For not way more than a top-spec Toyota RAV4, you may get right into a Lexus NX.

Whereas 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 entry level into the mid-size luxurious SUV’s line-up.

It’s cheaper than simply about each rival in its section, and proper now it’s extra available than the remainder of the vary as a result of ongoing manufacturing and provide constraints for what’s considered one of Lexus’s top-selling fashions globally.

We are inclined to advocate the hybrids as our picks in most Toyota and Lexus ranges lately, however in contrast to the RAV4, the NX’s electrified choice is kind of a bit more cash than this base 250 – regardless of being successfully provided in the identical Luxurious specification, there’s virtually a $7000 distinction.

Like different premium fashions with mainstream kin, the Lexus NX is doing its greatest to indicate you it’s not simply a tarted up RAV4, regardless of this specific mannequin sharing its 2.5-litre petrol engine with high-spec variations of Toyota’s world best-seller.

Does it do a convincing sufficient job? Let’s discover out!

How a lot does the Lexus NX 250 price?

Costs have risen a bit since launch, with the NX 250 now itemizing for $62,275 earlier than on-road prices – or about $70,500 drive-away utilizing a Victorian postcode.

That’s slightly below $400 larger than earlier than, which is a marginal enhance given business developments in the meanwhile, and the NX 250 nonetheless is available in nicely underneath entry-level variations of most rivals.

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. Neglect any model of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, which is now a minimal $100,000 proposition in Australia, whereas the entry-level Volvo XC60 Plus B5 begins from $73,990.

Past the standard set of opponents, the NX 250 undercuts the Genesis GV70 2.5T RWD (from $70,500), although has new competitors from Mazda within the type of the brand new CX-60 (from $59,800) which as commonplace will get a rear-biased structure and extra highly effective inline six engines.

Additional, the step up from mainstream isn’t that nice – relying on whether or not you worth options or badge. The associated Toyota RAV4 with the identical 2.5-litre petrol engine is $56,230 in Edge AWD guise, whereas 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 Sport Luxurious 2WD: $76,550
• Lexus NX 350h F Sport 2WD: $76,550
• Lexus NX 350h Luxurious AWD: $73,850
• Lexus NX 350h Sports activities Luxurious AWD: $81,350
• Lexus NX 350h F Sport AWD: $81,350
• Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport AWD: $90,948

All costs are earlier than on-road prices

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

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

Whereas the bones and drivetrain are largely the identical as what’s on supply from the RAV4, there’s no resemblance to its relative from the motive force’s seat.

With a much less utilitarian strategy to cabin design and a better concentrate on materials high quality and tactility – as is the Lexus manner – this feels considerably dearer. I might do with extra standard door handles although, because the E-Latch items proliferating via the Lexus line-up proper now take some getting 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 items, and the leather-accented upholstery for the seats and steering wheel feels a minimize above something the RAV4 has to supply.

It undoubtedly doesn’t really feel like a ‘low cost’ mannequin designed to get individuals into showrooms with its pricing, and doesn’t need for a lot in comparison with fashions larger up within the vary, except the infotainment system – which is considerably smaller than the display screen provided in F Sport 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 vary makes this look a bit of meek.

It’s successfully operating the identical software program because the high-end show, so from a usability and expertise perspective it’s virtually the identical however on a smaller display screen – although Lexus has eliminated satellite tv for pc navigation from the bottom system.

Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to DAB+ digital radio each characteristic as commonplace, and the reference to me iPhone 14 Professional Max was splendidly constant. Nonetheless, the actual fact Lexus has minimize tools whereas charging more cash is disappointing.

Fortunately, there’s an ordinary wi-fi telephone charger that slides out and in of the cupholder space to maintain your telephone juiced whereas utilizing wi-fi smartphone mirroring, however it’s not the grippiest one we’ve seen so sometimes your telephone may slide off the cost space when you take a tough nook.

Storage and practicality up entrance is fairly good, with huge cupholders and several other cubbies for storing your stuff.

