With the new 2022 NX, Lexus has truly expanded the horizon of the luxury crossover utility vehicle. From new intuitive technology integration, electrification, and enhanced performance on the road, the new NX era is raising the bar for the future of sustainability in the automotive world.
This year’s NX stands out from its predecessors with a refined three-dimensional spindle grille and new full-width blade taillamps, bringing a more sophisticated and integrated feel to the body. The added depth of the grille is bordered by L-shaped daytime running lights and optional three-projector headlamps for ample road sight, and illumination is improved in the rear with full-width blade lamps and separated combination lamps on the fenders.
The enhancements continue under the hood, further extenuating the redesign of this year’s NX. Canadian’s will see positive performance changes in the all-new Lexus NX 350h with a combined 239 horsepower, an estimated combined fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100 km and a quicker 0-100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds, all within a hybrid package, largely built within Canadian manufacturing plants.
The NX 350h features a Lexus Hybrid Drive with a D4-S fuel injection 2.5-litre 4-cylinder gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators, creating rapid acceleration. Meanwhile, new to Lexus is the 450h+’s plug-in hybrid system with a newly developed high-capacity lithium-ion battery for an all-electric range of 58 km, equivalent to a 2.0-litre engine. Combined with the 2.5-litre inline 4-cylinder engine, the 450h+ performs an estimated 6.2 seconds 0-100 km/h launch, charging in two and a half hours when equipped with the standard 6.6 kW Expedited Onboard Charger.
As for the NX 350 model, Lexus has paired a new 8-speed transmission with a 2.4-litre turbo gas engine for a true performance feel. Lexus has additionally combined the benefits of a low centre of gravity with torsional rigidity, high rigidity foam and front lateral flexural rigidity, a first for this model. The NX 350 boasts 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
It further benefits from an electronically controlled, full-time AWD system with adaptive front and rear axle torque distribution to tackle the most inclement of road conditions. Lexus F SPORT Handling package is available for both turbo and PHEV models, adding Active Variable Suspension, and front and rear performance dampers for a dynamic road feel.
The cabin of the 2022 NX has also received a significant overhaul with a driver-focused design featuring a seven-inch Multi-Information Display and an optional 10-inch heads-up display. Meanwhile, many driver functions have been brought to the steering wheel for focused intuitive operation.
New to the NX is the optional 14-inch touch screen in addition to the standard 9.8-inch touchscreen multimedia display. These displays support the new Human Machine Interface for added accessibility as well as a Virtual Assistant to aid with the new multimedia system, with dual microphones, enhanced noise-cancellation, seat detection and speaker location capabilities.
Lexus has further integrated smartphone technology within the NX lineup. Drivers can now create and store a Lexus Interface User Profile for personalized settings, the ability to lock/unlock and start/stop their vehicle through their smartphone within Bluetooth proximity of any compatible Lexus model.
The cabin’s driver-focused build is further accentuated with Lexus’s cabin noise reduction, heated front seats, (rear optional) increased legroom and additional storage space in the rear cargo area. A new panoramic moonroof provides an atmospheric elegance, while redesigned ornamentation adds further dimension to any journey. Drivers will also have the selection of 14 NX interior colour themes through the optional nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system.
On F SPORT models, the NX receives a dedicated grille, front and rear bumper design, with 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels and black roof rails for a menacing impression on the road.
Finally, Lexus has added a plethora of safety features to their Lexus Safety System + for the NX. Built-in cameras provide road sign information and alert drivers of missed signage information through the heads-up display or instrument panel. Adaptive High-beam System automatically optimizes headlamp distribution at night and a Pre-Collision System predicts oncoming vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians, providing pre-collision warnings.
With most NX models being built in assembly plants located out of Cambridge, Ontario, Canadians can look forward to experiencing the full extent of the NX redesign on their local roads when the 2022 Lexus NX lineup arrives in the fourth quarter of 2021. Visit Northwest Lexus to experience the NX for yourself.