2017 Lexus NX 200t: a Flashy Crossover that Makes a Statement

The NX 200t is one of the newer kids on the block in the compact crossover segment, having been introduced just a few of years ago in 2014. Toyota decided they wanted to have a Lexus-branded version of the RAV4 and this is the result. The 2017 represents the fourth year of the vehicle and the last before the 2018 refresh, which was just announced at the Shanghai Auto Show—more on this later.

The NX has done exceedingly well for the brand, outperforming sales forecasts in every one of its markets around the world—including North America, Europe and China.

• Also: 2015 Lexus NX 300h: Hybrid Winter Blues
• Also: The First Lexus NX In Quebec

As with all other Lexus models, the wacky exterior is certain to attract many buyers, but possibly turn away those of a more conservative mind. That’s the price you pay for non-traditional styling, but I love the fact that Lexus is doing this. Buying this vehicle makes a statement that one is outgoing, flashy and not afraid to hog the spotlight. In the front, we find the massive spindle-shaped grille, sharply-angled LED headlights and checkmark-styled daytime running lights. The rear is much the same with a look that I would describe as “jagged.” The NX is a crossover, but its silhouette definitely rests more toward the truck end of the spectrum unlike say, the Toyota Venza, for example, which simply looks like a raised station wagon.

The interior of the 2017 Lexus NX 200t can technically fit five adults, but realistically, the fifth needs to be a small person. I even had a heck of a time getting three toddlers buckled into the back seat, so space is a bit of an issue. The middle seat is literally only 10 centimetres wide if you measure the distance between the seatbelt buckles, but we can’t be too picky since this is, after all, a compact crossover.

I found the grey perforated leather with white stitching quite nice and comfortable. The test vehicle came equipped with the F SPORT Series 2 package, which includes a wide range of upgrades, but appearance-wise, we’re talking about an F SPORT shift knob, aluminum sport pedals, F SPORT 18-inch alloy wheels and F SPORT badging around the vehicle. These were all very nice additions, but overall, the interior felt a little more Toyota-like than I would have preferred.

Under the hood we find a 235-horsepower, turbo four-cylinder engine that propels the NX as quickly as anyone will need. The transmission is a six-speed automatic that does the job just fine, although one can opt for the paddle shifters for more driving excitement. Also included in the F SPORT package is a sport-tuned suspension, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, G meter, head-up display and adaptive variable suspension.

Lexus’ infotainment system is the main sore spot for this vehicle. I didn’t like it at all, especially the laptop-style trackpad for navigating around the menus, which I found slow and unintuitive. Quite a bit of time was spent fooling around to find basic features. Lexus would be well advised to scrap it and start over. This is a common feeling among many journalists and Lexus should make some changes here.

Driving the Lexus NX is a breeze. Handing is car-like with plenty of input coming back to the steering wheel, thanks to that sport suspension and a perfectly tuned electric steering system. Braking is similarly good as is outward visibility. On the fuel efficiency front, I averaged 11.3 L/100 km, which isn’t bad at all for the city driving I did.

The 2017 Lexus NX 200t starts at $45,390 for the base model and the F SPORT Series 2-equipped tester came in at $54,790. There is also the NX 300h which is equipped with Lexus’ Hybrid Drive system and starts at $56,790.

This offering represents a valiant effort from Lexus to delve into the compact crossover market and if sales are any indication, it’s on track to keep pace with the likes of the Audi Q5, Acura RDX or BMW X3.

As was mentioned earlier, the 2018 NX was just revealed in Shanghai. Lexus is dropping the 200t moniker in favour of just calling it the NX 300, yet keeping the same 2.0-litre engine. Straight-line performance will essentially remain the same, but Lexus says significant improvements have been made to the vehicle’s suspension tuning to enhance ride and handling. The springs, stabilizer bars and bushings have been retuned and there are new shock absorbers. The biggest new change to the NX’s chassis is the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), based on the advanced system found in the 2018 Lexus LC 500.

The new NX will include the brand’s innovative Lexus Safety System+ as standard, which integrates active safety technologies, such as the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB). It’ll be interesting to see how these improvements affect the drive in the 2018 model.