2023 Lexus NX If you like the idea of the Lexus brand ethos of luxury, quality, safety and reliability packaged as a practical compact SUV, then you will be interested in the 2023 Lexus NX.
The midsize Lexus RX is the king of luxury SUV sales, but the NX is an attractive alternative that’s slightly smaller and more affordable. This car features sharp styling, state-of-the-art technological features and an elegant cabin, all with the versatility of an SUV.
Since the 2023 Lexus NX has just been completely redesigned for the model year, we don’t expect major changes for the 2023 model. This is already a cutting edge technology for the Lexus brand, and there’s not much more to add to it.
One of our favorite things about the 2023 Lexus NX is the wide variety under the hood. The base NX 250 is affordable and fuel efficient, while the NX 350 delivers more satisfying performance and standard all-wheel drive (AWD).
The NX 350h is an efficient hybrid, and the NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid with over 300 horsepower and the ability to go over 35 miles on electricity alone without burning any gas.
2023 Lexus NX Review: New Lexus NX 2023
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New styling, new engine, new interior but no electric or high-performance variants for Lexus’ new BMW X3 rival.
The mid-size 2023 Lexus NX SUV was launched in Japan this week. Lexus claims the new generation NX is more advanced and spacious inside, and more interesting to drive; The quality is expected to win over more Australian buyers as Lexus seeks to overtake the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 in the premium midsize SUV segment.
The all-new 2023 Lexus NX premium mid-size SUV will arrive in Lexus Australia showrooms in November 2021 in three specification levels with a mix of petrol and hybrid powertrains in all-wheel and front-drive configurations.
At this stage there is no sign of a pure electric model or a high-performance NX F to overcome the BMW X3 M and Mercedes-AMG GLC63. There also appears to be little new in terms of semi-autonomous technology in the 2023 Lexus NX, although some of the autonomous capabilities of the active safety features have been improved.
Lexus also has plans to release its first plug-in hybrid vehicle, the NX450h+ later in 2021, which will be powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine combined with front and rear electric motors and an 18.1kWh battery. The brand claims the NX450h+ can cover 75km on a full charge.
As for whether the NX450h+ will come to Australia, Lexus Australia declined to be recalled, simply saying “we will communicate more about that model in due course”.
The second-generation NX mid-size SUV builds on the same longer and more powerful GA-K platform as the Toyota RAV4 and Kluger SUVs, as well as the Lexus ES sedan. Lexus claims the GA-K architecture features a “lightweight and highly rigid body with a low center of gravity to allow for superior handling”.
NX unveiled a number of new technologies for the brand, including an all-new 2.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine, an electronically controlled all-wheel drive system, and e-Latch technology that eliminates internal door handles.
The 2023 Lexus NX is the first production car to be developed at the company’s new Shimoyama Technical Center outside Nagoya in Japan, which includes a 5.3km test track designed to emulate elements of the Nurburgring and other tough real-world roads.
Lexus says this new facility, which opened in 2019, plays a key role in ensuring the new NX will “deliver the right driving feel … targeting attractive and linear vehicle behavior according to driver intent”.
In addition, Lexus focuses on technology “that enhances comfort based on a human-centered approach that partners and supports drivers seamlessly”.
The new NX style combines sharp edges with soft curves to deliver a cleaner and classier evolution of the model it replaces. Lexus Design General Manager Koichi Suga said the NX design team pursued “originality rooted in proportion… and simplicity rooted in technology” both inside and out.
The body of the NX is 20 mm longer and wider (for a total of 4660 mm and 1865 mm respectively), has a 5 mm lower roofline (1840 mm) and a 30 mm (2690 mm) longer wheelbase. There’s no word yet on whether the new NX is lighter or heavier than the model it replaces.
The increased use of sound-absorbing materials in the structure is said to result in a 15 percent increase in cabin quietness.
2023 Lexus NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato told CarAdvice that dynamic enhancements were a major focus during development. “We are [pursuing] the unique Lexus Driving Signature, where deceleration, steering and acceleration pleasures are seamlessly connected in a variety of driving situations, and linear response is executed at the driver’s discretion.
