2022 Lexus NX: Performance improves, but what really shines is new infotainment system

With its first major redesign since being launched, Lexus' 2022 NX moves onto Toyota Motor Corp.'s TNGA-C platform, which also underlies the popular RAV4 crossover.

Four powertrains, including Lexus' first plug-in hybrid, are available on the second-generation NX luxury compact crossover.

The base NX 350 is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbo inline-four cylinder engine with 275 hp and paired to a new eight-speed automatic transmission that combine to produce an estimated 317 pound-feet of torque, enough to shave a half-second off the previous model's 0-to-60-mph time of 7.3 seconds.

The first-ever NX 250 features a naturally aspirated, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with start-stop mated to the eight-speed transmission. Available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive, the powerplant produces 203 hp and 184 pound-feet of torque, resulting in 0 to 60 times of 8.2 seconds (fwd) and 8.6 seconds (awd), Lexus says.

The all-new Lexus NX 350h gasoline-electric hybrid pairs the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators.

The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, with a battery-only range of about 36 miles, features a 2.5-liter inline-four engine. The battery can be fully charged in about 2.5 hours when the vehicle is equipped with an optional expedited on-board charger. With the base level 3.3-kilowatt on-board charger, the battery can be fully powered in about 4.5 hours.

The plug-in version also features a new full-time awd that optimizes front and rear torque distribution based on driving conditions.

The retooled cabin in the NX is dominated by an optional 14-inch touch screen that hosts Lexus Interface, an upgraded infotainment system developed in-house that will be adopted across the lineup within three years. The standard NX comes equipped with a 9.8-inch display screen. As part of the upgrade, Lexus Interface features an interactive virtual assistant that can perform functions and answer questions in a conversation with the driver.

The cockpit features its own 7-inch display in the instrument cluster as well as an optional 10-inch head-up display.

The NX also receives Lexus' newest suite of driver-assistance and safety technologies, Lexus Safety System+ 3.0.

We've rounded up and highlighted some early reviews from the automotive press.

"The exterior of the redesigned 2022 NX looks much like the previous model, but beneath the familiar outer skin is a raft of improvements. The cabin is completely transformed, with a more modern instrument panel, a larger infotainment screen, and more elbow room, as well as electronic door latches and a rather confusing gear selector.

"The 2.4-turbo engine is responsive, a gas-sipping hybrid is also available, and the top-of-the-line plug-in hybrid is very quick.

"A 9.8-inch infotainment screen and wireless phone connectivity are standard, and a 14-inch screen is available. Both use Lexus' new multimedia touch-screen interface. An optional 10-inch head-up display is new. The standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of active driver assistance features includes FCW, AEB with pedestrian detection, BSW, and RCTW."

— Consumer Reports

"Because performance matters to us, we set our sights on the mid-tier NX350 with standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission powered by an all-new turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four. With 275 horsepower, it's more powerful than rivals such as the Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Mercedes-Benz GLA. Pronounced turbo lag hampers this advantage, however. The 3,987-pound NX hits 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, 0.9 second behind the 228-hp X1. With the boost fully on boil, the NX covers the quarter-mile in 15.0 seconds at 95 mph and reaches 100 mph in 16.1 seconds, 0.6 second slower than the X1.

"Braking from 70 mph takes 175 feet — 15 feet longer than the summer-tire-equipped Q3 and 6 feet shorter than the GLA250. All NXs roll on run-flat tires, and they exacted a performance toll on our skidpad. The 235/50R-20 Bridgestone Alenza A/S02 tires howl under duress and only managed 0.81 g of lateral grip, versus 0.89 g for the Cadillac XT4. Upgrading to the F-Sport handling package ($3,300) adds adaptive dampers that noticeably firm up the ride, but the summer tire option has been dropped. These choices are all in the name of fuel economy: Lexus estimates the NX350 AWD will return a combined 25 mpg.

"Despite these middling performance figures, the NX350 also doesn't mind getting a little rowdy if you push its buttons. Loosening the restraints of the stability-control system means it's possible to pitch the NX350 sideways on a dirt road, tossing rooster tails of dirt high into the air. Not that any NX owner ever would, but they could.

