Dubbed as the “next era of luxury” by Lexus, the 2022 NX is that and more. The manufacturer also took a solid leap in technology and safety. Let’s take a peek inside and out of the totally redesigned SUV and see what’s inspiring.
David Dougherty, general manager of Haldeman Lexus dealership, proclaims the new 14-inch touchscreen high-resolution display as one of the vehicle's “wow factors" that's both intuitive and a visual standout. The optional “heads-up display'' can be best described as a windshield hologram that displays pertinent information such as speed and GPS directions.
Though new and improved, the exterior has that trademark look of a Lexus. Offered in all the hot colors, Lexus didn't disappoint in the naming, with most being cooler-sounding than descriptive. “Grecian Water," for example, is “light blue,” and shouldn’t be confused with “Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0," the darker blue version and color name that sounds like an electric toothbrush.
The interior is dynamite and spells newly designed luxury, tech and maybe a first for Lexus: fashion at every turn. Thematic ambient illumination, featuring 14 themes and 64 colors, is an option that can change the interior trim color based on mood, occasion or season at the push of a button.
Lexus always takes safety seriously and ratchets it up with “safety system+3.0" in the NX. The “lane assist” feature prevents unintended lane changes and the “dynamic cruise control” keeps the distance to the car in front constant. New features were added or upgraded, making the 2022 vehicle safe via innovation.
David points out that having four NX models “offers something for everybody."
The NX250 comes with 203 horsepower, and is well equipped. Lexus offers a hybrid, the NX350h, while the NX350 is the gas-only counterpart. Both are slight upgrades and more powerful than their sibling. The hybrid is a continued step in the right direction, as alternative energy vehicles are becoming more popular on dealership floors.
“Electrification” model NX450h+ also is a hybrid, though could be all-electric, depending on each driver’s habits. Boasting 36 miles of pure electric before switching to hybrid mode, David says that would serve about 80% of the owners. "If driven strategically, drivers can avoid gas stations, or at least for the purpose of getting gas," he adds.
A “plug-in” battery easily can be charged at home or on the road.
2022 LEXUS NX
36 MPG HYBRID | 8 SPEED AUTO
See Everything – Monitoring that helps make the term “blind spot” part of the past by alerting drivers to things they normally can’t see.
Safe Exit – Assisting by looking both ways to ensure bikers, runners or anything in motion won’t interfere with opening the door to exit.
Go Wireless – Wireless Apply play and Android auto, something for which previous Lexus owners have been clamoring.
Do More – Larger cabin offers more efficiency without sacrificing space.
Musical Bliss – 10 speakers standard; get to 17 with premium or luxury package and optional Mark Levinson stereo system.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The NX is first to bat in Lexus’ fleet overhaul plans, and looks to be a serious hit, based on strong pre-order demand -- which likely will speak for the first batch of inventory due this month. Price ranges from $39,000 to start and $58,000 for the flagship model 450h+, which goes green with the most horses in the NX stable, 302 in all. Giddy up.
DETAILS
Haldeman Lexus of Princeton, serving Newtown and greater Bucks County
609.454.2358
HaldemanLexusOfPrinceton.com
Stop by dealership just over the bridge in Lawrenceville, NJ