“Also, in the new NX, we focused on propulsion control and looked at how the car moves to achieve a driving experience that delivers high traction, power and confidence.”
The new NX uses MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension, with specially developed shock absorbers that are claimed to optimize damping forces at low speeds. The NX F Sport model will feature the Lexus Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) damping system which has different modes to prioritize comfort or sportiness.
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The NX features Lexus’ first variable ratio steering rack which is said to improve maneuverability at low speeds, and increase stability at high speeds.
18-inch wheels will be standard on most models, while the F Sport model will be standard with 20-inch wheels.
Inside, the cockpit of the 2023 Lexus NX debuts the company’s “people-centered philosophy”, taking inspiration from the LF-30 concept that was revealed in 2019. This is where the design mantra of “simplicity rooted in technology” is most evident, especially compared to the messy exit cockpit.
The dashboard, instrument binnacle and center console have a much cleaner design, with a new high-resolution 14-inch touchscreen that incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and ‘Hey Lexus’ voice activation. Disliked touchpad controller gone.
The new steering wheel incorporates quick-access buttons and gearshift paddles, and the door armrests have a door-release button instead of a lever.
This door knob provides two upgrades. First, opening the door now is one push outward instead of pulling in to release the latch then pushing outward.
Second, the doors integrate seamlessly with the Safe Exit feature of the NX’s improved blind-spot monitoring system to ensure passengers cannot open the doors to oncoming cars or cyclists.
Other interior features include a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system, a heads-up display, a multi-colored ambient lighting system, and a digital instrument display.
The Lexus Safety System Plus (LSS+) driver assistance package is now in its third generation, and benefits from a series of improvements.
Autonomous emergency braking systems now work at intersections, can now pick up traffic, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, and operate over wider distances. Meanwhile, the Emergency Steering Assist feature now has greater steering autonomy when detecting a higher risk of collision and at a lower speed.
The adaptive cruise control system has been improved to handle merging into new lanes with slower traffic, while Lexus also promises that Lane Tracing Assist is now smoother in corners.
The 2023 Lexus NX will be offered in three models when it arrives in November – starting with the NX250, powered by a 2.5-liter non-turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Official power and torque figures haven’t been released yet, but we expect the same 152kW and 243Nm as the Camry and RAV4.
A non-turbocharged 2.0 liter front drive model with 125kW and 200Nm will be available in other markets, but there are no plans to introduce this model to Australia. “We feel the NX250 and its 2.5-liter engine fulfill the role of our entry-level model perfectly,” said a Lexus Australia spokesperson.
2023 Lexus NX 350
The mid-tier Lexus NX 350 gets a new 2.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine featuring Lexus’ first center direct injection system, and adjacent placement of the turbocharger and catalyst that is said to deliver high torque at low rpm.
These features are claimed to help the new generation of engines meet increasingly stringent emission and fuel economy standards.
Lexus is holding back power and torque figures for launch, but our information suggests it will have 220kW and 440Nm.
The engine is mated to a newly developed electronically controlled all-wheel drive system that varies drive between axles from 75:25 to 50:50 from front to rear depending on the situation.
The flagship model to be unveiled is the hybrid NX350h, which combines a 2.5-liter petrol engine and the Toyota E-Four electric all-wheel drive system as seen on the RAV4, which can vary driving from 100 percent front, to 20:80 front-to-rear.
Pricing for the 2023 Lexus NX range has not yet been released, a Lexus spokesperson only said that “we will announce prices closer to the sale of the car in November”. It is likely that the new features and equipment will raise the price slightly above the existing range.
The current NX range starts at $58,500 before on-road charges for the front-drive 2023 Lexus NX 300 Luxury with a 175kW turbo-petrol engine, and stretches to $79,088 before on-road for the Lexus NX 300h 2023 Sports Luxury hybrid AWD.
2023 Lexus NX Redesign
The 2023 Lexus NX underwent a complete redesign in , ushering in a new look inside and out, a new powertrain, and an upgraded infotainment system. With these changes still fresh, we expect the Lexus NX 2023 to be a carryover model.
