Review: 2017 Lexus NX 300h Takes on the Midwest
Trendy New Lexus AWD Crossover Encounters the Wintry Wrath of Mother Nature. How Do You Think the NX Pulled Through?
I recently had the opportunity to spend a week behind the wheel of a brand-new 2017 Lexus NX 300h AWD. I previously spent an equal amount of time with its non-hybrid sibling, the NX 200t F-Sport, which left me with mixed feelings. So how would this chic and fuel-efficient crossover stack up?
How about we start with the price? The window sticker on this specific model shows $47,053 as the bottom line. That’s a whole lot of money, especially in today’s crossover and SUV-rich market, where $50-grand can buy you a whole lot. So what does Lexus offer on its entry-level baby crossover? Let’s find out…
Styling
Perhaps the best attribute of the Lexus NX lineup is the exterior styling. Sharp lines adorn the front and rear fascia, while a sculpted profile makes the crossover look more agile than it really is. Lexus’ signature hourglass grille and pseudo-Nike LED daytime-running lights are present, and so are the shout-ty tail lights that stick out about four inches from the body.
Overall, the design works. Therefore it’s just a matter of choosing the right color and wheel package. Unfortunately, the F-Sport styling package is not available on the hybrid NX like it is on the hybrid RX.
Comfort
Compared to my previous outing in the Lexus NX 200t, the NX 300h is actually a very comfortable ride. I attribute this to a more-relaxed suspension setting, plus 17-inch (instead of 18-inch) wheels with all-season tires.
As a result, the NX 300h rides smoothly and very quietly. The heated (and cooled) leather seats are very comfortable, though a little more lumbar support would’ve been appreciated. After a three-hour snowy and icy drive, I, my wife, and the kiddos in back felt fresh and relaxed. While I’m not a fan of the trackpad to operate the infotainment system, in-dash and steering-wheel-mounted controls can bypass it. In addition, the outdated Lexus interface may not look fancy, but it’s reliable and easy to understand.
Performance
You shouldn’t expect thrilling performance from a chic and luxury ride like the 2017 Lexus NX 300h. A 194-horsepower, 2.5-liter hybrid engine gets the job done, but it won’t impress you or your passengers. Perhaps it’s fuel-efficiency performance that’s more relevant? If so, we didn’t get near the 31 mpg city that Lexus claims. During our 500-mile test, we achieved 28 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. That’s a negative difference of 5 mpg city, and a positive difference of 1 mpg highway.
- Engine: 2.5-liter inline-4
- Horsepower: 194 hp
- Transmission: electronically controlled CVT
- Drivetrain: Full-time all-wheel drive with rear electric-drive motor
- Curb Weight: 4,180 lbs.
- 0-60 mph: 9.1 seconds
- Top Track Speed: 112 mph
Verdict
The 2017 Lexus NX 300h AWD surprised me. My previous NX 200t experience wasn’t a favorable one. Although the NX lineup looks good, it lacks value, and practicality.
Thankfully, the Lexus NX 300h conquers one of those categories. Its excellent fuel-efficiency makes it a perfect city crawler. The spacious trunk and precise all-wheel drive system transported my family — and our heavy luggage — through seven inches of snow safely and comfortably.
It’s far from perfect, though. Lacking features like blind-spot monitoring, heated steering wheel and 360-degree-view cameras is sacrilegious for a nearly $50,000 luxury vehicle. Especially when such qualities are found in less-expensive competitors.
Still, if you’re looking for a good-looking, reliable and “trendy” crossover that’ll keep you away from the gas pump — the 2017 Lexus NX 300h is right for you.
