new Elegant, Intuitive Connected Multimedia System carries the mantle of Lexus’ Advanced Technology. All this, and one additional feature makes the 2023 Lexus NX one intelligent pick in crossover SUVs.
The best feature of the 2023 Lexus NX has to be the array of engine choices on the menu. There are four powertrain options to choose from that including two gas-only models, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
Let’s talk about the gas-only variants first, with the base 203-horsepower NX 250 equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and the 275-horsepower NX 350 with a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder mill. Then comes the hybrid NX 350h powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric-drive motor generators putting out 293 horsepower combined. Finally, the plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ uses a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder mated with a lithium-ion battery for a whopping 302 horsepower.
There is an option of the F Sport Handling Package exclusively on the NX 350 and NX 450h+ trims. These spruced-up NX models bring along a bunch of performance enhancements to the table including the Active Variable Suspension (AVS) system, front and rear performance dampers, and 20-inch gloss-black wheels.
Available in several variants, including a pair of hybrid models, the 2023 Lexus NX is going to set you back by around $40,000 onwards including a slight price bump announced recently by Lexus. However, the top-of-the-line NX 450h+ F Sport carries a $58,550 price tag.
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Along with the array of engines, Lexus also wants the audience to view the 2023 NX as its safest and best yet, which is why they brought in the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 which rises to the challenges issued by the competition rather well.
With features like Curve Speed Management and Intersection Support, the 2023 Lexus NX is more than just a car, it’s more of constant guiding light on the road. A new feature, the Optional Digital Key, found only on the 350h and 450h+ models make accessing the vehicle and parking it very easy as well.
Further safety features include Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection/Braking, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management.
Standard features like Road Sign Assist (with a built-in camera), Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control add to the overall safety of the car while the all-new, standard Digital Latch and Safe Exit Assist lets each occupant exit the car safely.
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There’s a 14% increase in cargo space in the new Lexus NX as compared to the first gen, and pounds come reduced as well, making the crossover lighter but more spacious than before. Extended-mobility run-flat tires knock off the need for a spare, creating more space for storage under the deck.
When it comes to the interiors, one notable but optional feature is the nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination, which lights up the interiors in 14 different themes, all related to comfort and emotions. The materials inside are upscale, and limited to black, black with cream, palomino, and red. Trims are wood, with plenty of textures and fractals to add depth and rich dimension to it all.
The exteriors are more handsome than before, the ride superior and the insides are plush as they can get, without being overpowering. And one has to appreciate the very, very silent ride given the extensive and expensive noise-dampening materials as well. Think of this Lexus NX as a quiet oasis in a noisy world.
Arun Singh Pundir has been a longtime media crackerjack and worked most of his life in sales and marketing. In 2018, he officially flipped and switched sides to the editorial. He lives with his wife, two rascally sons and is a car and motorcycle nut in his free time. Not that he has too much free time. He currently writes news, features, and listicles for HotCars on anything that has any number or kind of wheels. He is also penning pop culture, lifestyle and all things rich for TheRichest. For now, he considers his Isuzu D-Max V-Cross, Suzuki Ciaz, and Royal Enfield Classic 500, the three current flames of his life. His dream is to drive around the world; even if it takes more than eighty days.