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The Lexus NX is an attractive luxury crossover that can get you into the club without the additional cost of the RX but it might not be the better buy.
Lexus NX vs Lexus RX
On paper, these two vehicles aren’t direct competitors and that makes sense as they’re built to fill different segments for Lexus. Nevertheless, some customers will find themselves torn between the two. So we’re going to dive into the depths of these cushy rides and find out which is best. Perhaps getting a well-equipped NX is a better value without giving up much from the RX. On the other hand, owning the model that did so much for this brand is a status symbol in itself and might be worth stretching to obtain. We’ll compare all of the most important factors, specs, driving dynamics, interior comfort, and what features are available. Then we’ll name a clear winner so that you know where to spend your dollar.
Specs
The 2022 Lexus NX starts at $39,025 and can price itself all the way up to $57,975 or more depending on options and equipment. Across that price range, you’ll find six different trims and four different powertrain options. Every trim aside from the base model (which is FWD) will come with AWD standard. The two gas-powered trims get between 25 and 28 mpg combined according to the EPA. A traditional hybrid scored 39 miles combined and the NX450h+ plug-in hybrid gets 84 MPGe and around 36 miles of all-electric range. Horsepower ranges from 203 to 304.
The RX is a step up in almost every aspect on paper. It starts at $46,645 which is smack in the middle of the NX lineup price range. Interestingly enough, the RX tops out just about $1,000 higher than the NX at $58,735. Between those two prices are a total of eight different trim levels, two different powertrains, and two different body lengths available. Front-wheel drive is standard on the gas-powered 350s but standard on all 450 models. Fuel economy ranges between 21 and 30 mpg combined according to the EPA. No plug-in hybrid is available. While those numbers sound considerably worse than the NX, it’s important to note that the RX achieves those scores with regular fuel while the NX will require a more expensive premium.
Driving Characteristics
The smaller stature of the NX is evident from the moment you take your first turn in it. Both vehicles use similar steering architecture but there’s no cheating physics. The NX is lighter and it feels like it’s directed around sweeping corners or into tight parking spaces. We’d love a little more initial pedal response as we felt like we had to dip pretty deep into it before the powertrain would deliver. The NX 450h+ utilizes the same hybrid system that the RAV4 Prime does and it’s nearly as good here despite being saddled with more heft than in the Toyota. Aside from the base NX, each trim offers a slightly above average driving experience for the segment. Some of that comes down to comfort though.
While the RX might be bigger and heavier, it’s not so ponderous that driving is unenjoyable. Frankly, it leans hard into driver comfort with the way that it soaks up bumps and insulates occupants from the outside world. Power delivery feels smoother than in the NX too despite the fact that it only has a few more ponies in top spec. This might come down to the CVT used in the higher RX trims as both the RX and NX share an eight-speed automatic on lower trims. One thing we didn’t like was how much the body rolled when the RX was pushed hard. By no means do we expect a luxury SUV at this point to corner flat but it would’ve been great to see it compose itself just a touch better.
Interior Comfort
The NX is completely new for 2022 and it shows most on the inside. It’s even more spacious in the second row than it was before and the cabin features a stunning modern design. The infotainment system and dash feel like they’re out of a high-end hotel room and the seating isn’t far behind. We also love the center console layout and how beautifully Lexus has managed to integrate both physical and touch controls throughout. Cargo space is a little down on last year’s model but we expect rear-seat passengers will be happy about it.
The RX is similarly nice to be in but it does lack a little of the shine that the new NX has. There are more lines that break up the overall theme so we’re excited to see how the next generation moves the ball even further forward there. At the same time, the seating in the RX feels better because there’s even more space and more adjustability. The rear-seats are good too and feel almost as good as the fronts. Captain’s chairs are also available for the second row in the RX 450h L AWD. While we certainly wouldn’t say that the RX L line is anywhere near as capable as something like a Chevy Tahoe or a Ford Expedition, it’s a nice bonus space for the buyers who love Lexus but need a bit more seating.
Trims & Specs
NX250 – This model uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 203-horsepower driving the front wheels. It comes with a 9.8-inch infotainment system, heated front seats, and Lexus’ advanced safety system featuring emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control and more. AWD is optional.
NX350 AWD – This model gets a 275-horsepower turbocharged engine with all-wheel-drive. Other than that, it’s identical to the 250.
NX350 F Sport Handling AWD – Lexus adds a bunch of F Sport badging to this model. It also gets a power tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, a 10-inch heads-up display, an adaptive suspension, lateral performance dampers, 20-inch wheels, and color-matched fender arches.
NX350h AWD – The 350h gets 18-inch wheels and a 239-horsepower hybrid drivetrain.
NX450h+ AWD – The 450h+ uses the same plug-in hybrid system from the RAV4 prime and makes 302-horsepower. It also gets ambient interior lighting, perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and black open-pore wood trim.
NX450h+ F Sport Handling AWD – Those who want better handling can opt for this trim which gets dark aluminum trim, F Sport badges all over the place, lateral performance dampers, and an adaptive variable suspension.
RX350 – The base RX starts out with a 295-horsepower V6, FWD, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Inside, buyers will find dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, faux leather upholstery, and 18-inch wheels. All RX models feature the same advanced safety suite of features that the NX does.
RX350 F Sport – Buyers who go for the RX 350 F Sport will get 20-inch wheels, sport-tuned performance dampers, a black headliner, ambient interior lighting, and F Sport badging throughout the vehicle.
RX350 Black Line Special – Despite sounding like nothing more than an appearance package, the Black Line Special does get a few more standard perks like a heated steering wheel, open-pore black walnut trim, and a power moonroof. Of course, it also gets special black wheels and black trim too.
RX350L – This trim is nearly identical to the normal 350 but adds about five inches in total length to the vehicle as well as concealed exhausts, aluminum roof rails, tri-zone climate control, second-row storage, and a couple more USB ports.
RX350L Black Line Special – Combine the features from the 350 Black Line Special and the 350L and you’ll get this package.
RX 450h AWD – The 450h makes 308-horsepower and sends it to all four wheels through a CVT. At this trim level it gets 18-inch wheels, an EV mode, and a concealed exhaust. Those that want more features will need to add them through packages.
RX450h F Sport AWD – The F Sport adds the aforementioned badging, suspension upgrades, 20-inch wheels, and performance instrumentation including a G-meter.
RX 450h L AWD Black Line Special – This model combines the hybrid powertrain with the same dark trim and features from the 350 Black Line Special
RX 450hL AWD – This is the first model available with captain’s chairs in the second row but is otherwise a combination of the longer body style with the hybrid powertrain. It even reverts back to 18-inch wheels.
RX 450hL AWD Black Line Special – Finally, this trim is a combination of the hybrid powertrain, the Black Line Special styling and features as well as the longer body style for maximum carrying capacity.
The Verdict
The RX is no doubt the better vehicle for those with larger families or those who plan to haul folks around regularly. It’s more comfortable, it’s quieter, and it’s more flexible overall. It’s also not much more expensive than the NX when we start talking about upper trim levels. Where the NX could be the better value for some is when it comes to lower trims and handling where it can outduel the RX every day.
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