2023 Lexus NX: Performance, Price, And Photos

It is somewhat difficult to stand out in the compact luxury crossover class as most models compete closely on their spec sheets and offer reasonably similar levels of driving verve, features, luxury, and pragmaticism. But Lexus’ NX does stand apart as it’s the only compact luxury SUV that can be had as a hybrid, and in turn, it’s the only model that’s only offered as a plug-in hybrid. But for those who still want internal combustion only, the NX is a shapeshifter that is also offered with two traditional powertrains.

Lexus completely revamped the NX for 2022, and it now sports an all-new, more modern look, and as such, it arrives for the 2023 model year sporting no changes. Overall, the Lexus NX’s strong suits are its attractive styling, powertrain options, long list of standard features, respectable asking price, and Lexus’ reputation for reliability. However, the model is far from the sportiest in its class, and some of its rivals are more luxurious overall.

2023 Lexus NX

Model: NX
Engine:: 2.5L Four-Cylinder/2.4L Turbo I4/2.5L Hybrid/2.5L Plug-In Hybrid
Power Output: 203-302 HP
Torque: 184-317 LB.-FT.
Range: 25-28 Combined MPG/84 MPGe
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic
Driveline: FWD/AWD
MSRP: $39,755

Pros

Sharp Styling Throughout
Choice Of Four Powertrains
Long List Of Standard Features

Cons

Smart Cruise Control With Curve Speed Management
17-Speaker Mark Levinson Sound System
Lexus Digital Key

2023 Lexus NX Performance And Capability

The 2023 NX lineup features six trims, including;

NX250
NX350
NX350h
NX350 F Sport
NX450h+
NX450h+ F Sport

With four powertrains available, nearly all models have trims that have their own power plant. The base NX250 is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 203 horsepower. The NX350 and its F Sport guise are equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-four cranking out 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The NX’s two hybrid powertrain options include the 2.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 239 horsepower, found in the NX350h model, while the NX450h+ plug-in hybrid delivers 302 horsepower.

The plug-in hybrid model offers a substantially more lively power delivery, scooting from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, 2.1 seconds faster than the standard hybrid model and one second faster than the NX350. The base powertrain comes with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive while all other models come with AWD as standard. No matter the powertrain choice, the NX’s engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The NX plug-in hybrid is easily the most efficient of the bunch, returning 36 combined mpg solely on gas power and 84 MPGe with a driving range of up to 37 miles on electric power alone. All NX models are still rated with respectable mpg figures. The NX350h returns 39 combined mpg, the upgraded ICE engine is rated up to 25 combined, and the base 250 model returns 28 combined mpg.

On top of its numerous powertrain choices, the NX’s F Sport models provide added driving verve. In addition to sportier looks, they feature an adaptive variable suspension and front and rear performance dampers. Still, the NX lacks its rivals for overall athleticism. Even in its most powerful trims, it's not quite as exciting to pilot as its German rivals — the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, and Audi Q3 — despite having more power in upper trims.

Overall, the NX is more attuned for comfortable cruising over corner carving, and on that front, it performs well. The NX’s ride quality is supple over uneven tarmac, and it handles the lumps and bumps of the road well. All models are rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds. The NX250 requires the optional Towing Package to achieve this figure.

Exterior Design

As mentioned, the NX was completely revamped for 2022 with more modern looks, and the result is that the Lexus remains one of the most stylish options in its segment. Some of the highlights of the NX’s facelift include an updated spindle grille, a full-width tail lamp, and the daytime running lights now residing above the taillights.

There practically isn’t a straight bit of sheet metal on the entire body of the NX with creases, character lines, and either sharp or flowing bends all around. Despite the intense use of sharp lines, the NX’s overall styling is cohesive and handsome. The standard wheel size on several models is 18 inches, while most upper trims sport 20-inch wheels. The F Sport models benefit from 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, black roof rails, and exclusive color options — Ultra White, Obsidian, and Ultrasonic Blue 2.0.

Exterior Dimensions

Length	183.5 in.
Width	73.4 in.
Height	65.4 in.
Wheelbase	105.9 in.
Ground Clearance	7.7 in.
Curb Weight	5,225 lbs.

