For now not a lot more than a top-spec Toyota RAV4, you’ll be able to get right into a Lexus NX.

Whilst the 350h hybrids and 450h+ plug-in hybrid have been the headline acts of the brand new vary, the entry-level NX 250 examined right here serves as a pointy access level into the mid-size luxurious SUV’s line-up.

It’s less expensive than with regards to each and every rival in its phase, and at the moment it’s extra readily to be had than the remainder of the variety because of ongoing manufacturing and provide constraints for what’s one in all Lexus’s top-selling fashions globally.

We have a tendency to counsel the hybrids as our choices in maximum Toyota and Lexus levels at the present time, however in contrast to the RAV4, the NX’s electrified possibility is relatively slightly more cash than this base 250 – in spite of being successfully introduced in the similar Luxurious specification, there’s virtually a $7000 distinction.

Like different top class fashions with mainstream kin, the Lexus NX is doing its very best to turn you it’s now not simply a tarted up RAV4, in spite of this actual style sharing its 2.5-litre petrol engine with high-spec variations of Toyota’s international best-seller.

Does it do a resounding sufficient activity? Let’s in finding out!

How a lot does the Lexus NX 250 price?

Costs have risen slightly since release, with the NX 250 now list for $62,275 prior to on-road prices – or about $70,500 drive-away the use of a Victorian postcode.

That’s slightly below $400 greater than prior to, which is a marginal build up given business developments nowadays, and the NX 250 nonetheless is available in neatly below entry-level variations of maximum competitors.

An Audi Q5 35 TDI begins from $67,900, and also you gained’t get a BMW X3 sDrive20i for lower than $81,700 in 2023. Overlook any model of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, which is now a minimal $100,000 proposition in Australia, whilst the entry-level Volvo XC60 Plus B5 begins from $73,990.

Past the normal set of competition, the NX 250 undercuts the Genesis GV70 2.5T RWD (from $70,500), despite the fact that has new festival from Mazda within the type of the brand new CX-60 (from $59,800) which as same old will get a rear-biased structure and extra tough inline six engines.

Additional, the step up from mainstream isn’t that fab – relying on whether or not you worth options or badge. The comparable Toyota RAV4 with the similar 2.5-litre petrol engine is $56,230 in Edge AWD guise, whilst the Mazda CX-5 G35 Akera begins from $54,600. All costs exclude on-road prices.

Lexus NX pricing:

• Lexus NX 250 2WD: $62,275
• Lexus NX 350h Luxurious 2WD: $69,050
• Lexus NX 350h Game Luxurious 2WD: $76,550
• Lexus NX 350h F Game 2WD: $76,550
• Lexus NX 350h Luxurious AWD: $73,850
• Lexus NX 350h Sports activities Luxurious AWD: $81,350
• Lexus NX 350h F Game AWD: $81,350
• Lexus NX 450h+ F Game AWD: $90,948

All costs are prior to on-road prices

What’s the Lexus NX 250 like at the within?

There’s now not a lot right here that hyperlinks the NX to its Toyota roots, which is a superb factor.

Whilst the bones and drivetrain are in large part the similar as what’s on be offering from the RAV4, there’s no resemblance to its relative from the driving force’s seat.

With a much less utilitarian technique to cabin design and a better focal point on subject material high quality and tactility – as is the Lexus approach – this feels considerably costlier. I may just do with extra typical door handles despite the fact that, because the E-Latch gadgets proliferating in the course of the Lexus line-up at the moment take some being used to and appear gimmicky.

Even in what’s its entry-level specification, the Lexus dons padded surfaces alongside the mid and higher tiers of the doorways and dashboard, the switchgear appears and feels extra upmarket than Toyota gadgets, and the leather-accented upholstery for the seats and guidance wheel feels a lower above the rest the RAV4 has to provide.

It no doubt doesn’t really feel like a ‘reasonable’ style designed to get folks into showrooms with its pricing, and doesn’t need for far in comparison to fashions greater up within the vary, excluding the infotainment gadget – which is considerably smaller than the display introduced in F Game and Sports activities Luxurious grades.

The usual 9.8-inch touchscreen isn’t all that small, however the 14-inch show within the higher echelons of the variety makes this glance a little bit meek.

It’s successfully operating the similar tool because the high-end show, so from a usability and enjoy standpoint it’s virtually the similar however on a smaller display – despite the fact that Lexus has got rid of satellite tv for pc navigation from the bottom gadget.

Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to DAB+ virtual radio each characteristic as same old, and the relationship with me iPhone 14 Professional Max was once splendidly constant. Alternatively, the truth Lexus has lower apparatus whilst charging more cash is disappointing.

Fortunately, there’s an ordinary wi-fi telephone charger that slides out and in of the cupholder house to stay your telephone juiced whilst the use of wi-fi smartphone mirroring, but it surely’s now not the grippiest one we’ve noticed so once in a while your telephone may slide off the rate house if you’re taking a difficult nook.

Garage and practicality up entrance is beautiful excellent, with large cupholders and a number of other cubbies for storing your stuff.

