The Compact and Agile SUV, the NX

The compact SUV market is bustling. Mercedes-Benz released the "GLA" based on the A-Class, and BMW released the "X4" based on the 3 Series. In response, Range Rover, with its "Evoque",Cherokee" and other off-road specialists are not standing still. They are strengthening their on-road appeal to meet market needs.

Naturally, domestic manufacturers are also active. As you know, the Mazda CX-5 is popular, and the Subaru Forester and Toyota Harrier have also achieved significant success, appearing frequently on our streets.

It is in this context that the Lexus "NX" was born. Until now, the "RX" had covered the entire SUV market for the brand, but that is no longer the case. There is a growing demand for more compact and agile SUVs.

So, what is the difference between the RX and the NX?

The answer is simple: they are entirely different vehicles. The RX was developed quite some time ago. At that time, the SUV market was dominated by North America, and its tastes were directly reflected in the vehicle's tuning.

However, the NX is different. The market for the new NX is global. It possesses handling and suspension that are refined enough for Europe. This is possible because the current direction of Lexus as a whole strongly emphasizes this aspect.

The NX200t Features Lexus's First Turbo Engine

The NX brings a lot of newness. The most significant is perhaps Lexus's first turbo engine, a rarity for "Toyota" as well after a long hiatus.

The 2-liter turbo engine was necessitated by the global market strategy. As mentioned, sales are anticipated in Europe. In Europe, unlike Japan and North America, the "hybrid myth" holds less sway, and a "small displacement + turbo" configuration is far more appealing.

This engine is, in fact, exceptionally well-executed. It revs smoothly, with none of the "sudden surge" characteristics of older turbo engines. While there is a slight lag if you repeatedly stomp on the accelerator, otherwise, the feel is akin to a naturally aspirated engine.

Reportedly, the turbine is manufactured in-house by Toyota. While GT and Formula racing often rely on external suppliers, the NX does not seem to follow this path. With their return to turbocharging after a long time, the company apparently focused on "let's try building it ourselves first!"

The "200t," equipped with this 2-liter turbo engine, offered a distinctly sporty ride during our test drive in Canada. The accelerator response was sharp, and the engine felt powerful. The handling was also quick, with the suspension keeping pace admirably.

I wondered if such quickness might be too much for the American market, but it seems such concerns are unfounded. Apparently, the needs in North America have become quite sporty, and the vehicle was well-received by American media and journalists this time as well. Indeed, times are changing.—.

The NX300h: A 2.5-Liter Gasoline Engine + Motor

Besides the 200t, the NX also offers another powertrain model: the "300h." This combines a 2.5-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor. It utilizes the same hybrid system found in the earlier released "GS300h" and "IS300h."

Driving the NX300h, I found it quite familiar, having recently spent some time driving the "RX450h" earlier this year. Compared to the 200t's sharper tuning, it offers a slightly more composed feel, closer to the RX.

Certainly, the way the motor propels the car forward is quite powerful, but beyond that, it feels milder than the 200t's initial acceleration. In other words, it responds robustly when absolute power is demanded, but it can also be driven gently when that power isn't needed. Based on this, the JC08 mode fuel economy is also expected to be quite impressive.
And what about in Japan? A month after returning from Canada, I had the opportunity to test drive it in Karuizawa. It handled the winding roads of Japan with the same spirited performance as it did elsewhere. Among the compact SUVs offered by various manufacturers, its sporty character stands out.

The styling is also several times more appealing in person than in photographs. While the front fascia might have been emphasized in two dimensions, that wasn't the whole story. The design flows elegantly to the rear, achieving a well-balanced form.

Furthermore, the NX is adorned with numerous "Japanese omotenashi" (hospitality) details intended for a global audience. The number of these is too great to list here. We encourage you to discover them for yourself.

Lexus NX200t
Body Dimensions: Length 4,630 × Width 1,845 × Height 1,645 mm
Wheelbase: 2,660 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,580 / 1,580 mm (F SPORT: 1,570 mm front and rear)
Minimum Ground Clearance: 165 mm
Engine: 1,998cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC Turbo
Maximum Engine Output: 175 kW (238 ps) / 4,800-5,600 rpm
Maximum Torque: 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 1,650-4,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: FF, 4WD
Suspension Front/Rear: MacPherson strut / Double wishbone
Brakes Front/Rear: Ventilated discs / Discs
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode): (2WD) 12.8 km/ℓ (4WD) 12.4 km/ℓ
Seating Capacity: 5
Price: ¥4.28 - ¥5.18 million

Lexus NX300h
Body Dimensions: Length 4,630 × Width 1,845 × Height 1,645 mm
Wheelbase: 2,660 mm
Tread Front/Rear: 1,580 / 1,580 mm (F SPORT: 1,570 mm front and rear)
Minimum Ground Clearance: 170 mm
Engine: 2,493cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC + Motor
Maximum Engine Output: 112 kW (152 ps) / 5,700 rpm
Maximum Front Motor Output: 105 kW (143 ps)
Maximum Rear Motor Output: (4WD only) 50 kW (68 ps)
Maximum Engine Torque: 206 Nm (21.0 kgm) / 4,400-4,800 rpm
Maximum Front Motor Torque: 270 Nm (27.5 kgm)
Maximum Rear Motor Torque: (4WD only) 139 Nm (14.2 kgm)
Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Drivetrain: FF, 4WD
Suspension Front/Rear: MacPherson strut / Double wishbone
Brakes Front/Rear: Ventilated discs / Discs
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode): 19.8 km/ℓ (FF standard or I Package: 21.0 km/ℓ)
Seating Capacity: 5
Price: ¥4.92 - ¥5.82 million

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