hwitten

Hi folks.
New to this forum and new to considering NX200t as next vehicle.

Almost on a lark, or rather to complete my research, I went to a Lexus dealer. Not as convenient as everyone else as the closest is over an hour away.

Anyways... a bit like Goldilocks, found the NX comfortable to sit in and sized perfectly. Since the MKX is currently on my short list we also looked at the RX but found that it felt "big" so didn't make our list.

The NX did though and I'm now negotiating a decent test drive, I.e. overnight. I say negotiate as only an hour was offered and that is simply not enough to plunk 60k+ down.

I asked the "product specialist" about Adaptive Cruse being full stop, but he didn't know. Not a biggy, used it to see how well he knows his product

The important one for me is Factory Prep for towing. He said it's included in the Executive package, whether you actually add the tow package or not.

Not quite trusting his knowledge, I'm hoping that someone here can confirm wether it does indeed come with every 200t Executive. If I have to special order, no big deal but I definitely want the factory tow setup.

If you're wondering why... I simply don't want to give Lexus the slightest excuse for an out should some problem show up re electrical, etc.

corradoMR2

Welcome to the forum.

I can't speak to the tow wiring prep as I'm not sure, but NX Owner (or typocl) might be able to share some insight even though his is a US model in addition to his DIY here.

Regarding the DRCC (Dynamic Radar Cruise Control), in Canada, it is NOT full stop unlike the US and other markets. It will disengage below 40 kph requiring you to manually intervene on brakes and gas. You will then need to re-enable the DRCC at a higher speed if you so choose. Not a bid deal, but would have been nice to have the all-speed version to move itself safely forward in stop and go traffic.

NXOwner

Thanks, @corradoMR2!

@hwitten, Here in the U.S., the NX does not come with pre-wiring for a tow hitch. (reference: here)

I installed a hitch myself, but didn't bother with any electrical wiring, as I only use the hitch for carrying snowboards and bicycles (no external lighting required).

This Lexus Canadian link will display a PDF file detailing all the various packages for an NX, but the Executive package makes no mention of anything related to towing.

hwitten

That's what I got from that too, hence the "not believing sales guy".

I did however come across that when vehicle is factory ordered with tow accessory it is wired from factory and includes extra cooler. Of course now I can't find that again. Still looking.

And then again... I've been looking at so many specifications in the last while so could be I need to take a break

Came across this in the Owners Manual:

NXOwner

I would hope that if you ordered your vehicle and included the tow accessory, that it would come with ready-to-use electrical connections/connector at the hitch.

Most vehicles are not designed for towing—period; however, that doesn't mean you can't carry bicycles and such on an installed receiver hitch.

At a minimum, I would imaging that—for heavier towing—a vehicle's tow package should include a receiver hitch, an electrical outlet, and a transmission cooler. After that, a heavier (or adjustable) suspension could be installed, as well as more robust braking system (rotors, calipers, etc).

hwitten

That's what I would expect with a factory ordered Lexus hitch. My Santa Fe, with it's trim package, was hitch ready and dealer installed factory receiver.

I only tow 700 lbs and have brakes on the trailer so it's not a biggy and can easily do aftermarket but it will not give me same peace-of-mind as a factory setup would. I simply don't want to be exposed to possible warranty excuses down the road.

Sent an info request to Lexus Canada. Will see what comes back.

Was hoping someone here had gone the Lexus hitch route already, but didn't find anything

computerwi

Based on this thread I've seen here, the towing package is not a DIY thing. You know first hand how well dealers know their vehicles... I would never trust them to install this based on the instructions from Sewell posted by @typocl here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...ml#post9230390

Also, from @scarecow2, it seems the factory kit still doesn't include electrical connections.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/nx-...ml#post8926865

corradoMR2

It's in the Accessories pdf on lexus.ca. (attached). At nearly $1300, it's pricey but it comes installed including all the electrical. Something to negotiate into the deal.

hwitten

That's what I was going by but also saw it some place else, I think

What I'm trying to get clarification on is installation.
If the tow package includes electrical and extra cooler, as I would expect for that price, I don't think it's dealer installable, other than the receiver.

Sales guy is trying to tell me that all 'Executive' trims are prepped and only need the receiver added.
That would be nice and not impossible as that's how my Santa Fe trim level came configured.

My guess is that it may be a special order, I.e. Executive with tow accessory. I'm ok with waiting if indeed I decide on an NX200t, just trying to separate/confirm fact from fiction and certainly don't want to pay 1200 bucks if no extra cooler involved. I could be wrong in that a cooler kit could be dealer installed, but then he could have said so. I have the feeling that he was simply in "sales mode".

Also on my todo list is to try another Lexus dealer and compare notes.

NXOwner

If the dealer says the towing package includes a cooler and electrical connection, then get it in writing. That way, if it doesn't come with it, they will have to install everything. I suspect once you ask for it in writing, they will suddenly get their facts straight!

hwitten

That's the plan

Will report back once I have some factual details.

miop4000

After a lot of hunting around and research I found that the NX does not come pre wired for the tow bar. I was surprised to find out by the tech guy that the electricals for the tow kit requires extensive stripping of internal panels all the way from the rear, side and including the dash board. The wiring then taps directly into the battery.

The tow bar itself requires removal of bumper bar and exhaust.
This is not unique to Lexus/ Toyota as my Honda required the same extensive process for its towbar.
The end result for the Honda was a misaligned rear bumper bar, electrical problems and a scratched dash.
All of which took 2 months to repair and replace.
I went for the roof racks for the NX instead.

ClaudeNX

not pre-wired or aux oil cooler with my Executive package NX 200T 2015

Installed hitch myself, 1 minutes job and easy to do

Canada owner

hwitten

Thank you for all your replies. At least I now have a better idea of what's involved. Gives me some anti-B.S. protection.

Better informed makes for a better decision in the end.

I know the actual hitch is easy, even a DIY but sure not liking having to tear things apart for the electrical. At least I'd have the advantage of inspection before final delivery. Too bad they don't allocate another 10 bucks or so during build.

hwitten

Sure tough getting straight answers but maybe I got closer.

New dealer... confirmed no NX's pre-wired and no extra cooler, etc. needed.
Looked at a hitch installed, minus electrical as he only hauls bikes but saw where the electric would mount.
Said installation of wiring harness on NX200t requires only the removal of 3 panels on one side.
Kit usually in stock... delivered 3 recently so they should have installation down pat
Much more involved on Hybrid to install wiring harness.

Took a short drive in a F SPORT. Encouraged enough to keep NX on my list, at least until a longer drive