2023 Lexus NX Review

The Lexus NX was introduced as an option that lies between the bigger Lexus RX and the smaller Lexus UX.

It ended up becoming one of the most successful ventures by Lexus in the past decade. This is because of its sophistication coupled with its immense practicality.

The following reviews the 2023 Lexus NX which is now available for sale:

Features

The Lexus NX is currently in its second generation which was launched last year. It offers a choice of six trims and a whopping four powertrain options.

The powertrain includes traditional and plug-in hybrid options – also marketed as the 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid.

Powertrain and Numbers

The first engine on the 2023 Lexus NX is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that produces 203 horsepower and 184 torque. This is offered on the Lexus NX250 and it gets a combined 28 mpg estimate.

Then we have a 2.5-liter hybrid engine offered on the 2023 NX350h. It has a combined power output of 240 hp and 167 lb-ft. The EPA says it will do up to 24 mpg combined.

We also get a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that produces 275 horses and 317 torques. It is a feature of the 2023 NX350 and the NX350 F Sport. It’ll do 39 mpg combined.

The final powertrain is another 304-horsepower and 167-pound-feet 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid engine on the 2023 NX450h+ models. This is good for 84 MPGe.

The gas engines come with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, while the hybrids feature eCVTs.

The fastest 0-60 acceleration time is 6 seconds, achieved by the NX 450h+ models. This is followed by the 6.6-second time by the NX350 gasoline models.

You get a stellar towing capacity of 2000 pounds, along with a hauling capacity of 895 pounds.

Interior and Technology

The 2023 Lexus NX’s interior has been lauded quite a bit by its testers. Praise went towards the interior’s good looks and how solid the material quality is.

US News said that the 2023 Lexus NX “is built with solid fit and finish and uses high-quality materials,” and that the cabin is “comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.”

“The cabin’s quality is much higher than in the previous generation. Not only are the various surfaces more attractive, they look and feel more expensive,” noted CNET.

Kelley Blue Book called it a “quiet and comfortable place to spend your time,”.

The trunk space is quite decent despite the size of the vehicle. You get about 22.7 cubic feet; 46.9 cubes if you fold down the rear seats.

The following are the trim levels of the 2023 Lexus NX, plus their standard features:

2023 Lexus NX250
The 2023 Lexus NX250 comes with stippled black interior trim and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.

The tech includes dual-zone climate control, push-button ignition, remote start via the app, and 8-way power-adjustable front seats that are heated.

You get a killer infotainment system featuring a 9.8-inch screen with a 10-speaker stereo, plus a 7-inch instrumentation screen. There’s also wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

For safety, there are a lot of standard amenities offered here, starting with adaptive cruise control.

You also get automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alerts, and lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist.

2023 Lexus NX350h and NX350
These two trim levels basically upgrade the powertrain and unlock some optional extras.

2023 Lexus NX350 F Sport
On this variant, you unlock the dark graphite aluminum trim and F Sport perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.

You also get F Sport aluminum pedals and heated front seats with enhanced bolsters.

There are now displays showing you your g-force and turbo-boost, and a 10-inch head-up display for some more info.

2023 Lexus NX450h+
The highlighted add-ons of the 2023 NX 450h+ include the black open-pore wood trim along with a perforated leather-trimmed interior with unique chevron seat quilting.

Also included is Lexus’s memory system for the driver’s seat and ventilation on the front seats. There’s now a powered moonroof and liftgate, and a 14-inch infotainment screen.

Finally, there’s an intuitive parking assist system with automatic braking.

2023 Lexus NX450h+ F Sport
On this one, you get all of the above, plus the F Sport components from the NX350 F Sport model. It also comes with g-force and energy-monitor displays.

2023 Lexus NX250

 

 

2023 Lexus NX350h and NX350

 

 

2023 Lexus NX450h+ F Sport

 

 

Exterior and Driving

The 2023 Lexus NX is a stylish vehicle that features a design made from a blend of aestheticism and aerodynamics.

All the models feature bi-LED headlamps with triple-beam ones being optional. The first two trims feature 18-inch wheels while the others come with differently styled 20-inchers.

The F Sport models feature a custom everything – roof rails, side-view mirrors, wheel fender arches, front fascia and grille, rear bumper, and valance.

There are many unique colors available on the 2023 Lexus NX.

These are Eminent White Pearl, Atomic Silver, Cloudburst Gray, Caviar, Redline, Cadmium Orange, Nori Green Pearl, Grecian Water, Ultra White, Obsidian, and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0.

The driving abilities of this car are pretty much unmatched in the class. It does it all from driving fast and handling great, to providing a quiet and comfortable experience for the occupants.

US News had good things to say about its handling and comfort: “The NX handles corners confidently and soaks up most bumps in the road…[it] is easy and enjoyable to drive.

Reliability and Warranty

JD Power has given the 2023 Lexus NX a predicted reliability rating of fair while Consumer Reports expects it to be “much more reliable than the average new car.”

There are excellent aftersales offered by Lexus here.

There’s a limited warranty for four years or 50k miles, and a powertrain warranty for six years or 70k miles. The hybrid models also have an extra warranty of 8 years or 100k miles.

Complimentary maintenance is offered for 1 year or 10k miles.

Verdict

The 2023 Lexus NX offers something for everyone which is probably why the NX nameplate has sold in massive numbers.

It looks and drives great, comes with a variety of powertrain options, and is loaded with standard features. It is also comfortable, reliable, and practical in every way you could think of.

To get the 2023 Lexus NX and NX Hybrid in Mason OH, Morrow OH, and Loveland OH, check out Performance Lexus here.