2016 Lexus NX200t
What explains this car’s success?
The NX has been quite a success for Lexus, and even I have come around to its looks, which at first appeared quite contrived and ill-proportioned. It certainly has presence, and says sporty and expensive quite well for something based on the RAV4’s bones.
Inside, it is equally striking and of higher quality build and materials than most anything else in the class. But its infotainment interface still stinks, being fiddly and hard to use at highway speeds or in traffic, and having dull, dated-looking graphics.
Thankfully the NX200t’s front seats—especially in F Sport-spec—are terrifically supportive and its back seat and cargo room competitive.
Too bad this Lexus doesn’t outpoint its rivals dynamically, like the IS sedans.
Its humble roots show through with a choppy, rough ride, even on smooth highways (the non-sports suspension NX300h tested here was much better) and it lacks the punch of the BMW X3, despite an engine of similar capacity and rated output (2-liter turbo in both, Lexus 235hp/258lb-ft versus BMW 240hp/260lb-ft).
(Many of us in the trade tend to think BMW underrates its outputs, for its N20 motor moves the X3 past 60mph over a half second faster and nets it roughly 5-8mpg better fuel economy in the real world, most noticeably on the open road, where the German’s 8-speed automatic’s extra two gears make relaxed engine revs; it also shifts more intuitively.)
The NX F Sport has paddle shifters, which should be considered superfluous, as the shift programming for up- and downshifts is so lurchy and slow in the Lexus. Finally, the NX200t doesn’t have any of the German’s élan when driven hard, being too easily pushed into understeer despite its overly firm suspension.
The best option for an NX intender may be the non-F Sport model; its ride is much better composed, it handles almost as well, and it doesn’t overpromise and under deliver on its groovy looks.
Then the NX200t’s other great attributes, like bank-vault solid build, great seating and lag-free thrust from a stop make much more sense. Whichever one chooses, both are very well priced compared to the competition.
EPA ratings: 22/27mpg; 24mpg combined
0-60mph: 6.9sec (CarandDriver.com)
Price as tested: $46,440
Here is what Lexus has to say.
Isaac Bouchard is owner of Bespoke Autos, an auto brokerage that helps people save time, money and hassle when buying or leasing vehicles. Since 1991 he has helped his clients save over $1 million dollars. Isaac has been a professional automotive journalist as well for over 12 years, having reviewed most all types of car, truck and SUV.
