Lexus NX 2016 The Sport Suv

Lexus NX 2016 The Sport Suv google doc

 The Lexus NX lineup enters its second model year mostly unchanged. This entirely new model brought several firsts to the Lexus lineup with its introduction last year—a first compact crossover entry for the brand, the first model for the brand with a turbocharged engine, and the first utility vehicle to be given a bold new design language, which has since been followed in the larger 2016 RX lineup.

The NX takes on a crowded field that includes the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK, Cadillac SRX, and Volvo XC60, and it relies on the outstanding reputation of the brand, as well as a far more aggressive design suv, to stand out. But keep in mind that the drama is mostly in the sheetmetal; the profile isn't all the impractical, and the interior is just a slightly more styled version of what's familiar from the brand's other products.

There are essentially two powertrains in the lineup: a 235-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission in the NX 200t; and a 194-hp hybrid powertrain in the NX 300h. A third variant, the sporty NX 200t F-Sport, gets a more aggressive grille, unique interior trim, comfortable sport seats, and slightly retuned suspension; although its performance isn't all that much different than the base model. Both models are offered in front- or all-wheel-drive versions, though the hybrid sacrifices the 200t's mechanical AWD system that sends engine torque to all four wheels and substitutes a 50-kilowatt (67-hp) electric motor on the rear axle.

While the handling and electric power steering are very good, getting sufficient performance out of the standard turbo engine requires aggressive driving. It's tuned for fuel economy, meaning that the combination of turbo lag and the need to shift down a gear--sometimes two--produce delays in full acceleration. The most fun model is the F-Sport when it's set to "Sport" mode. The hybrid is smooth and very quiet, and with a new "kickdown" acceleration mode, feels faster than it actually is.

Lexus NX 2016 The Sport Suv google doc

At 183 inches long, the 2015 NX takes up about parking space of a compact sedan. It's sized right in line with compact utility vehicles like the luxury models mentioned above, as well as mainstays like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester--and the Toyota RAV4 with which it shares some underpinnings. With sport seats in front, as well as a lower seating position than some crossovers, Lexus stresses that it's far sportier than the larger RX mid-size utility vehicle intended for families. Rear-seat space is decent, though the long, low cargo floor doesn't have much volume above it--a side effect of that fastback shape.

The NX is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2015, and it offers quite a few active-safety features, including all-speed dynamic cruise control and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert. A head-up display is also available, and it comes standard with eight airbags. And a whole suite of electronic safety systems is available, including radar-based adaptive cruise control, a Pre-Collision system that warns the driver of impending objects ahead and can brake to a stop automatically from 37 mph or less, a lane-departure warning system, and smart headlights that dim automatically when they sense oncoming vehicles.

The 2015 NX is the first Lexus to offer wireless charging for mobile phones, and it marks the debut of a new generation of the Lexus Remote Touch interface—this one featuring a touch pad, haptic feedback, and pad-like capabilities that let you trace letters directly on a surface--similar to those you may have seen on some Audi or Mercedes-Benz models.

The 2016 Lexus NX 200t comes standard suv with heated side mirrors, LED illumination for the door handles, a smart key, and 17-inch 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels. Inside, the power adjustable driver's seat adjusts ten ways, and the front passenger seat in eight. The 60/40 split rear seat reclines and folds down, and includes a center arm rest with cup holders. LED taillights, front running lights and LED low beams are included.

Available options include a power folding 60/40 rear seat, which also reclines--a Lexus first--and a power liftgate. The standard Display Audio system features HD Radio, Bluetooth pairing, free traffic and weather data, and a caching feature that lets listeners temporarily pause and store a song or news broadcast for up to 15 minutes. The optional Premium Audio system combines digital signal processing for better high notes with an eight-channel amplifier, playing through eight speakers. And new for 2016 is Lexus Enform Connect connectivity, allowing owners to use a mobile app or website for maintenance alerts, a vehicle health report, and more.

Interior

Prior to the introduction of the NX, last year, Lexus didn't have much of a reputation for daring in its designs; but the NX has reversed that trend—and it's even been joined for 2016 by a very bold new design for the larger Lexus RX family.

Lexus NX 2016 The Sport Suv google doc

The NX sheetmetal is visually engaging at best; although it can feel a bit busy from some angles on the outside. It blends sharp creases, pointed shapes, and an almost fastback shape to make a crossover utility vehicle that's unlike anything else on the market. While the production vehicle has been toned down from earlier concept cars--which looked like angry vacuum cleaners that might eat your children--its exterior is still a large step toward the polarizing by Lexus.

A sharp crease angles up from the base of the front wheel well through the rear wheel to the line of the thin taillight, with a deep indentation in the door forming an asymmetrical sill in the base of the door. The front leads off with an in-your-face versions of the Lexus spindle grille shape, with a softly rising hoodline above it, flanked by narrow, swept-back headlights with an L-shaped band of LED daytime running lights outlining it.

The NX 200t F-Sport is likely the model that will appear in a much of the advertising for the vehicle. Its black mesh grille is significantly bolder than the chrome slats of the standard NX, and it also comes with metallic bumper moldings, black side mirrors, and two choices of 18-inch wheels. The optional 20-inch wheels give the compact Lexus crossover its most aggressive stance, and may offer the most visually appealing combination.

Lexus NX 2016 The Sport Suv google doc

Overall, if you can look past all those details, the NX profile itself isn't all that shocking. It retains the basic two-box form of the crossover utility vehicle, though its sharply angled tailgate makes it far less rectilinear than the Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. There are a lot of sophisticated shapes in its lines, with lots of slashing angles and sharp points in the body creases, lights, and window lines.

The interior of the NX is somewhat more restrained than its exterior. Colors and materials are in the usual Lexus palette of dark greys, muted silvers, and matte wood grains, and that helps it steer away from the garishness offered in some rival models if you don't watch out. The metallic accents contrast nicely with the softer trim and upholstery materials, complementing the large round gauges.

Still, the long and angled dash top and protruding console form an unusual Z-shape when looked at from the side. In keeping with its sportier positioning, the dashboard conveys more of a cockpit feel. The front compartment, in fact, has more in common with the Lexus IS sport sedan than the mid-size RX family crossover. 

Autumn Shimmer and Blue Vortex Metallic are new colors for the NX lineup in 2016, as is Ultra White for the F-Sport.