2022 Lexus NX First Look (Hello, Lexus Interface!)
Reviewing a 2022 Lexus NX 350h prototype, all the new tech and revised looks impress. (But we recommend opting for an F Sport.)
The Lexus NX isn’t just all-new for 2022. It’s also the first Lexus model to feature the company’s new big-screen infotainment system, Lexus Interface. That’s right, folks. Say so long to those awful touchpads. And Lexus plans to roll out the new L.I. screen and GUI across its entire lineup over the coming months and years. But let’s get back to the NX…
Based on the Global Architecture-K platform, the 2022 NX is wider and longer than the outgoing 2021 model. It also features revised looks that hone it closer in form to other new Lexus models; more standard safety equipment than ever before; and an upgraded interior. And not only because of Lexus Interface. There are also more charging ports as well as a new digital gauge cluster and steering wheel setup that integrates with the (optional) head-up display.
In short, the new NX isn’t just the new NX, it’s a sneak peak of the immediate Lexus future. Could it be your next new Lexus or Lexus lease? Read on to find out!
(Or watch that video above.)
2022 Lexus NX Lineup
The all-new NX has yet to hit dealerships, but order banks are open and you build yours right HERE on Lexus.com. For this review, Lexus sent an NX 350h prototype to get a sense of all the new gadgetry. The price as tested is just under $54,000 and here’s how it fits in the lineup…
The NX 250 is available in (front-wheel drive) FWD and (all-wheel drive) AWD configurations with a starting MSRP of just under $38,000. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.5L inline 4-cylinder engine making 203 horsepower. Lexus claims an 8.2-second 0-60 time.
Step up to the NX 350 and you’ll find a 2.4L turbo inline 4-cylinder engine pumping out 275 ponies. 0-60 runs should drop to 6.6 seconds and AWD is standard. NX 350 pricing starts at $41,555 for the base model, or $46,650 for the F Sport Handling model.
F Sport Handling – formerly known simply as F Sport – combines exterior design elements (black grilles and wheels) with upgraded suspension components, sportier front seating, and a fancy steering wheel.
Next in our lineup, we have the NX 350h AWD, which we are reviewing today.
There’s no F Sport Handling option, but Lexus claims 240 horsepower from the 2.5L inline 4-cylinder + hybrid drivetrain. With a base MSRP of $41,050, Lexus estimates 7.2-second 0-60 runs while earning 39mpg combined city and highway driving.
The one thing I don’t understand is why the 350h is called the 350h, when it’s clearly a hybrid version of the NX 250 engine and the standard NX 350 is actually faster. But what do I know? (Not much.)
Last but not least, Lexus offers the NX 450h+ AWD with or without the F Sport Handling Package. MSRPs start at $55,650 and $56,900, respectively. Lexus claims the plug-in hybrid 450h+ will run to 60mph in a flat 6.0 seconds thanks to its 304 peak pony power. Unlike other models, the 14-inch Lexus Interface is standard and it travels in EV-only mode for up to 37 miles.
What do YOU think about the 2022 Lexus NX?
Let us know HERE in our forums!
Our NX 350h Luxury Loaner
While the NX 350 starts in the low $40s, Lexus spec’d our Atomic Silver loaner with the Luxury Package that includes —
- 20-inch 20-spoke Silver wheels
- Perforated leather-trimmed Rich Cream interior with unique chevron seat quilting
- 4-way lumbar driver’s seat
- 10-inch head-up display
- Lexus Interface with 14″ Touchscreen
- Driver Connect TRIAL with Cloud Navigation (free now, pay later!)
- Door courtesy lamps
- Auto-leveling headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting
- Black open-pore wood trim
- Thematic ambient lighting
Our loaner also featured a panoramic moonroof, wireless charging, automatic rear hatch, Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Audio, HD Radio, Sirius XM Radio and much more.
Visual Impressions
At first glance, casual folks may not seem much of a difference between 2021 and 2022 NX models. But to Lexus aficionados, the evolution is striking. To be fair, the mid-size crossover segment is pretty boring — there’s only so much that can be done with this general layout.
