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    First Drive: 2022 Lexus NX Gains New Engines, Efficiency, Space, and Tech

    Familiar styling hides the numerous upgrades and new features

    2022 Lexus NX450 driving Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

    The redesigned 2022 Lexus NX looks much like the previous model, but beneath that familiar design is a raft of improvements. The cabin is completely transformed, with a more modern instrument panel, a larger infotainment screen, and increased passenger space. Plus, there are several upgrades offered for the first time, such as a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting.

    There are four powertrains available—a surprising number, as most vehicles offer just two or three choices. The base engine is less powerful than before, and a stronger turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also available, as are hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. This allows the NX to span a wider range of prices and help compensate for the decline in sedan sales. 

    More on luxury SUVs

    Further, it boasts the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which brings a generous roster of active safety and driver assistance features. These go well beyond the usual equipment, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning, to add innovative capabilities beyond those now familiar and appreciated safety and driver assistance systems. 

    The NX is considered by the automaker to be the first in a series of 20 all-new or updated Lexus vehicles that will be introduced by 2025. Currently on sale, the NX pricing starts at $37,950 for the front-drive NX 250 and climbs to $56,900 for the all-wheel-drive NX 450h+ F Sport plug-in hybrid, plus a $1,075 destination fee.  

    We rented two examples from LexusNX 350 F Sport AWD (turbocharged) and NX 450h+ AWD (plug-in hybrid)—to gain early impressions, ahead of our ability to purchase one. 

    @consumerreports

    Here's a peek at the redesigned infotainment system inside the 2022 Lexus NX. #cartok #carsoftiktok #lexusnx #infotainment

    ♬ original sound - Consumer Reports

    If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the 2022 Lexus NX is available to you below. We’ll soon purchase an NX to put through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including those that evaluate acceleration, braking, fuel economy, handling, car-seat fit, and controls. CR members will get access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available. 

    If you haven’t signed up yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

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    What we rented: 2022 Lexus NX 350 AWD and NX 450h+ AWD
    Powertrains: 275-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine; eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive 304-hp, 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid four-cylinder engine; eCVT transmission; all-wheel drive
    MSRP: $46,650 NX 350 F Sport, $55,650 NX 450h+
    Destination fee: $1,075
    Total cost: $47,725 NX 350 F Sport, $56,725 NX 450h+

    Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.


    Jeff S. Bartlett

    Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett