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2025 Subaru Impreza Review2023 Lexus NX Review
What do our experts think of the 2023 Lexus NX? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Lexus NX?
It’s rare for us to say this but this new model is unchanged when compared to the all-new model Lexus introduced last year. There are no new paint colors, no new wheel designs, and nothing else to differentiate the two other than when they were made.
2023 Lexus NX – pressroom.lexus.com | Shop 2023 Lexus NX on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Excellent interior quality
Punchy top-trim
Outstanding safety tech
Sluggish handling
Limited cargo space
Base models need more power
2023 Lexus Specs
- 203 horsepower from base engine
- 184 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 22.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 46.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Available 14-inch touchscreen
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 1 year of free maintenance
2023 Lexus NX Powertrain
Lexus equips the NX with a range of different powertrains starting out with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes just 203 hp in the NX250. It’s available with front or all-wheel drive while the next in line, the NX350 gets all-wheel drive standard along with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that makes 275 hp. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Lexus also offers a pair of hybrid powertrains including one that blends electrification with the 2.5-liter engine mentioned above for a total of 239 hp. What’s really special though is the NX450h+ with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder along with a pair of electric motors for a total of 304 hp. If that sounds like the drivetrain from the Toyota RAV4 Prime that’s because it is.
While we applaud the range of options that buyers have in the NX lineup it’s worth noting that none of them feel particularly sharp when compared to rivals from BMW and Mercedes. Nevertheless, the NX offers a similarly comfortable and quiet ride which we think most buyers care about more anyway.
2023 Lexus NX Fuel Economy & MPG
The base NX250 gets up to 26 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway. The NX350 gets as much as 22 and 29 and the NX450+ is good for 38 mpg in the city and 33 on the highway according to the EPA. The NX350h sits atop the charts though as it gets 41 mpg in the city and 37 on the highway. Those are good figures for a crossover that leans into it harder than it lets on.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
We love the asymmetrical dash in the NX as it skews toward the driver and positions everything within reach. It also looks good thanks to tight panel gaps and above-average materials and feels good to use. The switchgear is satisfying and there’s a nice balance between physical and touch controls. The cabin is spacious too considering the small size of this crossover.
Every NX comes with power-adjustable heated front seats and some come standard with ventilation. The F Sport trims get sporty seats with extra bolstering along with a sporty steering wheel. Optional features on most NX trims include a sunroof, open-pore wood trim, ambient cabin lighting, and a heated steering wheel. Cargo space is somewhat low at 22.7 cubic feet behind the second row but those fold. Once they’re down there’s 46.7 cubic feet for gear.
Entertainment & Technology
Most NX models come with an excellent 9.8-inch infotainment system that reacts quickly to inputs and looks great. The menu system is easy to navigate and those who prefer Android Auto or Apple CarPlay can use those. Lexus also includes a wireless charging pad and 10 speakers in most models. A larger 14-inch infotainment system is standard on the top trim and available on all others. Lexus also offers a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system on its Premium and Luxury packages. A 10-inch heads-up display can be had too.
Safety Features
The NX comes with forward collision mitigation, lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. In addition to those great features, buyers can also add parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, a 360-degree camera system, automatic lane changes, and front cross-traffic warning. On top of that, the NX is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ winner.
2023 Lexus NX Trims & Pricing
Most Lexus NX trims vary only in engine and powertrain configuration with the same basic set of features on every model.
NX250 – $39,755
That basic package includes 18-inch wheels, power-adjustable heated front seats, faux-leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 9.8-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, an integrated wifi hotspot, and 10 speakers.
A Premium package adds a sunroof, a power liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, ventilated front seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, ventilated front seats, parking sensors, and low-speed automatic braking.
The Luxury package includes 20-inch wheels, adaptive headlights, upgraded leather upholstery, driver’s seat lumbar support, ambient cabin lighting, a heads-up display, a 14-inch infotainment system, cloud-based navigation, and advanced voice controls.
NX350h – $43,105
The NX350h gets a 239 hp hybrid four-cylinder engine but otherwise gets no content changes compared to the NX250.
NX350 – $43,515
Like the NX250 and NX350h, this trim level also gets the same content and has the same packages available.
NX350 F Sport – $48,615
The NX350 F Sport gets significant changes in the form of 20-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, multiple driving modes, rain-sensing wipers, a power-adjustable sport steering wheel, sport seats, and a 10-inch heads-up display. The Premium package isn’t available but the Luxury package is.
NX450+ – $57,705
Most of the content on NX450+ is similar to the base NX250 but there are notable differences. The NX450+ gets 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 14-inch infotainment system. Many standalone options are available but no packages are.
NX450+ F Sport – $58,955
The F-Sport trim adds unique 20-inch wheels, adaptive sport-tuned suspension, black roof rails, and sport seats.
Warranties
Lexus offers a strong warranty package with every NX. It includes four years and 50,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage, six years or 70,000 miles of powertrain coverage, and eight years or 100,000 miles of hybrid component coverage. That’s excellent for the segment and Lexus goes a step further to offer a year or 10,000 miles worth of complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2023 Lexus NX – pressroom.lexus.com | Shop 2023 Lexus NX on Carsforsale.com
The 2023 Lexus NX continues as a solid crossover that offers luxury, good fuel economy, and a comfortable ride. It’s not going to impress with performance capabilities or a cavernous cargo area, but it wasn’t built to do that. To that end, we think it’s one of the best values in the segment at the right price. For us, the NX350h is probably the best of the bunch as it’s available with just about every option one might want and it’s the most fuel-efficient too. Those that are interested in picking one up should consider Lexus’ new car incentives before pulling the trigger. Those with a slightly lower budget should consider this article on the best small hybrid SUVs under $30,000.