The aforementioned wi-fi telephone charger pad slides out of the best way to disclose a pockets and key-sized drawer that’s a helpful bit of additional storage that will also be hidden out of sight.

One other deep cubby lives underneath the padded front-centre armrest, and there’s first rate door bins that may maintain bottles and different unfastened objects do you have to want.

Different facilities embody USB-A and -C ports which cost units and in addition join them to the infotainment system, and there’s a 12V outlet hidden underneath that shelf.

Within the again, the NX is without doubt one of the extra compact automobiles in its class however presents satisfactory room for 2 adults.

Behind my most popular driving place (I’m 6’1) I had first rate knee and legroom, and good headroom. The Lexus gained’t be knocking the X3 or XC60 off for outright area, however it does the job and is notably extra sensible than the smaller UX.

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

ISOFX anchors characteristic on the outboard seats as do top-tethers throughout all three rear seat backs, which means the kiddies are catered for again there. For those who’re a younger household with rising youngsters, this could have the ability to develop with you for a short while earlier than you want one thing like an RX.

The Lexus NX presents 520 litres (VDA) with the rear seats in place, increasing to 1141 litres with them folded. The area itself is good and sq., and it’s fairly flat with the rear seats folded – although there’s a little bit of a step from the boot ground to the seat backs.

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

What’s underneath the bonnet?

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

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

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

Lexus claims the NX 250 will speed up from 0-100km/h in 8.7 seconds, and use 6.9 litres per 100km on the mixed cycle – with CO2 emissions of 158g/km. Idle cease/begin expertise is fitted as commonplace.

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

How does the Lexus NX 250 drive?

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

When you’re rolling, it drives nicely sufficient with out being a standout in any space. This undoubtedly seems like an entry-level drivetrain in comparison with the extra responsive electrified and turbocharged options additional up the vary.

The two.5-litre petrol is a prepared, rev-happy unit, however it has a buzzy, at instances coarse sound that may be a bit of unrefined for a automobile like this, and the shortage of turbocharging means it could possibly really feel breathless at low revs. It actually must be pushed to get anyplace rapidly, which hurts effectivity and refinement.

I additionally discovered the eight-speed automated to be a bit of off the mark. First gear feels fairly quick and the shift from first into second, and second to 3rd underneath more durable throttle can virtually really feel just like the NX is making an attempt to flat shift, with revs flaring a bit of because it adjustments cogs.

Given its extra comfort-focused vibe, you’re greatest to drive the NX 250 in a measured, sedate method that doesn’t push the drivetrain too arduous, and lets you higher benefit from the comparatively comfy and quiet cabin at a cruise.

As soon as at velocity, the NX presents a supple and nicely managed trip and good insulation from highway and wind noise, one thing that’s typically uncared for within the decrease ranks of luxurious model line-ups.

Whereas I wasn’t a fan of the NX’s efficiency off the road, at a cruise the Lexus is splendidly relaxed and cozy, clearly enjoying into the Luxurious nameplate quite than making an attempt too arduous to be ‘sporty’ – which is how I felt in regards to the NX 350 F Sport I reviewed final 12 months.

Steering and dealing with is responsive and safe, mild sufficient to make lower-speed manoeuvres a cinch but additionally not sacrificing accuracy or really feel from the entrance axle. It strikes steadiness for this sort of car.

The dearth of a surround-view digital camera is a disgrace, although there’s first rate outward visibility for parking.

Regardless of being the entry-level variant, Lexus has absolutely stocked the NX 250 with its suite of driver help applied sciences, together with a semi-autonomous freeway driving assistant that mixes adaptive cruise management and Lane Tracing Help (centring) to take the load off prolonged stints on the freeway.

It does job holding the car centred in its lane whereas additionally having a reasonably pure response to adjustments in lead automobile velocity or if somebody cuts forward of you within the lane. I’ll say, the Lexus adaptive cruise can at instances be a bit of conservative for my tastes, significantly when you’re on a busy freeway with impatient drivers behind you.