The redesign of the Lexus NX is subtle, but that’s all it takes. The model already boasts a sharp look that looks great without going overboard. The model brings a new fascia with updated headlights and a spindle grille.
Inside is where most of the NX updates are made. Lexus removed the clunky, button-heavy center console and replaced it with a larger touchscreen and far fewer buttons. This gives the NX a more spacious feel and a more modern appearance.
We hope the Lexus NX 2023 will carry the same interior and exterior design.
The 2023 Lexus NX currently comes in several variants, starting with the NX 250 with a 203 horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. Next up is the NX 350h, which pairs a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor for a total of 239 horsepower.
Then you have the NX 350, which adds a 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Lastly, the NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid that pairs a 2.5-liter engine and an electric motor for 302 hp and 36 miles of EV range.
We expect the Lexus NX 2023 to arrive with the same powertrain options.
There are no crash test scores for the 2023 Lexus NX at this time, but it does come standard with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, steering assist, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, road sign recognition, and automatic high beam.
We hope this feature remains the same in the Lexus NX 2023.
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2023 Lexus NX F Sport
Lexus has confirmed the following standard features for the AS NX 450h+ F Sport specs:
- F Sport front fascia and mesh grille inserts
- 20-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels with Gloss Black finish
- F Sport front fender badge
- Gloss Black window frames and roof rails
- ORVM black
- Color-matched wheel fender arch (body color)
- Dark Graphite Aluminum Trim
- aluminum pedal
- F Sport front seats with enhanced bolster
- Shift knob and steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather F Sport
- Race-inspired paddle shifters
- G-meter and energy monitor display
- 10-inch heads-up display
- Adaptive variable suspension
- Performance dampers (front and rear)
- Adaptive Front Lighting System*
- 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system*
- Drive Connect trial with Cloud Navigation, incl. Google POI data; Smart Assistant, incl. Hey Lexus; and Goal Assistance*
Ambient lighting* - Front seat ventilation*
- Lexus Memory System for driver’s seat, steering wheel and ORVM*
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof*
- Powered rear door with kick sensor*
- Windshield wipers detecting rain*
- Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking*
*Part of the F Sport Luxury Package included as standard in the 450h+ but not the 350
2023 Lexus NX Hybrid
The plug-in hybrid Lexus NX allows driving at a maximum speed of 135 km/h (84 mph) on electric power alone.
That’s the same top speed EV mode as the RAV4 PHEV, one of the popular plug-in hybrid models in the mass market segment. Toyota’s plug-in hybrid SUV can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while Lexus expects its plug-in hybrid SUV to do the same in 6 seconds.
The significantly larger battery of the plug-in hybrid variant doesn’t detract from its practicality, at least not in Euro-spec units, as Lexus says that the cargo space (TBA) and fuel tank capacity (55 liter/14.5 gallons) are the same as the hybrid variant.
2023 Lexus NX 450H
Seven years after launching the first NX and selling about a million units globally, Lexus has introduced the second generation NX. The 2023 Lexus NX packs a number of upgrades, but the plug-in hybrid variant of the Lexus NX 450h+ is the most notable addition.
The powertrain of the plug-in hybrid 2023 Lexus NX uses a 2.5-liter A25A-FXS engine with two electric motors. One motor drives the front wheels, and the other unit drives the rear wheels. The engine is the same as the naturally aspirated ‘Dynamic Force Engine’ used by Toyota in the RAV4 Prime (RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid/RAV4 PHEV).
The second-generation 2023 Lexus NX sits on the same platform as the fifth-generation Toyota RAV4 – the GA-K – and both models belong to the same segment. The module half and half powertrain of the two models conveys a similar greatest power – 225 kW (306 PS/302 hp).
The Lexus NX 450h+ permits the driver to browse four driving modes: EV mode, AUTO EV/HEV mode, HEV mode, and Self-charge mode.