"Inside, we find a new infotainment system that is a massive leap forward. The NX debuts a new Lexus multimedia interface that banishes all memories of the old touchpad nightmare. The giant 14.0-inch touchscreen is crisp, bright, and responsive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and you can stream music from your Amazon or Apple Music accounts. 'Hey, Lexus!' summons a virtual assistant, who could hear our requests perfectly, even with the music cranked. "

— Derek Powell, Car and Driver

"This car, Lexus's second generation NX compact crossover — our specimen, a plug-in hybrid called the NX 450h+ — requires a fair bit of chalk talk, if not moral calculus. Based on the same gas-electric, all-wheel-drive watchworks as the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the swank little NX 450h+ is an energized bunny around suburbia, with a cuddly disposition and softly padded quickness more typical of premium battery-electrics — for as long as the 18.1-kWh battery pack holds out. Put a pin in that.

"With a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine under the hood, and independently acting electric motors on the front and rear axles, the Lexus's propulsion widget can achieve an unusually steep ramp up to 304 hp with a hearty hi-ho Silver of electro-torque. It can also hum along at highway speeds in EV-only mode for as long as…well, you know.

"The Toyota corporate underpinnings (transverse front-engine position, FWD or AWD) are rock solid. Although the differences in chassis tuning are too incremental for me to actually palpate, I'm assuming the Lexus chassis has slightly softer damping and spring rates than the down-market Toyota. Hard to tell. One thing is for sure: At 4,475 pounds, the NX 450h+ has what GM marketers used to call road-hugging weight."

— Dan Neil, The Wall Street Journal

"The Lexus rides on parent Toyota's excellent Global Architecture, and instills confidence with neutral handling and little head toss. Then Lexus spices the menu with four powertrain options. The base $39K NX250 starts with a 203-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder; the NX350 has a 275-horse turbocharged 2.4-liter; the top-drawer plug-in hybrid NX450h gets 302 ponies — and then there's my NX350h hybrid sitting in the sweet spot, pairing two electric motors with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder for 239 horsepower and all-wheel-drive versatility.

"The NX350h further tempts bad behavior with paddle shifters on the steering column and a fat Drive Mode button on the console. Dial the mode selector to SPORT and the instrument panel glows red in devilish anticipation. Go on, Payne, floor me!

"Gladly. Long a missionary for hybrid fuel efficiency, Lexus also uses its electric motors for smooth driving dynamics. Where turbocharged four-cylinder engines often lag off corners, the hybrid's motor picks up the slack, making for instant acceleration.

"The NX350h doesn't rival the Mazda CX-5 or BMW X1 for best-handling SUV, but the spirit is there."

— Henry Payne, The Detroit News

"The single most important change in the 2022 Lexus NX is inside, where the automaker's tired old infotainment has been kicked to the curb in favor of something far better. The so-called Lexus Interface is the result of the company's North American arm finally putting on some pants and telling Japan that its old telematics were holding the automaker back with younger, more tech-enveloped buyers.

"And guess what? Lexus nailed it. Standard on a 9.8-inch screen and optionally available in a larger 14-inch format, Interface looks and feels like it belongs in this century. Responsiveness is way up, thanks to a big boost in processing power. The design is clean and straightforward, lacking a home screen but sporting a permanent dock on the left side that makes it easy to swap between various menus. The full-screen navigation map might be my favorite part, although it could stand to have a little better contrast in the colors used for backgrounds and side roads. My fingers do all the work now; there are no trackpads to be seen.

"The features run deep in Lexus Interface. In addition to usual trimmings like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system integrates Apple Music and Amazon Music into the head unit via the onboard 4G LTE modem. Natural-language voice recognition wakes up with the usual 'Hey' command and will do anything from finding a coffee shop to turning on the windshield wipers. User profiles stored in the cloud allow you to hop between Interface-equipped vehicles and hold onto various settings. And, while a demo wasn't available, the NX will let you use your phone as a key and share a temporary key with several people at once."

— Andrew Krok, Roadshow by CNET

"One payoff of the new platform is a 1.2-inch increase in wheelbase and a similarly wider track, subtle differences that contribute to improved ride and handling. Where the old NX had a somewhat stiff ride without any corresponding sporty feel, the new one is both more comfortable over bumps and more capable in corners. Our test vehicles were equipped with optional 20-inch wheels and tires; standard 18-inch wheels might provide a softer ride. The F Sport trim level is tuned for more enthusiastic driving, with an adaptive suspension that employs electronically controlled shock absorbers.

"The new Digital Key option enables your smartphone to double as a key to lock, unlock and operate the NX. You can also share your NX with up to seven friends using Lexus Remote Connect services. Combined with the Advanced Park feature on hybrid models, the Digital Key can even be used to move the vehicle from outside. Another helpful new feature is a rear camera display in the rearview mirror to help see what's behind you when passengers or cargo block the view."

— Jim Travers, Cars.com