Automotive

We drive the Lexus NX300h

Lexus NX300h
Lexus NX300h

Lexus wants you to choose them when you are considering buying an SUV. They have a wide range of luxury SUVs from small to large and the NX seems to be one of those that appeals to a large audience. They sell a lot of them and you certainly see them in parking lots all over the place so we were curious to learn more.

The NX300h has been refreshed recently. The entire front fascia of the new NX has been cleaned up, with the upper portion of the grille and the front bumpers redesigned to blend into the hood and front doors.

Lexus did this to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy. They also took a few cues from the LC coupe such as the triple projectors headlamps.

“Starting at the spindle grille, the way the front edges connect to the front fenders results in a much bolder expression than before, clearly highlighting the NX’s style design architecture," said the NX’s Exterior Designer, Shin Kamiura from the Lexus Design Division.

We’ve also changed the shape of the lower front bumper to better support the spindle grille, as well as relocated the fog lamps to the corner of the front bumpers, separating them from the ducts. The result is a front fascia with a stronger and more aggressive presence."

Interior

Driver's cockpit
Driver's cockpit

The interior of the new NX has also been slightly reworked to exude a sportier nature, a more luxurious feel, and with enhanced control interfaces. Immediately noticeable is the larger available display on the center dashboard, which has grown from seven inches to 10.3 inches.

Also, the design of the HVAC control panel has been simplified by replacing the small section of buttons with four toggle switches. Even the analog clock has been changed. It now features a cleaner, simpler design than before with an outer ring that’s more pronounced. It has also been slightly enlarged for better readability and now includes satellite control, which automatically adjusts the time in different time zones.

Nearly all the controls and switches inside the new NX, including the drive mode selector, shift knob and door handles, now have a metallic satin finish, enhancing the premium look and feel of the cabin. On the center console, the remote touch interface pad has been enlarged and redesigned for easier operation, and the palm rest has been reshaped for maximum wrist comfort.

The wireless charger tray has also grown in size to accommodate larger smart phones. In addition, the USB ports have been more optimally positioned in the center console, and their amperage has been increased for faster charging.

Engine

[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]The NX300h emphasizes efficiency and uses a 2.5 liter Atkinson cycle four cylinder engine and a small electric motor. The system varies the power between the gasoline and electric motors but the combined result is 194 horsepower.

The NX300h has all wheel drive as standard, using an independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels when needed. In normal driving, it remains front wheel drive.

With 4200 pounds of luxury and 194 hp under the hood, the NX300h is not going to win any drag races. Lexus claims a 0-60 of 9.1 seconds and a top speed of 112 mph. That is not really important to the typical buyer. What they will care about is the 33 mpg city and 30 mpg highway fuel economy numbers.

Miscellaneous

The NX300h has plenty of cargo space
The NX300h has plenty of cargo space

The other important factors to the NX300h buyer are luxury and quietness. The NX300h delivers what the buyers wants with a plush ride that absorbs most bumps and a very quiet ride with very little wind noise.

The Lexus NX300h is a great vehicle for its target audience. The NX300h provides fuel economy and value in a very tidy package. The new interior appointments improve the luxury feel and will make the occupants feel important with luxury details and well needed improvements.

At a base price of just under $40,000, it can make a great family vehicle.

Base Specifications

Features

  • 2.5L I-4 Engine
  • 2-spd CVT w/OD Transmission
  • 154 @ 5,700 rpm Horsepower
  • 152 @ 4,400 rpm Torque
  • All wheel Drive type
  • ABS and driveline Traction control
  • 17" silver aluminum Wheels
  • Front air conditioning, dual zone automatic
  • SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
  • 2 – 1st row LCD monitor
  • Keyfob (all doors) Remote keyless entry
  • Front Fog/driving lights
  • Heated mirrors
  • NuLuxe leatherette Seat trim
  • Driver Lumbar support

Packages