The NX will is offered with a vast array of powertrains. Of the conventional-engined models, the base NX, the NX250, is powered by a normally-aspirated 2.5L four found under the hoods of a wide variety of larger Toyotas. Next up is the NX350 with a new 2.4L turbo four, rated at 275 horsepower, under the hood. Power reaches all wheels via a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid models begin with the 239 horsepower 2.5L NX350H. The NX450H PHEV variant, essentially using the RAV4 Prime components, offers 58 kilometres of pure electric range along with supercar performance. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, is standard. It includes risk avoidance emergency steer assist, left turn oncoming vehicle detection braking, right and left oncoming pedestrian detection and braking as well as road sign recognition and a safe-exit assist system.rnrnThe previous NX was derived from the (then current) Toyota RAV4 and this new one is as well. Lexus has not released dimension data but the new NX is roughly the same size as the current RAV4 that debuted for 2019. The front end is dominated by the Lexus Spindle grille, which is flanked by thin-line headlamps, below which are the front fascia gashes that seem to be a compulsory styling accent in our time. The side profile of the new NX is still a bit busy but is smoother and more elegant than that of its showroom mate, the RX350. Inside, the driver faces a configurable display with one primary gauge that has crisp graphics. The top-centre of the dash is occupied by an infotainment screen, 9.8 inches in some modes, with a massive 14 inch screen on premium trims. Screen graphics for the navigation function are too faint to be of much use. The dreaded Lexus track-pad-style infotainment controls has been banished, which is a good thing, but some climate controls are now touchscreen operated, which requires too much concentration to use while driving. The rest of the cabin looks visually calm and luxurious, including the cargo bay.rnrn

With alloy wheels, fog lights, heated front seats and steering wheel. blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, garage door activator and dual zone air conditioning, the base NX 250, powered by the same base engine as the Toyota RAV4 and Camry, is nicely equipped. Moving up to from the normally-aspirated 2.5 L NX 250 to the NX 350 base model, the Premium, powered by a 2.4 L-4 turbo, is priced $3650 more than the NX 250 but equipped a bit differently than its less powerful showrrom amate. The Ultra Premium upgrade includes a 14 inch infotainment screen, multi-colour ambient lighting, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and a lane-chance assist system as well as self parking, but is overpriced. The Luxury trim includes only a panoramic sunroof upgrade from a conventional sunroof and is priced accordingly. The Ultra Luxury trim includes “triple beam” headlights, a foot gesture opener for the tailgate, a 360 degree camera system and genuine wood trim, but is significantly overpriced. The top trim of the luxury models is the Executive. With a Mark Levinson audio system, leather seating, heated rear seats, power folding rear seats and a head up display system, priced to reflect the value of the additional content..

The least-expensive version of the sport-themed trims, the F Sport 1, with adaptive suspension, a sunroof, head-up display, sport seats and ventilated front seats, is nicely equipped. The F Sport 2 adds a panoramic sunroof, a 14 inch infotainment screen, wireless cellphone charging, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, self parking a lane change assist system, is expensive for the equipment offered. The F Sport 3 trim adds a Mark Levinson sound system, power folding rear seats, heated rear seats, a 360 degree camera system and “triple beam” headlights, but is overpriced.

On the hybrid model, the Premium base model, with a sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, fog lights, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, auto dim rear view mirror, garage door opener and dual zone climate control, is nicely equipped. Moving up to the Premium trim adds a power-adjust steering wheel, a memory system, ventilated front seats, a power tailgate and sunroof, and is a bit too expensive for the content offered. The Ultra Premium model includes a 14 inch infotainment screen, multi-colour ambient lighting, wireless cellphone charging, a lane change assist system and self parking, is significantly overpriced. The Luxury trim adds only a panoramic sunroof, at a reasonable price. The Ultra Luxury range topper adds “triple beam” headlights, a kick-activated tailgate opener, a 360 degree camera system and genuine wood trim, but is spectacularly overpriced. Compared with a conventional NX 350 of the same trim, hybrids are priced from $750 to $1000 higher.

Though the NX 450h is a showroom unicorn that may never find its way into the hands of a consumer, it could generate a $5000 taxpayer subsidy from both Quebec and the federal government.

Above average reliability is predicted for both the conventional and hybrid models.