2025 Lexus NX

Overview

It looks good, its seats are plush and comfy, and it delivers a composed ride. There's little to complain about the 2025 Lexus NX—though that doesn't mean it's the one to have in the subcompact luxury-SUV class. The NX offers four powertrains to choose from, including two traditional gas engines (NX250 and NX350), a hybrid (NX350h), and a plug-in hybrid (NX450h+). Lexus knows hybrids; its parent company is the creator of the Prius, after all. Not only does the NX450h+ PHEV boast an impressive 550 miles of total gas-plus-electric range per the EPA, it's also equipped with the same powertrain setup as the Toyota RAV4 Prime—making 304 horsepower here. It's plenty zippy, but don't mistake the NX for a thrill ride, not even in F Sport trim; that's not its specialty. Rather, Lexus's second-smallest crossover is made for cruising to the store or the office—a fine vehicle for taking a leisurely sightseeing jaunt with friends and family. Buyers seeking more fun behind the wheel should consider one of the NX's rivals, such as the Audi Q3, the BMW X1, or the Mercedes-Benz GLA-class.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#11 in Best Subcompact Luxury SUVs

1

Volvo XC40

STARTING AT: $41,795

2

BMW X1

STARTING AT: $41,495

3

Mini Countryman JCW

STARTING AT: $47,895

4

BMW X2

STARTING AT: $42,995

5

Mercedes-Benz GLB-class

STARTING AT: $45,800

11

Lexus NX

STARTING AT: $41,765

What's New for 2025?

Not much has changed since the NX's big makeover in 2022. Lexus opted for minor updates to the 2025 model, including a striking new finish called Copper Crest that shimmers in a rose gold hue. Macadamia is the new interior color for 2025, available only in the cabin of Luxury-trim models. A wireless charger can be added to any grade, and two additional USB-C ports are tucked inside the front console as standard along with rain-sensing windshield wipers and a power liftgate. Lexus also made its intuitive parking assist with automatic braking standard across the board.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The NX starts at just under $42,000, but that base model may be too spartan for some luxury shoppers. Selecting the mid-range NX350 brings a 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which offers more appropriate performance. We'd suggest going with the NX350 Luxury, which includes premium equipment such as the larger 14.0-inch infotainment display, quilted leather upholstery, cloud-connected navigation, upgraded interior ambient lighting, 20-inch wheels, four-way adjustable lumbar support for the driver, and adaptive headlamps. For buyers looking for a more menacing appearance and more performance upgrades, the NX350 F Sport is similarly priced. Opting for one of three premium exterior colors tacks on $500, while Ultrasonic Blue Mica and Copper Crest will set you back $595.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2025 NX has four powertrain options. The base 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 send power through an eight-speed automatic transmission. However, the NX250 can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive, and the NX350 has all-wheel drive standard. Two different hybrid models are on the menu, starting with the NX350h, which pairs two electric motors with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder for 240 horsepower. The more exciting option is the NX450h+, which borrows its 304-hp (with premium fuel) plug-in-hybrid powertrain from the RAV4 Prime. Both hybrids come standard with all-wheel drive. While it didn't blow us away with its handling prowess, we noted that the NX's ride was compliant; with enough prodding, we were able to generate a few backroad smiles. The F Sport trim comes with an adaptive suspension system that firms up the ride and delivers a bit more poise, but even so, the NX isn't on the same footing as the BMW X1 when attacking twisty tarmac.

0–60-MPH Times

In our testing, the range-topping NX450h+hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds while the NX350h needed 7.6 secondsto accomplish the same feat. Our first test drive was in a mid-range NX350, which snapped off a reasonably brisk 6.6-second 60-mph run.

View Exterior Photos

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient NX model was the hybrid NX350h, which earned ratings of 41 mpg city and 37 mpg highway. The entry-level NX250 is rated as high as 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. The turbocharged NX350's highest ratings are 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The plug-in-hybrid NX450h+ comes in at 38 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, and the EPA estimated its battery pack could hold enough electrons to provide up to 37 miles of electric-only driving range before needing to be recharged. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route, an all-wheel-drive NX350 delivered 28 mpg but a hybrid NX350h returned only 34 mpg. An NX450h+ plug-in drove for 33 miles on battery power alone on this same 75-mph highway fuel-economy test. For more information about the NX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Cabin design takes a big leap forward in this generation of NX, 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 room in the rear seat and more cargo space with the rear seats folded than many of its rivals. Optional features include a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, an ambient interior lighting system with 64 different color choices, and black open-pore wood trim.

View Interior Photos

Infotainment and Connectivity

All NX models are equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system; base models come with a 9.8-inch display while high-end trims get a large 14.0-inch unit. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and work via a wireless connection; a wireless smartphone charging pad is optional as is a head-up display. A 10-speaker stereo system is standard and comes with a free trial of Amazon Music; a sonorous 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system is optional on models equipped with the Premium or Luxury packages.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Lexus offers a host of standard driver-assistance features in the NX. Shoppers can expect to find automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control on all models. For more information about the NX's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Lexus has one of the most comprehensive protection packages in the industry. But while the Volvo XC40 and the BMW X1 come with three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, Lexus provides that benefit for only one.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers six years or 70,000 miles
• Hybrid component warranty covers ten years or 150,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Lexus NX350 AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $42,625/$52,245
Options: Luxury package, $9450; Mark Levinson audio, $1020; panoramic roof, $500

ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 146 in³, 2393 cm³
Power: 275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.9-in vented disc/12.5-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza A/S02 RFT
235/50R-20 100V M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length: 183.5 in
Width: 73.4 in
Height: 65.8 in
Passenger Volume: 92 ft³
Cargo Volume: 23 ft³
Curb Weight: 3987 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.0 sec @ 95 mph
100 mph: 16.5 sec
120 mph: 26.3 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.5 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.5 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 126 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 175 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY(C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 25/22/29 mpg

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C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

2022 Lexus NX450h+ F Sport
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $58,550/$64,105

POWERTRAIN
DOHC 16-valve 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4, 181 hp, 165 lb-ft + 3 AC motors, front: 179 hp, 199 lb-ft; rear: 53 hp, 89 lb-ft (combined output: 302 hp; 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack; 6.6-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: continuously variable automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.9-in vented disc/12.5-in vented disc
Tires: Bridgestone Alenza A/S 02 RFT
235/50R-20 100V M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 105.9 in
Length: 183.5 in
Width: 73.4 in
Height: 65.8 in
Passenger Volume: 92 ft³
Cargo Volume: 23 ft³
Curb Weight: 4487 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.6 sec
1/4-Mile: 14.1 sec @ 99 mph
100 mph: 14.4 sec
130 mph: 33.9 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 2.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.8 sec
Top Speed (gov): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 179 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.81 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 38 MPGe
75-mph Highway Driving, EV/Hybrid Mode: 78 MPGe/35 mpg
75-mph Highway Range, EV/Hybrid mode: 33/500 mi

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 36/38/33 mpg
Combined Gasoline + Electricity: 84 MPGe
EV Range: 37 mi

More Features and Specs