Past that the blind-spot and rear cross-traffic assists work as you’d count on, although when parking I had just a few cases the place the NX would slam on the brakes if it thought I used to be too near a wall in entrance of me regardless of nonetheless having quantity of room (and entrance parking sensors).

The one options the NX 250 (and NX 350h Luxurious fashions) miss out on in comparison with larger grades are a surround-view digital camera system in addition to adaptive high-beam with higher-grade headlights – base fashions make do with static LED headlights and auto excessive beam, which works high-quality.

What do you get?

NX 250 highlights:

Exterior

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

Inside

• 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• DAB digital radio
• Lexus Related Providers
• 10-speaker audio
• Digital Multi Info Show
  • 8.0-inch driver’s cluster
• Keyless entry, begin
• Electrochromatic rear-view mirror
• Electrically-adjustable steering column
• Leather-based-accented steering wheel
• Leather-based-accented seat upholstery
• Heated entrance seats
• E-Latch inside door handles
• Twin-zone local weather management
• 8-way energy entrance seats
• 2-way energy lumbar, driver

Choices

Enhancement Pack: $3000

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

Colors

Commonplace

Premium: $1750

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

Is the Lexus NX 250 protected?

The brand new Lexus NX was lately awarded a five-star ANCAP security ranking, primarily based on 2022 Euro NCAP checks.

The mid-sized SUV scored 91 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 89 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 83 p.c for susceptible highway person safety and a formidable 92 per cent for security help.

ANCAP praised the NX’s spectacular AEB efficiency in addition to its safety of the motive force and entrance passenger within the aspect impression and frontal offset checks respectively.

The NX was, nonetheless, solely awarded a Marginal ranking for driver chest safety within the frontal offset check and was penalised accordingly (-1.21 pts out of 4.00 pts).

Commonplace security tools contains:

• 10 airbags
  • incl. driver’s knee, front-centre
• Adaptive cruise management incl. Cease/Go
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian detection (day/evening)
  • Bike owner detection (day)
  • Junction help
• Auto high-beam
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Emergency Steering Help
• Lane departure warning
• Lane maintain help
• Lane Tracing Help (centring)
• Parking sensors entrance, rear
• Rear cross-traffic help
• Reversing digital camera
• Protected Exit Help
• Visitors signal recognition

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

Each Lexus is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

Capped-price servicing for 3 years or 45,000km is about at $495 per go to. The NX might be collected from the proprietor’s dwelling or place of business, with a complimentary mortgage car delivered door-to-door.

You additionally get entry to the Lexus Encore possession program, which supplies homeowners entry 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 lets homeowners monitor and investigate cross-check or management elements of their car from the sofa.

When it comes to real-world gasoline consumption, I used to be seeing excessive 7s and low 8s in blended day by day driving, and also you’ll see it edge into the 9s with extra high-traffic metropolis use. Not unhealthy, but additionally not standout.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus NX 250

It might not set your pulse racing, however the base NX 250 is a stable premium SUV.

For $65,000 with the non-compulsory Enhancement Pack, the bottom NX covers most bases and remains to be considerably extra reasonably priced than different mid-size luxurious rivals, if missing in efficiency in comparison with equal opponents.

There’s quantity of area on supply, and regardless of the at instances coarse powertrain and transmission, it’s a quiet and cozy cruiser that will probably be nicely suited to day by day commutes.

Our earlier evaluate recommended the NX 250 is likely to be a steep ask over a top-spec RAV4, however the hole has narrowed considerably since and different rivals have grow to be dearer to purchase, solely strengthening the Lexus’s case.

The elimination of embedded navigation as a operating change has me scratching my head a bit, and my tastes don’t actually gel with the petrol engine’s efficiency and refinement – although I’m certain it is going to be simply high-quality for many individuals.

Sure the NX 350h is the candy spot, however is it actually value an additional $7000 and a prolonged wait time? I’m unsure.

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