2023 Lexus NX is a compact, versatile luxury SUV that boasts a high-quality, high-end interior and many standard driver assistance features. While the NX isn’t class-leading in terms of cargo capacity, interior space, or all-out performance, it does well enough in each category to make it a worthwhile option.
Lexus launched the second generation NX for 2022 and the recently reworked model was carried over to 2023 without changes. That’s fine with us; Lexus greatly enhanced its product lineup by offering a compact luxury SUV with four powertrains.
Two hybrids are offered in addition to a duo of petrol-only options, so buyers have plenty to choose from. As a plus, the new infotainment system is much better than the old system. Competitors include other small crossovers such as the Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, and Lincoln Corsair. After arriving as a completely redesigned vehicle in 2022, the 2023 Lexus NX arrives without major changes.
The NX is available in six variants: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350 F Sport Handling, NX 350h Hybrid, plug-in hybrid 450h+, and NX 450h+ F Sport Handling. The lineup may seem intimidating at first glance, but the NX can be broken down into gas-powered, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models.
Pricing for the NX starts at $40,205 (with destination) for the NX 250 and goes up to $59,905 for the NX 450h+ F Sport Handling.
2023 Lexus NX Review
While the 2023 Lexus NX is more than a dressed-up Toyota RAV4—the vehicle it’s based on—it doesn’t live up to the same standards as the European crossovers it competes with. Don’t get me wrong, the high-end design and well-equipped cabin look and feel like part of a luxury SUV. To give the NX the widest possible appeal, Lexus offers it no less than four different powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid that produces 302 horsepower.
The problem is that none of them are as fun to drive as rivals like the Audi Q3, BMW X1, or Mercedes-Benz GLA-class—and to us, a fun driving experience weighs more than practicality or fuel efficiency. For everyone else, the NX will undoubtedly serve dutifully on daily commutes, weekend errands, and vacation trips.
Undeniably an upgrade from the previous-generation NX, Lexus’ compact crossover is more exciting than ever. The exterior design is tight and stylish, especially if you don’t mind the Lexus’ giant spindle grille.
Based on the same platform as the Toyota RAV4 crossover, the Lexus NX is a pleasure to drive with a few minor caveats. Light and accurate steering feature across the range but we also felt an unpleasant vibration through the steering wheel in our tests. While the NX350h is quicker than the naturally aspirated NX250 or the turbocharged NX350, the brake pedal feels abysmal.
In short, the Lexus NX isn’t a canyon-cutter, but we appreciate that suspension tuning across the range supports a luxurious ride. The NX450h+ plug-in is a highlight of the lineup; its electric range of 37 miles and overall quietness make it the leading choice in its segment.
Unfortunately, no matter which 2023 Lexus NX you choose, we found the interior to be pretty plain. That’s especially true at the top end of the NX lineup, where the other competitors are outfitted with gorgeous, elaborately styled cabins. Still, we’d love to see Lexus’ old touchpad controllers become a thing of the past in favor of large touchscreen displays. Lexus has also stocked many of the standard safety features, which give the NX that extra bit of appeal.
Look elsewhere in this segment if sportiness is an immediate priority. If ride comfort, good fuel economy, and an attractive exterior design are important factors, then the 2023 Lexus NX is the right choice.
- Two hybrid models
- Large touchscreen display
- Standard security features
- The cabins are roomy and attractive
- Many standard features are desirable
- Strong fuel economy
- NX 350 carried without changes
- Part of the second NX generation introduced for 2022
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2023 Lexus NX Redesign
The Lexus NX returned last year with a styling refresh, a bigger engine, more power, new transmission, and a much-improved infotainment system. The changes have helped the 2023 Lexus NX 350 better challenge small luxury SUV rivals such as the Acura RDX, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and newcomer Genesis GV70.
For 2023, NX remains unchanged. That’s fine for now because Lexus has done the heavy lifting. The base model offers the essentials, including a useful suite of driver aids, but luxury buyers will likely gravitate to the Premium and Luxury trims for a more robust offering: upholstered leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power liftgate, and high-def 14-screen display. -inch touch (optional on Premium) among others. The latter is a welcome return to the remote display and touchpad controllers that frustrated previous models.
The NX 350 joins two hybrids, the NX 350h and NX 450h+, and the less powerful entry-level NX 250 in the Lexus lineup. The NX 250 is fuel efficient and right for the price, but some buyers will likely find the NX 350’s larger, 275-horsepower engine quicker. It also makes more low-end (317 lb-ft) torque than its main rival, but its fuel economy is competitive. Compared to alternatives like the Acura RDX or the BMW X3, Lexus lacks vibrancy. Comfortable and fairly quiet on straight roads, but the NX 350 isn’t as sharp or responsive on cornering roads.
From a practical perspective, the Lexus offers nearly 23 cubic feet of cargo space, about the size of a standard washing machine. That’s less than the GV70 or RDX, but it’s also slightly bigger and longer. The Mercedes is the same length as the NX but offers slightly less cargo space. Read our Expert Rating below to learn how the NX 350 compares to its competitors and whether it’s right for you.
2023 Lexus NX Specs
Having just been redesigned last year, the NX enters 2023 without changing its packaging, content, or mechanical parts.