Still, Lexus’ modern design elements — the gaping grille, hard creases and swooping lines — stand out. I particularly enjoy the one-piece spindle grille in metallic gray — it’s both complex, yet simple and elegant. The 20-inch luxury wheels also stand out as elegant and stylish. Lastly, around back, the new LEXUS font and flowing LED lighting again highlight the newer, modern design.
Lexus Interface (“Hey, Lexus, great job!”)
Here we are, folks. In a Lexus future where there is no trackpad, nor is there a fixed computer-mouse-like object destined to overshoot our infotainment selections. We have arrived at the promised land. Called Lexus Interface. And Lexus engineers have done us proud.
Watch the above video for a deeper Lexus Interface tour, but let me break down a few highlights…
- Each driver can create a user profile tied to a phone app. This profile, which saves everything from radio favorites to seat memory settings, can be carried over from vehicle to vehicle.
- The larger (optional) 14″ screen is divided into two regions. The top half resembles the Lexus IS touchscreens and houses all of the audio and vehicle settings. Along the left edge, you’ll find icons for CarPlay, Navigation, Audio, Vehicle Settings, and General Settings. The screen’s bottom half is for Climate Control with tactile nobs for temperature control and volume.
- The new screen is super sharp and operates as well as any modern smartphone, but it does collect fingerprints.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wireless!
- Lexus Interface is easy to learn and the Lexus assistant works pretty well (though not as well as Alexa or Siri).
I did experience a few bugs with our loaner, but most seemed tied to the vehicle being an auto journalist loaner and prototype. Overall, Lexus Interface is clean, well organized, and smartly implemented. It’ll be great to see this rolling out across the Lexus lineup.
My only question is, how much is this giant screen going to cost to replace out of warranty? (Future ouch???)
Other Interior Amenities
As a luxury edition NX, our loaner provided comfortable two-tone seating with ventilated and heated front seats as well as heated outboard rear seats. Touch surfaces are usual Lexus-lovely, but not quite as sumptuous as the flagships (naturally). And, although the front captain’s chairs are very similar to the new LX 600, they lack the support of an F Sport seat (my favorite!).
Out back, rear seating is ample for children and shorter adults. At six-feet tall, I noted about three inches of knee/legroom behind the front seat. But I was almost out of headroom, so taller adults may want to avoid the back. It’s also nice to see more charging points (one USB A and C up front next to the wireless charging pad, and two USB Cs for the rear passengers) along with a few 12V outlets.
Driving Impressions
After spending several weeks behind the wheel of numerous Lexus F Sport (now known as F Sport Handling) models this year, it’s hard to go back to the standard suspension. Am I biased? Yup. I drive sports cars and prefer rear-wheel-drive, so this 350h luxury lacks a certain amount of driver engagement and road feel.
But if you’re someone who prioritizes comfort, the Lexus 350h drives perfectly well. It soaks up the bumps and road imperfections and just cruises down the road quietly. If you’re looking for a soft, luxurious place to spend your commutes and errand runs, it’s a lovely place.
Just expect lots of body roll if you come into a corner too fast.
I was also impressed with the economy. During our loaner period, we took the NX 350h on two road trips around the Los Angeles area at highway speeds, and tested acceleration capabilities several times. Overall, the computer said we earned just-under 32mpg. Not up to EPA estimates, but for a guy who drives trucks and sports cars, it’s more than double what we normally see with our loaners.
Not bad.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping our time up with the Lexus NX 350h prototype, I came away with two big impressions —
- Lexus Interface is the real deal and a big step forward for Lexus infotainment systems. I look forward to testing a full-production version soon.
- The all-new Lexus NX looks terrific and feels roomy and luxurious. Personally, I recommend F Sport Handling models for improved seating and tighter suspension characteristics, but the 350h impresses with its economy, comfort, and simplicity. It sips fuel and you don’t have to install any charging equipment.
Thanks again to Lexus for the loan and stay tuned for more ClubLexus NX coverage as we hope to test the NX 350 and 450h+ drivetrains in the coming months.
Photos: Michael S. Palmer
What do YOU think about the 2022 Lexus NX?
Let us know HERE in our forums!
