New Lexus NX Review

With the new Lexus NX lineup, there are many powertrain choices for the luxury SUV shopper. Front-wheel drive is paired with a 203-horsepower engine. While this is plenty to keep this ride competitive, it’s easy to take the next step up to a 2.4-L turbo. It generates 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.

Stepping over to the hybrid, output is 240 horsepower. All-wheel drive is accomplished with a rear-wheel mounted motor that generates immediate torque to help this hybrid dash off the line.

With its plug in hybrid powertrain, the Lexus NX 450+ produces 304 horsepower. Dual electric motors crank up the rate of torque.

Built trim for urban living, the new Lexus NX still maintains an ample 22.7 cubic feet in its cargo hold. If you fold the rear seating, there’s an expansive 54 cubes of usable cargo space.

Adding versatility, an all-wheel drivetrain is standard on the Lexus NX350, 350h, and 450h+. This gives Phoenix NX drivers an advantage whether it's bad weather or a dirt road -- perfect for those weekend adventures across Arizona.

The hybrid's electronically controlled all-wheel drive system adapts torque distribution for various road conditions, enabling spirited driving in sport or sport+ mode.

F Sport Handling options incorporate an adaptive suspension, allowing the NX to accommodate uneven terrain with ease. Lateral performance dampers further enhance ride comfort and help the NX withstand the jarring from a rutted road.

For 2026, Lexus has expanded F Sport Handling availability to include the hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. That's more fun for everyone lucky enough to drive one of these smart luxury SUVs in Phoenix.

Sporting a blend of luxury, classic style, and modern amenities, the new Lexus NX is a welcoming place to spend time. The power-adjustable front seats are covered in a rich NuLuxe upholstery or Chevron-stitch perforated leather upholstery. Accents come in open pore trim, a cool black prism look, or dark graphite aluminum. Adding to the atmosphere, you can customize the thematic ambient lighting.

The well-stocked cockpit has everything a driver needs, including advanced dash tech, push button start, and dual-zone climate controls. Everyone will appreciate the available WiFi hotspot. Higher trims add a power-adjustable steering column and memory capability for the driver’s chair, side mirrors, and steering wheel.

You can enjoy favorite amenities like ventilated seats, a must-have cooling feature for our hot summers in Phoenix AZ. Other favorites include a panoramic sunroof and a hands-free power rear door. For more information about the new Lexus NX trim levels and packages, you can check out this extended review.

With advanced dash tech in every model, the Lexus NX is always connected and ready. For starters, there’s a 9.8-inch touchscreen, although a large 14-inch screen is available. Either way you can have Cloud Navigation. The largest infotainment system comes with a three-year subscription to Direct Connect for navigation tools, including traffic and points of interest.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto make it possible to enjoy navigation tools without ever touching your phone. You can access Apple Maps, Google Maps or similar apps on the large touchscreen now standard on the new Lexus NX in Phoenix.

You will feel surrounded by sound with ten premium speakers. However, the luxury system goes every further. The 1800-watt set-up is a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

Additional dash technology includes the available Head-up Display. Drivers can get a SmartAccess Key Card to keep in their wallet. Certain models add either turbo-boost information or an energy monitor to the standard digital instrument display.

With the Lexus safety suite, many important driver assistance features are standard. This includes a pre-collision forward-facing system that watches for stopped/stopping cars, pedestrians, and intersection dangers as you travel Phoenix roads and highways. An emergency autobrake and steering assistance seek to keep the new Lexus NX out of harm’s way if the driver can’t react in time.

Watching the sides, there are blind spot monitors, a lane departure alert, and related lane keep assist. Watching the rear, there is a cross traffic monitor, a related autobrake, and a panoramic view monitor. A front view camera can watch for dangers ahead.

Assisting the driver with routine tasks, there’s a lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and curve speed management. There’s even an Intuitive Parking Assist to take care of slow maneuvering into or out of a space. In addition to automatic high beams, the new Lexus NX

If you want a better luxury SUV, and you demand lots of choices, you can visit Earnhardt Lexus, your premier Lexus dealership in Phoenix, AZ, for a closer look at the new NX.