Looking for Luxury? CNBC Says the NX 200t is the Benchmark

With its sharp looks, high-end feel, and affordable price tag, the NX 200t is the obvious choice in the luxury segment.

The rise of compact luxury SUVs has seen various entries from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, and many more flood the roads. And while consumers have a lot of options to choose from, CNBC proclaims in no uncertain terms that the Lexus NX 200t is the best value proposition for drivers looking for a luxury sport utility vehicle.

When it comes to the SUV’s looks, the radical design may be too strong for some consumers, but it also helped set the vehicle apart from the competition. “I’d like to give the NX five stars here, but a truly great design wouldn’t be nearly as contentious – some people truly hate the look of this thing,” says CNBC. “It looks good, but it’s not one of the greats.”

CNBC claims that brighter colors bring out the NX 200t’s lines better, while the metallic flake in the paintwork, which is easy to miss, truly looks “dramatic in direct light.” Lexus’ spindle grille may not be to everyone’s tastes, but it’s another area that grows on you, says the outlet.

‘The NX 200t has the characteristic Lexus smoothness, with superb ride quality over rough pavement and a quiet ride at freeway speeds.’

The interior is a mix of good and bad, as well, as CNBC claims that it’s an enjoyable place to sit in, but not the easiest to use. “The two-tiered dashboard is a different approach, looking unique in a segment that often comes up bland,” says CNBC. “It’s not the most beautiful setup by any stretch, but material quality is excellent and the car exudes quality.”

One of the standout features that CNBC really enjoyed on the SUV was the NX 200t’s NuLuxe seats. The synthetic leather units, as the outlet claims, feel soft and luxurious and “wears better than low-quality, genuine leather.” While the seats are an upside, the downside of the interior is the SUV’s entertainment system, which utilizes a touchpad system that’s tricky to use.

‘The NX is the best value in the segment… I can’t think of a reason not to get one.’

But the finicky touchpad is easy to overlook once the car is in motion. As CNBC puts it, “The NX 200t has the characteristic Lexus smoothness, with superb ride quality over rough pavement and a quiet ride at freeway speeds.” The SUV’s fuel economy and busy suspension feel at speeds above 70 miles per hour are downsides to the NX 200t’s ride.

In summary, the NX 200t is the best option in the luxury compact segment. “I’d be a bit more generous with the option-box ticking if I was doing the ordering, but pound-for-pound, I think the NX is the best value in the segment.” And when the vehicle is compared to its German rivals, the NX 200t is the clear winner.

“You can use the money you save over a German car to enroll in anger management, as the infotainment system demands extreme patience,” says CNBC. “If you can get over that, and the controversial styling, I can’t think of a reason not to get one.”