Exterior Colors

Shade	Price
Atomic Silver	$0
Nori Green Pearl	$0
Caviar	$0
Redline	$0
Grecian Water	$0
Eminent White Pearl	$500
Cloudburst Gray	$500
Cadmium Orange	$695
Obsidian	F Sport Only
Ultrasonic Blue 2.0	F Sport Only
Ultra White	F Sport Only

Interior Quality And Technology

The NX’s interior will be familiar to anyone who has been behind the wheel of the previous generation model. Like the exterior, there are plenty of sharp lines and curves, along the door panels and dash for instance, but the styling is unified, and perhaps more important, intuitive.

The F Sport NX models are fitted with Dark Graphite Aluminum trim, a unique F Sport meter, bolstered sport seats and aluminum pedals, and scuff plates to set them apart from the less sporty iterations.

The dash is highlighted by a standard by a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen. A large 14-inch touchscreen is also available with sharp graphics and quick responses. Unlike some of the brand’s models, the NX isn’t fitted with Lexus’ touchpad sensor, either screen is controlled by touch with rotary knobs for audio volume and climate controls. These can also be adjusted via on-screen “buttons.”

The center stack features a small, traditional gear lever and two vertically oriented cupholders and a small storage area that doubles as a wireless charger. It also includes a rotary dial for adjusting driving modes (Normal, Eco, and Sport) a USB port and charging por.

The latest NX is slightly longer overall, and its wheelbase has been stretched by 2.2 inches over the previous generation. As such, the rear cargo area now accommodates a respectable 23 cubic feet, though cargo space behind the front seats is now eight cubic feet less than the outgoing model. Loading cargo is made easier by the NX’s rear wheels not intruding on the cargo area and a low lift-over height.

Interior accommodations depend on price, but the NX is well-equipped across its range. The NX350 comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering when, Wi-Fi hotspot, 10-speaker audio system and heated front seats.

The Premium model adds a sunroof, power liftgate with foot sensor, ventilated front seats, driver’s seat memory settings and other features. The top Luxury NX350 included quilted, genuine leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, ambient interior lighting, cloud-based navigation, driver’s lumbar support, and more.

Interior Dimensions

Seating Capacity	5
Headroom (front)	38.3 in.
Headroom (second row)	38.5 in.
Legroom (front)	41 in.
Legroom (second row)	36.1 in.
Shoulder room (front)	56.3 in.
Shoulder room (second row)	54 in.
Cargo Room	23 cu.-ft.

2023 Lexus NX Price And Availability

The 2023 Lexus NX is available now with prices starting at $39,755 with destination charges for the base, NX250 model and topping out at $58,955 for the NX450h+ F Sport. Opting for the Premium Package adds $3,050 for the NX350 model while the top-tier Luxury Package commands an additional $7,450. Several stand-alone options are also available.

2023 Lexus NX Price

Trim	Price
NX250	$39,755
NX350h	$43,105
NX350	$43,515
NX350 F Sport	$48,615
NX450h+	$57,705
NX450h+ F Sport	$58,955

Safety

The latest Lexus NX has not yet been tested by the NHTSA, but the 2022 model is designated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. The NX scored “good,” the highest available score, on all tests.

The NX comes standard with a suite of driver’s aids and safety features, including forward emergency automatic braking, automatic high beams, lane departure warning with steer assist, radar cruise control with Curve Speed Management, left and right turn oncoming vehicle detection and braking, and automatic emergency steer assist. Additional features like a head-up display are also available.

Main Competition

The 2023 Lexus NX closely competes with the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA, BMW X1, and Acura RDX, though all models in the compact luxury SUV class could be considered rivals. Against its competition, the NX offers slightly less passenger space and, in some cases, notably less cargo space. For instance, the RDX offers between seven and eight more cubic feet of storage space behind the rear row. The NX is also among the cheaper options in the segment when compared to its German competition, but the RDX is well-equipped and costs about the same.

However, the NX does have the distinct advantage of being offered as both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. These more efficient powertrains aren’t available among any of its competitors. As such, the NX is the standout choice for those looking to save at the pumps — it does require premium fuel, however. The Lexus’ efficiency is in keeping with the model overall. Though some models offer notably more power than the competition, the NX isn’t quite as sporty overall — it’s more at home for cruising in comfort.

Generally, the NX is a smart choice for those wanting a solid all-around luxury compact SUV, particularly for those who value efficiency and comfort over outright performance and cabin space. Still, buyers should shop around in the segment while considering the Lexus as nearly all the NX’s rivals have plenty of strong suits as well.