The vehicle runs on power put away in its footing battery in EV mode, so it doesn’t radiate CO2 from the exhaust. In AUTO EV/HV mode, the vehicle consequently chooses a driving mode, either unadulterated electric or half and half, contingent upon how much charge staying in the footing battery, course, foothold data and different information.
In HV mode, the powertrain uses both petrol and electricity for maximum performance. In Self-charge mode, the traction battery charges itself using engine power.
As a specialized cousin to the RAV4 PHEV, the NX PHEV likewise packs a 18.1 kWh lithium-particle battery pack.
Nonetheless, while the Toyota model can cover 42 miles (EPA-est.) in EV mode on a full charge, the Lexus model’s EV range (EPA-est.) is 36 miles. Joined efficiency (EPA-est.) is 84 MPGe, around 11% lower than the RAV4 Prime (94 MPGe).
Another similarity between these plug-in hybrid SUVs is the capacity of the onboard charger. Like Toyota’s RAV4 PHEV, the Lexus NX 450h+ comes with a 3.3 kW onboard charger as standard. Similarly, there is an option to upgrade to a 6.6 kW onboard charger.
A full charge of the battery takes about 4.5 hours with a 3.3 kW charger or about 2.5 hours with a 6.6 kW charger.
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2023 Lexus NX Interior
NX has a very digital interior with lots of new/improved technology. For the first time on the NX, Lexus offers a 7-inch HD MID and a 10-inch heads-up display, although a larger, customizable 12-inch HD display similar to its German rival would be nicer. The steering wheel has a new ‘Touch tracer’ switch with touch-based operation.
In the middle stack, there’s the all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system. Developed in the US, it integrates either a 9.8-inch touchscreen or a much larger 14-inch touchscreen. The Lexus interface features cloud navigation, a new Voice Assistant, dual microphones, enhanced noise cancellation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto.
Nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination with 14 mood lighting theme options, wireless smartphone charger and Digital Key also makes the NX more attractive than the old NX.
2023 Lexus NX Safety Features
The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on every new NX model, including the plug-in hybrid. In addition to the current safety features for the NX, including Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the new version of the Lexus Safety System includes four advanced safety features.
Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist brakes slowly and steers the vehicle when necessary to keep the vehicle on track and avoid collisions. Detection/Braking of Upcoming Vehicles Turn Left warns the driver and applies the brakes if the driver is about to turn left in front of an oncoming vehicle.
Pedestrian Detection/Braking Turn Right/Left warns the driver and brakes if the driver turns left or right in front of oncoming pedestrians or cyclists. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management regulates vehicle speed even around corners when the driver activates cruise control.
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2023 Lexus NX Color
Atomic Silver, Caviar, Nori Green Pearl, Grecian Water, Redline, and Obsidian (F-Sport exclusive) are the NX color options without the price. Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 (F-Sport exclusive), Cloudburst Grey, Eminent White Pearl, Ultra White (F-Sport exclusive), and Cadmium Orange are also available, but are more expensive.
Lexus offers a fresh color palette for the interior of the all-new SUV. Altogether, there are nine different options:
- Black
- Black/Rich Cream
- Palomino
- Red Rioja
- Red Circuit
- Black Striped
- Black Prism
- Black Open Porous Wood
- Dark Graphite Aluminum
2023 Lexus NX Price
We estimate the price of the 2023 Lexus NX to start at around $38,000 for the base NX 250 with front-wheel drive (FWD). The sportier NX 350 and NX 350h hybrid should both start at around $42,000. The plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ will be the most expensive option, starting at around $56,000.
The Lexus NX is a close rival to the Acura RDX, Infiniti QX50, and Genesis GV70. All of the above cost about the same, and they are all value-conscious alternatives to their more expensive German rivals.
Prices are also still unclear. However, without change, we expect only a mild price increase relative to the current MSRP range of $38,975-$57,925 (including destination costs).
2023 Lexus NX Release Date
The first-generation 2023 Lexus NX was a success for the company, with over one million units sold in 95 countries since its launch in 2014 – 22,237 of them in Australia by the end of April 2021.
There’s no official sale date for the Lexus NX 2023, but we’re expecting a fall release.
