Lexus NX review (2014-2021)

Lexus stands apart from its rivals on the inside as well as the outside.

While most premium brands are ditching physical controls in favour of touchscreen menus, Lexus goes the other way with knobs and buttons sprouting from all over the dash.

To some, it might make the cabin a little cluttered and old-fashioned.

It's easier to adjust the air-con temperature when there's a button to do the job rather than a complicated infotainment menu to navigate.

Tech and features

Lexus's navigation and infotainment system may not be asked to do as many jobs as those in the Volvo XC40, but the touchpad controller is fiddly to use on the move.

All versions have a digital radio and a powerful stereo with at least 10 speakers.

Music fans should look out for cars with the uprated 14-speaker Mark Levinson system.

Driving position

Anyone travelling in the front of the car has plenty of space.

Every NX has an electrically adjustable driver's seat, so finding a comfy and supportive driving position is straightforward for people of all shapes and sizes.

There's enough room for adults to get comfortable in the back, but the middle seat is firm and the cabin quite narrow – a couple of passengers in the back will be fine, and a third is a bit of a squeeze.

Air vents between the front seats mean the air con doesn't have to blow up a storm for chilled air to reach the back-seat passengers.

Engines and power

Lexus is known for favouring petrol-electric power over conventional petrols and diesels, and that's what powers the NX.

A 2.5-litre petrol engine is matched to a strong electric motor.

There's no need to find a charging point to top up the batteries – the car recharges when slowing down or braking.

The NX is very quiet around town, although you can hear the petrol engine working hard when overtaking.

Handling and ride comfort

From the driver's seat, the NX isn't as sporty as it looks.

The light steering is a definite plus when parking, but leaves the driver feeling detached from the car on a twisty country road.

The ride is bumpy if the road is rough, so the NX as it its best on a smoothly surfaced motorway.

Boot space

The boot is big enough to easily cope with a weekly shop for a family of four.

In fact, it should cope with a grocery run with space to spare.

On the other hand, there is a high lip to load items over. That could put a strain on your back when lifting something heavy like a child's buggy.

The rear seats split and fold if you need more room for luggage, but this does leave a slight slope to the floor.

Storage solutions

There are a couple of cupholders in the front, and the same again in the rear armrest, so nobody need to go thirsty unless you're travelling five-up.

Fuel economy

Running costs should be affordable, and the petrol-electric hybrid can be expected to use less fuel than a petrol SUV of similar performance.

According to the official economy tests, the front-wheel drive version returns 39.7mpg. The 4x4 is a little thirstier, returning 36.6-37.1mpg.

The hybrid system works best around town, as stopping and starting helps top up the battery.

On long motorway journeys at a steady speed, a good turbodiesel is likely to use less fuel than the Lexus NX – something to keep in mind if you're a high-mileage driver.