The aforementioned wi-fi telephone charger pad slides out of methods to expose a pockets and key-sized drawer that’s a to hand bit of additional garage that may also be hidden out of sight.

Some other deep cubby lives below the padded front-centre armrest, and there’s first rate door packing containers that may grasp bottles and different unfastened pieces will have to you want.

Different facilities come with USB-A and -C ports which rate gadgets and likewise attach them to the infotainment gadget, and there’s a 12V outlet hidden below that shelf.

Within the again, the NX is among the extra compact cars in its elegance however gives ok room for 2 adults.

At the back of my most popular riding place (I’m 6’1) I had first rate knee and legroom, and excellent headroom. The Lexus gained’t be knocking the X3 or XC60 off for outright area, but it surely does the activity and is particularly simpler than the smaller UX.

You get directional air vents (however no further local weather controls), further charging ports and map wallet again there, in addition to a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders.

ISOFX anchors characteristic at the outboard seats as do top-tethers throughout all 3 rear seat backs, which means the kiddies are catered for again there. In the event you’re a tender circle of relatives with rising youngsters, this will have to have the ability to develop with you for a short time prior to you want one thing like an RX.

The Lexus NX gives 520 litres (VDA) with the rear seats in position, increasing to 1141 litres with them folded. The distance itself is good and sq., and it’s somewhat flat with the rear seats folded – despite the fact that there’s slightly of a step from the boot flooring to the seat backs.

You gained’t discover a spare wheel within the NX, because it’s dressed in run flat tyres.

What’s below the bonnet?

The NX 250 is powered via a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine riding the entrance wheels.

It’s successfully the similar unit as that utilized by the top-spec Toyota RAV4 Edge AWD, proper right down to its 152kW (6600rpm) and 243Nm (4000-5000rpm) outputs and eight-speed automated. In contrast to its Toyota sibling then again, the Lexus doesn’t be offering all-wheel pressure with this powertrain.

The unit options sequential multiport, direct and port gasoline injection, and is homologated to Euro 6b emissions requirements – most probably why it calls for minimal 95 RON top class unleaded gasoline.

Lexus claims the NX 250 will boost up from 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds, and use 6.9 litres in line with 100km at the mixed cycle – with CO2 emissions of 158g/km. Idle prevent/delivery era is fitted as same old.

NX 250, NX 350 and NX 450h+ engine variants are simplest rated to tow as much as 1000kg, whilst NX 350h fashions up that to 1500kg. Kerb weight for the NX 250 is indexed at 1705kg, making it the lightest variant.

How does the Lexus NX 250 pressure?

The bottom NX fires up with a high-pitched, buzzy idle that’s slightly of a distinction to the extra silent start-up of the hybrids.

When you’re rolling, it drives neatly sufficient with out being a standout in any house. This no doubt seems like an entry-level drivetrain in comparison to the extra responsive electrified and turbocharged choices additional up the variety.

The two.5-litre petrol is a prepared, rev-happy unit, but it surely has a buzzy, from time to time coarse sound that may be a little bit unrefined for a automotive like this, and the loss of turbocharging method it might probably really feel breathless at low revs. It actually must be driven to get any place briefly, which hurts potency and refinement.

I additionally discovered the eight-speed automated to be a little bit off the mark. First equipment feels relatively brief and the shift from first into 2d, and 2d to 3rd below tougher throttle can virtually really feel just like the NX is attempting to flat shift, with revs flaring a little bit because it adjustments cogs.

Given its extra comfort-focused vibe, you’re very best to pressure the NX 250 in a measured, sedate means that doesn’t push the drivetrain too laborious, and lets you higher benefit from the somewhat relaxed and quiet cabin at a cruise.

As soon as at velocity, the NX gives a supple and neatly managed journey and excellent insulation from street and wind noise, one thing this is regularly overlooked within the decrease ranks of luxurious logo line-ups.

Whilst I wasn’t keen on the NX’s efficiency off the road, at a cruise the Lexus is splendidly at ease and relaxed, obviously taking part in into the Luxurious nameplate somewhat than attempting too laborious to be ‘sporty’ – which is how I felt in regards to the NX 350 F Game I reviewed ultimate 12 months.

Guidance and dealing with is responsive and safe, gentle sufficient to make lower-speed manoeuvres a cinch but in addition now not sacrificing accuracy or really feel from the entrance axle. It moves a excellent steadiness for this type of car.

The loss of a surround-view digital camera is a disgrace, despite the fact that there’s first rate outward visibility for parking.

In spite of being the entry-level variant, Lexus has absolutely stocked the NX 250 with its suite of motive force help applied sciences, together with a semi-autonomous freeway riding assistant that mixes adaptive cruise regulate and Lane Tracing Lend a hand (centring) to take the weight off prolonged stints at the highway.

It does a excellent activity protecting the car centred in its lane whilst additionally having a horny herbal reaction to adjustments in lead automotive velocity or if any person cuts forward of you within the lane. I can say, the Lexus adaptive cruise can from time to time be a little bit conservative for my tastes, in particular in case you’re on a hectic highway with impatient drivers in the back of you.