- Body style: SUV
- Dimensions: 184″ L x 73″ W x 65-66″ H
- MSRP: From $38,605
- MPG: Up to 41 cities / 37 highways
- Cargo volume: 22.7 ft³, 46.9 ft³ with seat area
- Compression ratio: 11 to 14
2023 Lexus NX Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Cabin design has taken a big leap forward in this NX generation, with a modern look and classy materials. The NX offers one of the more spacious cabins in the luxury subcompact crossover segment, with slightly more passenger space in the rear seats and more cargo space when the rear seats are folded than many of its competitors.
Optional features include a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, an ambient interior lighting system with 64 different color options, and black open-pore wood trim. The Lexus NX is a compact crossover but on the side of the smaller segment. Legroom is comparable to larger rivals like the BMW X3 and Genesis GV70, but the NX’s boot space is lacking.
Infotainment and Connectivity
All NX models are equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system; the base model comes with a 9.8-inch display while the high-end trim gets a large 14.0-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and work over a wireless connection; a wireless smartphone charging pad is optional as is the head-up display. A 10-speaker stereo system is standard and comes with a free Amazon Music trial; A 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system is optional on models equipped with the Premium or Luxury packages.
All NX models offer seating for up to five people. This compact SUV offers up to 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a total of 46.9 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear seats are folded. Lexus has packaged the NX Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid battery components in a way that doesn’t affect cargo capacity, as all NX models share the same cargo space.
Storage
The NX doesn’t offer the same amount of cargo capacity as many of its competitors. With 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the NX trails the BMW X3 (28.7 cubes) and Acura RDX (31.1 cubes). That said, the load area for the NX is nice and wide and the cargo area is free from the intrusion of wheel wells, making it easy to load wide and bulky objects. Power-folding rear seats are available.
Interior storage also follows some of its competitors, but the NX does offer a bit of usable and easily accessible space for personal items. We appreciate the large, cubby-sized underarm center console storage hidden under the optional wireless charging pad.
While we understand towing isn’t usually near the top of the list when choosing a small luxury SUV, note that the NX 350 is rated to tow a rather scanty 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. Competitors such as the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 and BMW X3 offer towing limits of 3,500 and 4,400 pounds, respectively.
Technology
The 2023 Lexus NX uses a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Automakers are also equipping voice-controlled virtual assistants that can assist with basic tasks that would otherwise require keystrokes.
Opting for the Luxury plan swaps in a larger 14.0-inch screen in place of the standard unit. Other features include built-in navigation, over-the-air updates, an emergency response system, and digital key smartphone integration.
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2023 Lexus NX Performance
Lexus offers the NX compact crossover with a variety of drivetrains. The base engine is a naturally aspirated four-cylinder and the 450h+’s top range uses a powerful plug-in hybrid setup. Among them, there is a turbocharged four-cylinder variant and a conventional hybrid model. Notably, the NX350h is quicker than any of its petrol stablemates.
2023 Lexus NX Driving
We tested the F Sport version and found it a pleasant balance between comfort and capability. Acceleration on our test track was mediocre (0-60 mph in 7 seconds), but the turbocharged engine was powerful enough to reach highway speeds or pass slower traffic. Shifting from the eight-speed automatic transmission isn’t particularly fast but it’s smooth enough.
In our panic braking test from 60 mph, our NX 350 F Sport logged a better-than-average of 117 feet. On the highway, the NX’s brakes are smooth and predictable. The NX’s handling inspires confidence, but we wouldn’t call it sporty. The F Sport package on our test vehicle helps minimize body roll when cornering.
The NX 350 F Sport, which we tested, felt tight and secure without an overly stiff ride. The F Sport also comes with special seats that have more cushioning but are just as soft and comfortable as the standard NX. Seat heating and ventilation in our test NX worked fast, and the rear seats offered better-than-average sculpting and support.
Most of the climate control features are easy to access and easy to use. The three-zone climate system does a good job of maintaining the set temperature, but we found the center ventilation too low to be effective on warm days. Interior noise levels are relatively low, and while we saw little to no wind noise, we did hear a lot more tire hum than we expected.
2023 Lexus NX Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 NX has four powertrain options. The base model NX250 comes with a 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder while the NX350 is powered by a 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter; both came with an eight-speed automatic, but while the NX250 could be had with front or all-wheel drive, the NX350 comes standard with all-wheel drive. Two different hybrid options are on the menu, starting with the NX350h, which pairs two electric motors with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for 239 horsepower.
A more interesting option is the NX450h+, which borrows the RAV4 Prime’s 302-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain. In our tests, the top-range NX450h+ hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds while the NX350h needed 7.6 seconds to accomplish the same feat. Both hybrids come standard with all-wheel drive. Our first test drive was with the mid-range NX350 stopping a pretty quick 6.6 seconds zero to 60 mph run.
While it didn’t blow us away with its handling prowess, we did note that the NX’s ride is appropriate, and with enough drive, we can produce a few smiles on the back roads. The F Sport trim comes with an adaptive suspension system that enhances the ride and provides a bit more serenity, but even so, the NX doesn’t quite measure up to the BMW X1 when it attacks winding asphalt.
