I'm confused with the actual maximum 2018 NX300 payload. Probably somebody can help resolving that confusion. A common formula for calculating a max payload is: GVWR - Curb Weight. In NX300 Owner's Manual the max payload is 895, while official GVWR is 5200 (AWD model), and Curb Weight is 4050. If I'd use the formula the max payload should be 1150, and this is what websites like edmunds.com quote. It differs by 255 from the number in the manual, which is a huge difference.

Is Lexus just trying to be on a safe side, or is there something that I didn't take into consideration?

 

Yes, Lexus, like any other manufacturer, always will stay on safe side.
Is weight of petrol taken into consideration? 17 x 6 = 102 lb of weight just there. Petrol weighs around 6 lb a gallon.

 

Yes, the weight of gas is taken into consideration. It's included to Curb Weight. You see, the problem is that both Curb Weight and GVWR could be found at official Lexus website. The quoted "maximum payload" can be found in the official Lexus owner's manual, so in a way Lexus itself is a reason of this confusion.

 

It also depends on the options you have on your car, that is why the Lexus manual tells you to go by the number on your door sticker, my maximum payload is actually closer to 850 going by the door sticker.

 

And Lexus site says AWD is 5330 lb.
Yep, I got it on GVWR. Then curb weight and then dry weight. Looks like 4 Mac Donald regulars and NX is maxxed out.

 

Yes, option can change the picture, but not much, e.g. I have a yellow sticker on the door in an addition to max load of 895, which states that because of options the max payload is 8LB less, but this is not an essential number.

My conclusion so far is that it's a dirty Lexus marketing trick: in official online resources GVWR and/or Curb Weight are published (see attachment or this link), but not max payload, and everybody, including reputable websites like edmunds.com fall to this fallacy after using the common formula and coming to a conclusion that the max payload is 1150, but after you bought the car and checked the door labels, and the owner's manual, you realize fast that it's actually 25% less. Please also notice that Curb Weight is not even mentioned anywhere in the manual, nor on the door's label.

In my case, it makes a hitch that I've just installed to carry bikes absolutely useless, given that we're already close to the max because of the # of passengers.

That's the first big disappointment with my NX. Looks like a good case for a false advertisement claim.

 

On a side note, if you look at the 2018 rav4 adventure, you will see the gvwr and payload are substantially increased, along with towing weight rating. Everything i have been able to find out about the new adventure model points to the fact that the only change to achieve these increases are springs that are stiffer and 0.6" taller. I will be testing this out soon when I install the rav4 adventure springs on my nx to help with a higher than recommended tongue weight while towing as currently at the 200lb limit with passengers in the back, the car sags a little too much in the rear.

 

It can be more than just springs: brakes, joints, body strength, etc., but springs are important of course. In general, I like your idea though. Did you change springs yourself? Was it difficult to compress? When I was doing strut job for a bimmer, compressing springs was a pain, but BMW is famous for tough springs. Also, please provide pointers for the springs: part number, good place to buy, etc.

Yet another though, if you install stiffer springs, should not you go with stiffer shock absorbers as well?

 

From multiple sources online, one being, Jalopnik, Toyota confirmed the only changes made to the chassis was springs. I have not done the mod yet, I will only be changing rear springs, but the best price i found was here and the part number for rear springs is 48231-0R180. The rav 4 also got a bigger radiator and oil and transmission coolers, i already have these on my nx200t with tow package.

 

What year is your nx200t? I've 2018 nx300, but I think, it's the same as 2017 nx200t, except bigger screen

 

mine is a 2016, but i believe you are correct, i do not believe there are any chassis changes in the nx between years.

 

Please post pictures after you change the springs. I'll follow in your footsteps Thanks for sharing all this - really helpful.