Past that the blind-spot and rear cross-traffic assists paintings as you’d be expecting, despite the fact that when parking I had a couple of circumstances the place the NX would slam at the brakes if it idea I used to be too with regards to a wall in entrance of me in spite of nonetheless having a excellent quantity of room (and entrance parking sensors).

The one options the NX 250 (and NX 350h Luxurious fashions) fail to see in comparison to greater grades are a surround-view digital camera gadget in addition to adaptive high-beam with higher-grade headlights – base fashions make do with static LED headlights and auto excessive beam, which fits tremendous.

What do you get?

NX 250 highlights:

External

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
  • Auto static levelling
  • Headlight cleaners
• LED sunlight hours operating lighting
• Fog lighting entrance, rear
• Heated facet mirrors, auto-dimming
• Energy tailgate
• Roof rails
• Rear spoiler
• Runflat tyres
• Rain-sensing wipers

Internal

• 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment gadget
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Stressed Android Auto
• DAB virtual radio
• Lexus Attached Services and products
• 10-speaker audio
• Virtual Multi Knowledge Show
  • 8.0-inch motive force’s cluster
• Keyless access, delivery
• Electrochromatic rear-view replicate
• Electrically-adjustable guidance column
• Leather-based-accented guidance wheel
• Leather-based-accented seat upholstery
• Heated entrance seats
• E-Latch internal door handles
• Twin-zone local weather regulate
• 8-way energy entrance seats
• 2-way energy lumbar, motive force

Choices

Enhancement Pack: $3000

• Unmarried-pane sunroof
• Fingers-free energy tailgate
• Wi-fi telephone charger

Colors

Usual

Top rate: $1750

• White Nova (F Game)
• Titanium
• Sonic Quartz
• Sonic Chrome
• Graphite Black
• Khaki Steel
• Celestial Blue
• Cobalt Mica (F Game)
• Carnelian (F Game)

Is the Lexus NX 250 secure?

The brand new Lexus NX was once not too long ago awarded a five-star ANCAP protection ranking, in response to 2022 Euro NCAP checks.

The mid-sized SUV scored 91 in line with cent for grownup occupant coverage, 89 in line with cent for kid occupant coverage, 83 p.c for susceptible street person coverage and an outstanding 92 in line with cent for protection help.

ANCAP praised the NX’s spectacular AEB efficiency in addition to its coverage of the driving force and entrance passenger within the facet have an effect on and frontal offset checks respectively.

The NX was once, then again, simplest awarded a Marginal ranking for motive force chest coverage within the frontal offset check and was once penalised accordingly (-1.21 pts out of four.00 pts).

Usual protection apparatus contains:

• 10 airbags
  • incl. motive force’s knee, front-centre
• Adaptive cruise regulate incl. Prevent/Move
• Independent emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian detection (day/evening)
  • Bicycle owner detection (day)
  • Junction help
• Auto high-beam
• Blind-spot tracking
• Emergency Guidance Lend a hand
• Lane departure caution
• Lane stay help
• Lane Tracing Lend a hand (centring)
• Parking sensors entrance, rear
• Rear cross-traffic help
• Reversing digital camera
• Protected Go out Lend a hand
• Site visitors signal reputation

How a lot does the Lexus NX 250 price to run?

Each and every Lexus is roofed via a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guaranty.

Capped-price servicing for 3 years or 45,000km is ready at $495 in line with discuss with. The NX will also be accumulated from the landlord’s house or place of business, with a complimentary mortgage car delivered door-to-door.

You additionally get get admission to to the Lexus Encore possession program, which provides house owners get admission to to Caltex gasoline reductions, invites to luxurious dinners and occasions, in addition to luxurious resort partnership advantages

Lexus Australia is rolling out a brand new smartphone app that we could house owners observe and investigate cross-check or regulate sides in their car from the sofa.

When it comes to real-world gasoline intake, I used to be seeing excessive 7s and coffee 8s in combined day by day riding, and also you’ll see it edge into the 9s with extra high-traffic town use. Now not dangerous, but in addition now not standout.

CarExpert’s Take at the Lexus NX 250

It would possibly not set your pulse racing, however the base NX 250 is a cast top class SUV.

For $65,000 with the not obligatory Enhancement Pack, the bottom NX covers maximum bases and remains to be considerably extra inexpensive than different mid-size luxurious competitors, if missing in efficiency in comparison to identical competition.

There’s a excellent quantity of area on be offering, and in spite of the from time to time coarse powertrain and transmission, it’s a quiet and relaxed cruiser that will likely be neatly fitted to day by day commutes.

Our earlier overview urged the NX 250 may well be a steep ask over a top-spec RAV4, however the hole has narrowed considerably since and different competitors have develop into costlier to shop for, simplest strengthening the Lexus’s case.

The removing of embedded navigation as a operating trade has me scratching my head slightly, and my tastes don’t actually gel with the petrol engine’s efficiency and refinement – despite the fact that I’m positive it’ll be simply tremendous for many of us.

Sure the NX 350h is the candy spot, however is it actually value an additional $7000 and a long wait time? I’m now not positive.

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