The NX 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 kilometers 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. The previous NX was derived from the (then current) Toyota RAV4 and this new one is as well. 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 it predecessor. 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.

Conventional model

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, 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, adds ventilated front seats, a sunroof, a power tailgate, ambient lighting, a memory system and a power-adjustable steering wheel in addition to the turbo engine and must be considered to be a bargain. 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 and 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, ventilated front seats, fog lights, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, auto dim rear view mirror and dual zone climate control, is nicely equipped. Moving up to the Luxury trim adds a panoramic sunroof, a 14 inch infotainment screen, larger wheels and tires, 64 colour possibilities for the ambient lighting system, wireless cellphone charging, rear auto braking and self parking, but is overpriced. The Ultra Premium model includes a kick-sensor operated tailgate, a 360 degree camera system and genuine trim but is very expensive. The range-topping Executive ups the luxury factor with a Mark-Levinson audio system, leather seating, heated rear seats, power-fold rear seats and a head up display system and is reasonable value. There are no F Sport versions of the hybrid.

The PHEV base trim, the Ultra Premium, includes a power-adjustable steering wheel, a heated steering wheel, leather seating, ventilated front seat, heated rear seats, a power tailgate, blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings, a sunroof and power-fold door mirrors. The Executive trim upgrades include a panoramic sunroof, self parking, 64 colour ambient lighting, a kick-operated tailgate, a head up display system, wireless cellphone charging and genuine wood trim, but its price bears no relation to the massive price bump. The F Sport 3 is equipped in a similar fashion to the Executive trim and is similarly priced. The PHEV and HEV only intersect at the Executive trim, where the PHEV commands a $7337 premium.

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