2016 Lexus NX300h – Test Drive, Review, Ratings, Specs

Top-Tier Luxury in SUV Form

A quick glimpse is all it takes to fall in love with its harmonic beauty and complexity of the Lexus NX SUV. Boasting sophisticated curves on its outer shell and a luscious interior cabin space, the Lexus NX series truly brings out all the elements that make up a top-tier luxury SUV.

The NX200t was the first of its series to feature a turbo engine in efforts to lower fuel costs. Adding to its stable is the second trim level, NX300h powered by its well-established hybrid power train system that has proven to be ultra reliable again and again.

Stunning Looks and Quality

Looks wise, there is nothing short of excellence. Its design employs sharp contours all around to give off distinctive looks that’s impossible to be mistaken for the Lexus brand. Front fascia is stamped with a massive pinched trapezoid decorated with crystal cube-shaped HID headlamps and garnished with a a lower LED razor strip. Side panel is visually swift with a low-profile silhouette, slim side windows and a deep geometric curve running in parallel with its lower side skirt and switching upwards towards the rear wheel well. Rear sculpture is well pronounced with its extruding tail lights, faux spoiler with its windshield aggressively angled. All in all, it only takes a quick glimpse to visually digest the artistic beauty and sophistication of the Lexus NX outer shell.

Opening its doors reveals a space of peace and tranquility. Inside panels are layered with leather material that is soft and luxurious to the touch. Center console deck is inspired by flight controls with its panels slanted downwards for easy and ergonomic access. Instrument panel is also beautifully crafted with attention to detail as suggested by its precision-machined metal gauge back plates. In terms of its laptop-like mouse pad used for infotainment controls, it works but could be better. Responsiveness is sluggish and requires patience. Voice navigation deserves respect though as it was able to easily find my destinations fairly quickly from a push of a button mounted on the steering wheel..

Offerings

Adding to the Lxus SUV stable is the NX300h employing its proven hybrid powertrain backed by many years of field testing from its Prius and alike. Comprised of a 4 cylinder Atkinson cycle engine working in tandem with its on-board electric motor, the total power output nets at 194 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque. Mated to its engine shaft is a continuous variable transmission. Unfortunately, its technology is theft to driving enthusiasm. But its positive side can be realized with respected fuel economy. The Lexus NX300h achieves EPA ratings of 7.4L/100km combined – an impressive number for its class.

AWD is made available as a purchase option that’s capable of delivering up to 50% power to its rear wheel when needed. With that said, it works well – its added traction is apparent when exposing the NX in slippery conditions. Add this purchase option to your basket if immunity to harsh climate is needed; otherwise, I’d say skip the marketing jargon and go with its FWD basics.

Symphony in Motion

Perhaps the best I could describe my experience with the NX300h. It’s smooth, soft and quiet to say the least. Acceleration is a bit bogged down by limited power capability from its hybrid DNA, but a bit of pre-planning easily brings the NX300h up to necessary speed on merges and highway entry. Speed sometimes feel difficult to maintain, but that’s the inherent design of the hybrid system.

Steering is light and smooth, but precision can be improved. Suspensions provide a good balance of performance and comfort. Lateral performance indulged by computer tricks is an odd one to get used to. Throw the car into a corner and the NX follows somewhat reluctantly. But wait a split second, and the AWD torque vectoring system kicks in to aid traction and lateral G.

Minus the lack of driving enthusiasm, the NX300h acceleration is ultra smooth and with an exceptionally quiet cabin space and comfortable interior. The NX300h base model is priced in at $53,350 with the executive option added that includes heated steering wheel, 18″ alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring system, backup camera and 10 speaker system. The added executive option heightens the purchase price up to $62,171. That’s a lot of money to play in the Lexus league. It’s difficult to justify the cost for a machinery incapable of relieving the itch for the thrill of speed, but that’s just me, and it’s also not exactly why you would buy this car. But wait for a few more gray strands to cover my head, and by then, I’d sure offer a more enthusiastic opinion in its stunning craftsmanship backed by a subtle and cushioned ride.