2019 Lexus NX 300 vs. Acura RDX vs. Infiniti QX50 Comparison
Revised Lexus NX 300 faces stiff competition from all-new 2019 Acura RDX and Infiniti QX50. Does it make the cut?
The popularity of the luxury SUV is continuing its massive ascent into the stratosphere. While the family sedan is on the way out, the family SUV is quickly becoming the new staple vehicle on dealer lots. Indeed, every manufacturer out there is scrambling to meet demand by either continually tweaking and revising existing models, or by creating new ones in size and segment. If you have around 40 grand to play with you can pick just about any manufacturer, head to your local dealership, and roll out with a slick looking ride.
In particular, there are three Japanese luxury SUVs worth talking about. All three have base prices around the 37 grand mark, which is the median new vehicle transaction price. There is the Lexus NX, which has been revised for 2018-onward. The badge changes (it’s called NX 300 now) and a lot of features have been tweaked, as well. Then there is the all-new 2019 Acura RDX, which has been injected with a hearty dose of standard content. And last but not least is the also all-new 2019 Infiniti QX50, which the brand promises is a class leader in innovation and efficiency. All three have turbocharged four-cylinder engines, and all are loaded with, or available with, a bevy of safety and convenience technology that consumers are demanding.
But when it comes to your hard-earned cash, the question is simple: Which is best? Well, Acura, Infiniti, and Lexus all agreed to have their respective luxury SUVs tested back-to-back. So, let’s do some investigating.
2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport: Price tag, Features, Options & Specs
The Lexus NX has a base MSRP of $37,210, including the $1025 destination charge. This particular NX300 F Sport with all-wheel drive is almost fully loaded, and costs $47,525. Here’s what that extra $10,315 does to the Lexus:
The NX 300 goes from front-wheel drive to all-wheel drive for $1,400.
For $2,390 the NX 300 gets the F Sport package, which includes a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, F Sport bumpers, metallic sport trim, a perforated leather steering wheel, F Sport seats wrapped in Lexus’ NuLuxe material, LED lighting, and active sound control.
From there, this NX 300 F Sport has several additional options added to it. This includes Lexus’ adaptive variable suspension for $770, a $110 cold weather package and an auto-dimming rear view mirror ($125). There is also the $1,800 navigation package with Lexus Remote Touch Interface system and and a 10-speaker premium audio system. Lexus Intuitive Parking Assist with automatic braking costs $535. The power liftgate with a kick gesture sensor is an extra $550, and last but not least is the $2,865 Premium F Sport package which turns those F Sport thrones into heated and ventilated ones, adds a power tilt and slide moonroof, a power tilt and telescopic steering column, memory settings for the mirrors and seats and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.
That’s all tacked atop the standard Lexus NX 300 fare, which is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That engine is backed by a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission, and, as previously mentioned, the optional all-wheel drive system. This results in an MPG rating of 22 city, 27 highway, and 24 combined.
NX is also packing a bevy of standard safety equipment, including eight airbags and Lexus Safety System+, with radar-guided cruise control, a pre-collision system, and lane departure alert with steering assist.
Got all that?
Continue reading about the Lexus NX 300, Acura RDX and Infiniti QX50 on the next page.
