Entry Price: $36,720
Price as tested: $49,348
This week, we’re behind the wheel of the 2019 Lexus NX 300, delivered in F Sport trim. Debuting in 2015, the Lexus NX is still in its first generation and evolving nicely as more and more small and compact SUVs enter the market.
Lexus NX300 comes in four flavors for 2019, specifically the entry level NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, NX Luxury and the NX 300h, the “h” for hybrid. The entire family of Lexus SUV vehicles starts with the all-new sub-compact UX at $32,150, then moves up to compact NX line entry at $36,720, mid-size RX at $43,700, full-size GX at $52,155 and finally topping out with the “really big” LX that starts at $86,230.
Our tester NX 300 F Sport is categorized by the EPA as a small SUV, and starts at $40,025. It is built in Japan and all NX models come with a peppy 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for motivation. It generates 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and mates to a six-speed automatic.
Our front drive tester accelerates nicely to 60-MPH in just 7.2 seconds, which makes merging onto those 70-MPH freeways an easy task. If you live in harsher climate regions, an AWD NX300 is optional. Notable is all 2019 Lexus NX models feature a driver selectable system offering Economy, Normal or Sport driving modes.
As expected, Lexus standard equipment is impressive. Included are 17-inch all-season tires on nice aluminum wheels, dual zone climate control, LED headlights and fog lights, automatic high beam, smart cruise control, forward collision warning with mitigation, lane departure warning and intervention, keyless ignition, power-folding mirrors, safety rearview camera with gridlines, power front seats, 60/40 reclining back seat, 4G Wi-Fi, and an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen system.
Notable is Apple Car Play and Amazon Alexa compatibility with Alexa Skill Integration and Smart Watch mixing. (Things are really getting “high tech” when you buy a Lexus!) The F Sport version also adds 18-inch Yokohama Geolander tires on great looking alloys, F Sport badges, adjustable sport-tuned suspension, F Sport interior upgrades, special bucket seats, sport oriented gauges, and an F Sport exclusive steering wheel. A standard eight-speaker Lexus Audio System features 440-watts, HD radio, MP3/USB/iPod/iTunes, Bluetooth, SiriusXM and real time traffic/weather.
Additionally, if you buy the F Sport model there’s an additional Premium F Sport option that really ups the ante when it comes to amenities. For $2,865 more, you’ll receive what I feel are the best ventilated front seats on the market. To explain, on a pretty humid June day, we were pleasantly surprised at how well the cooling kicked in on both the normal air conditioning vents and especially our driver’s seat. I know $2,875 is not chump change, but this option also features premium daytime running lights, power tilt and slide moonroof, power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, memory driver-seat settings including lumbar, exterior mirror memory and blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert.
Known for abundant standard safety features, including eight air bags and added structural protection features, Lexus NX300 earns solid Five-Star government safety ratings with superior impact performance in front, side and rollover test evaluations. Well noted is that every Lexus 300NX comes with the Lexus Safety System Plus and Enform Safety Connect, which your Lexus dealer will explain in detail.
On the road, expect both comfort and sporty driving capabilities, especially if you choose Sport as your favorite driving mode. Specifically, a four-wheel independent suspension is tuned for a more aggressive handling experience resulting in sure-footed and nimble driving. If you choose Economy mode, the computer will adjust shifting points and other mechanical functions for a more normal ride. Fuel mileage EPA ratings are decent but not great at 22 city and 27 highway the expected MPG.
The Lexus cabin, meanwhile, is great and first class all the way in both presentation and physical comfort. This all comes thanks to the Lexus corporate principles of delivering material wellbeing to each and every consumer regardless of NH 300 trim selected. They are all fine examples of Lexus compact SUV expression.
Our tester was heavy on options, featuring a $770 adaptive variable suspension, panoramic view backup camera for $800, and a cold weather package for $100. Further, a Navigation system with enhanced 10-speaker stereo and larger 10.3-inch display adds another $1,860, while a $535 intuitive parking assist is recommended with special clearance rear sonar to assist in parallel parking. A power rear door kick sensor for $550, “Electromatic” auto-dimming inside mirror for $125, all weather floor liners and cargo mats for $254, Key Gloves for $10 and Paint Protection film by 3M for $429 pushed the final retail to $49,348 with $1,025 delivery included.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 104.7-inches, 15.9-gallon fuel tank, 17.7 cu. ft. of cargo space, 37.4 ft. turning radius and a 3,940-pound curb weight.
Overall, and sans some of the more expensive options, you can park a brand new Lexus NX 300 in your driveway in the low $40K range very well equipped. It’s a test drive must if shopping the compact/smaller SUV market.
Likes: Lexus opulence, F Sport suspension, standard safety items, rear seat room.
Dislikes: Way too big front grille, expensive options, infotainment system learning curve.
(Greg Zyla is a syndicated auto columnist)
Be the first to comment on "Test Drive – 2019 Lexus NX 300 "