THE AUTO PAGE
By
John Heilig
- MODEL: 2018 Lexus NX 300h
- ENGINE: 2.5-liter Hybrid 4
- TRANSMISSION: Electronic CVT
- HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 194 combined hp/152 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 rpm
- WHEELBASE: 104.7 in.
- LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 182.3 x 73.6 x 64.8 in.
- TIRES: P225/60R18
- CARGO CAPACITY: 16.8/53.7 cu. ft. (rear seats up/down)
- ECONOMY: 33 mpg city/30 mpg highway/32.9 mpg test
- FUEL TANK: 14.8 gal.
- CURB WEIGHT: 4,180 lbs.
- TOWING CAPACITY: 1,500 lbs.
- COMPETITIVE CLASS: Ford Edge, Kia Sorento, Subaru Ascent
- STICKER: $46,389 (includes $995 delivery, $5,059 options)
- BOTTOM LINE: If it’s from the Toyota family, it’s a capable hybrid. Therefore, the Lexus NX 300h is small for a Lexus, but big on economy.
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“Back in the day” the Lexus
NX 300h was known as the 200t. No matter what you call it, the NX is still an
NX, and as such it’s a small SUV in name, but it’s more of a compact to
mid-size sedan. Okay, it does have some of the practicality of an SUV,
but
it’s not one I’d want to take off road. I did like
taking it on road, though.
I found the NX to be quiet
overall in operation, but there is significant tire noise intruding onto the
cabin. It’s worse on poorer roads, like concrete.
The dash is dominated by a
larger rectangular infotainment screen in the center of the dash. Navigating
the screen is a touch pad-type controller (like a laptop mouse pad) on the
center console that is not intuitive. Basically, you swipe across it to move
the highlighted portion on the info screen. Sometimes. Personally, I prefer the
mouse-like controller used on other Lexus models.
The default screen for the
infotainment is a map. You can get an audio listing. I figured that out.
There’s decent power from
the 2.5-liter hybrid power plant. Handling is equally good. We had a few
“instances” on one commute and the NX allowed us to escape unscathed.
Facing the driver is a clear
instrument panel with an eco-gauge on the left and speedometer on the right.
Instruments are white-on-black, my preferred combination.
Between the front passengers
is a comfortable large arm rest/console. Next to the two cupholders is a pad to
rest your hand when you’re trying to finagle the controller, and also a small
hand mirror that has many uses besides checking makeup (not mine). Next to the
shifter is a knob to shift among eco, normal and sport performance modes
Among the many safety assist
features is a lane keeping assist that vibrates the wheel gently when you go
off line. There’s a blind spot mentor and rear cross traffic alert as well.
These are part of the $1,270 Premium Package.
Rearward vision is restricted
somewhat by large rear seat head restraints. This handicap is worse for shorter
drivers.
All the controls on the
center stack are intuitive. Also, the radio/sound system is a simple two-button
affair, one for on/off/volume and one for tuning.
Heated and cooled front
seats are comfortable with some side support. Rear seat legroom is good for a
small vehicle, even though the seats themselves aren’t overly comfortable. The
flat rear floor makes it better for center passengers back there.
SUVs of all sizes are
defined by their cargo capacity. The NX’s cargo area is a practical size (16.8
cubic feet with the rear seat backs up, 53.7 cubic feet with them down).
There’s a rubber mat on the cargo floor (part of the $190 all-weather floor mat
package) that is very useful.
There is a power tailgate
with a kick sensor to open it. I could only get it to work once.
Overall, the NX 300h is
pretty good. It has some nice features and others I found to be totally vexing.
(c) 2018 The Auto Page Syndicate