2023 Lexus NX Models
2023 Lexus NX250
- Drive: FWD or AWD
- Engine: 2.5 liter I-4
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 203 hp/184 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway) : 26/33 mpg (FWD)/ 25/32 (AWD)*
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8.2-8.6 seconds (mfr est)
2023 Lexus NX350
- Drive: AWD
- Engine: I-4 2.4 liter turbocharged
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 275 hp/317 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway) : 22/29 mpg (Luxury)/ 22/28 mpg (F Sport)*
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.3 seconds (Luxury trim)/7.1 seconds (F Sport)
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2023 Lexus NX350h Hybrid
- Drive: AWD
- Engine: 2.5 liter I-4 hybrid
- Transmission: Automatic CVT
- Horsepower: 239 hp
- Efficiency (city/highway): 41/37 mpg*
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.0 seconds
2023 Lexus NX450h+ Plug-In Hybrid
- Drive: AWD
- Engine: 2.5 liter I-4 plug-in hybrid
- Transmission: Automatic CVT
- Horse Power / Torque: 302 hp
- Efficiency (Combined MPG-e/MPG) : 84 MPG-e/36 MPG combined*
- Electric Range: 37 miles (gasoline engine provides additional range after initial EV miles)*
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.5 seconds
2023 Lexus NX Real World Fuel and MPG Savings
According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient NX model is the hybrid NX350h, which is rated at 41 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The entry-level NX250 is rated as high as 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway and the turbocharged NX350’s highest rating is 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The plug-in hybrid NX450h+ is rated for 38 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, and the EPA estimates its battery pack has enough electrons to provide up to 37 miles of electric-only driving range before needing to be recharged. On our 75 mph highway fuel-efficient test route, the all-wheel drive NX350 produced 28 mpg but the hybrid NX350h only made 34 mpg. For more information on the NX’s fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
How Sporty is the Handling of the NX450h+ F Sport
In addition to overhauling the exterior and interior styling of the hottest NX, Lexus added adaptive variable suspension and 20-inch wheels to its equipment list. Lexus has also added a Sport S+ driving mode for more aggressive steering and drivetrain response. In our test, the 2022 Lexus NX450h+ sprinted from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds, which isn’t a segment leader but should be fast enough to please most buyers. Is this NX as sporty to drive as the Genesis GV70 or the Alfa Romeo Stelvio?
No, but the Lexus may represent a better compromise of hybrid sportiness and efficiency for some.
2023 Lexus NX Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Every NX comes with a suite of advanced safety features, the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Standard equipment on the NX includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, automatic high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, and vehicle exit warning.
For $1,070, buyers can specify the NX with an all-around view camera, lane change assistance, and front and rear traffic alerts. The head-up view is included in the Luxury Package which is available for $6,150. Automatic parking assistance is available for $480.
Lexus offers a number of standard driver assistance features on the NX. Buyers can expect to find automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control on all models. For more information about NX crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key security features include:
- Standard automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane departure alerts with lane maintenance assistance
- Standard adaptive cruise control
2023 Lexus NX Price
The NX starts at under $40,000, but that base model may be too simple for some luxury shoppers. Opting for the mid-range NX350 brings a 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which offers more precise performance.
We recommend adding the Luxury package, which includes premium equipment such as a larger 14.0-inch infotainment screen, quilted leather upholstery, cloud-connected navigation, improved interior ambient lighting, 20-inch wheels, four-way adjustable lumbar support for drivers, adaptive headlights. For buyers looking for a more intimidating look and increased performance, the NX350 F Sport is priced similarly and is also available with the Luxury package.
- NX250 $39,755
- NX350h $43,105
- NX350 $43,515
- NX350 F Sport $48,615
- NX 450h+ $57,705
- NX450h+ F Sport $58,955
Verdict
We’ve driven most of the models in the Lexus NX range and we think the 450h+ is the most executed version. Not only does it offer an electric range of 37 miles, which is more than similarly priced PHEV rivals, but it also handles better than other variants in the range.
The 302-hp NX450h+ is also the fastest. We don’t think the F Sport package is necessary as the 20-inch wheels and stiffer sport suspension detract from ride quality. Standard NX450h+ features include a 14.0-inch infotainment screen, heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated perforated leather front seats, and a 10-speaker premium sound system.
The plug-in hybrid NX is nearly $60,000 to start with, but in the case of this Lexus SUV, it really is the best in the range.
People also ask about Lexus NX 2023
Q: How long is the wait for Lexus NX?
A: The lead time at NX is now 12 months, Harrison told Automotive News Europe
Q: Is the Lexus NX bigger than the RAV4?
A: The Lexus NX leads the industry in luxury crossover SUVs. In fact, the Toyota RAV4 wants it to be more like the NX. The following is a comparison of the two vehicles.
Q: What is the mpg for Lexus NX 350 2023?
A: The 2023 NX 350h produces an EPA estimate of 41 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.
Q: What is the mpg for Lexus NX hybrid 2023?
A: According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient NX model is the hybrid NX350h, which is rated at 41 mpg city and 37 mpg highway.
