2022 Lexus NX: Five Things to Know

The Lexus NX is completely redesigned for the 2022 model year and poised to make even bigger waves in the compact luxury SUV segment, especially with a new plug-in hybrid variant.

Should you buy one? To help you decide, here are five things you need to know about the 2022 Lexus NX...

• Also: 2022 Lexus NX is Massively Improved, Now Available With PHEV Tech
• Also: Lexus to Get Own Version of Toyota RAV4 Prime

New Generation

The second-generation NX sports a more aggressive look than the original. The company tweaked the front grille which is now more upright and significantly wider, complete with a mesh design that creates a nice 3D effect. Each trim level gets its own variation, by the way.

In the rear, you’ll notice full-width taillights as seen on the IS and UX. Also notable is the missing “L” logo which has been replaced by new “LEXUS” lettering in the middle of the liftgate.

Nori Green Pearl, Cloudburst Grey and Grecian Water are new colours that can be selected with the NX. F SPORT models obviously have exclusive colours including Redline, Ultra White, Cadmium Orange and Ultrasonic Blue 2.0.

Four Powertrain Options

The 2022 Lexus NX offers a choice of two gasoline models and two hybrid models. The first one uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed transmission and all-wheel drive, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds.

A brand new and exciting addition is the NX 350 2.4 Turbo, which delivers 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Featuring the same eight-speed transmission and AWD combo, it sprints from 0-100 km/h in seven seconds, Lexus claims.

For customers who prefer a hybrid powertrain, the NX 350h (formerly known as NX 300h) packs 239 horsepower and reaches triple-digit speeds from a standstill in 7.4 seconds. Meanwhile, combined fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km marks a decrease of 1.0 L/100 km over the outgoing model.

Last but definitely not the least is the new NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. Rated at 302 horsepower just like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, it provides an EV range of approximately 58 kilometres.

Lexus Interface

Developed in North America, the new Lexus Interface incorporates a standard 9.8-inch or optional 14.1-inch centre touchscreen that is oriented toward the driver. The infotainment system is wirelessly compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A seven-inch digital instrument panel and available 10-inch head-up display—both NX firsts—complete the cockpit.

There is also a new Virtual Assistant to interact with the infotainment system. Designed with dual microphones, enhanced noise-cancellation, seat detection and speaker location capabilities, it enables a voice-first approach to access navigation, media, phone and certain vehicle settings.

Other available technologies include a wireless smartphone charger and over-the-air software updates.

Enhanced Safety

The 2022 Lexus NX moves to version 3.0 of the Lexus Safety System+ which includes:

• Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist;
• Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking;
• Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection/Braking;
• Oncoming Vehicle Detection added to the Pre-Collision System;
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management.

What’s more, the following are added to the current Lexus Safety System+ features for the NX:

• Pre-Collision System;
• Adaptive High-beam System (Lexus first in Canada);
• Road Sign Assist.

F SPORT Handling Model

Available with both the turbo and PHEV powertrains, the F SPORT Handling model turns up the driving dynamics thanks to the Active Variable Suspension and performance dampers.

A dedicated F SPORT grille and bumpers combine with exclusive 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels to create a racier look, while the interior boasts Dark Graphite Aluminum ornamentation, a unique instrument panel, sport seats, newly developed steering wheel, as well as aluminum pedals and scuff plates.

The 2022 Lexus NX will enter production this fall, including for the first time at the Cambridge assembly plant in Ontario. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.