2022 Lexus NX Revealed, Gets PHEV Too

Lexus is embarking on a major product push, which will see the brand launch 20 new or updated vehicles by 2025. That offensive is kicking into high gear with the unveiling of the 2022 NX.

Redesigned from the ground up, the 2022 Lexus NX looks like a crossover-ified version of the IS sport sedan. It features an all-new front fascia with a revised spindle grille that has “tall U-shaped blocks” for a more three-dimensional appearance.

The grille is flanked by vertical air intakes and redesigned headlights with integrated daytime running lights. This is a notable change as it means the NX no longer resembles a rolling Nike advertisement.

Continuing down the sides, we can see evolutionary bodywork and a distinctive shoulder line. The rear end is also familiar, but it adopts full-width taillights and “Lexus” lettering that replaces the circular “L” emblem.

Moving inside, the cabin has been completely reimagined with higher quality materials and a modern design.

The stars of the show are a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a next-generation infotainment system known as the Lexus Interface. We’ll discuss the latter in a separate article, but the touchscreen infotainment system has 9.8- and 14-inch displays as well as a handful of physical knobs and buttons.

Putting the infotainment system aside, the 2022 NX benefits from improved front seats which come standard with heating. Owners will also find more head and legroom as well as additional cargo space.

Full details will be announced closer to launch, but the NX can be equipped with a handful of new options including a panoramic moonroof and a digital rearview mirror. Customers can also get a 10-inch head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger and heated rear seats. The model also offers “thematic ambient illumination” with a choice of 14 themes – such as Rain Forest, Waterfall and Sunset – as well as 64 colors.

On the safety front, the 2022 NX comes with “Digital Latch” push-button door handles with Safe Exit Assist technology. During a demonstration last week, Lexus showed us how the system automatically prevents people from opening doors if a cyclist or vehicle is approaching from behind within close proximity. It’s an interesting feature and can be manually overridden if needed.

Besides the trick door handles, the NX benefits from the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It includes Intelligent High Beams, Road Sign Assist, Lane Assistance, and an updated Pre-Collision System with Oncoming Vehicle Detection which can activate automatic emergency braking to help avoid a frontal collision. Other highlights include Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking, Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection/Braking and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management.

Under the hood, there’s an assortment of different engines including a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces an estimated 203 hp (151 kW / 206 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque.  It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which enables the front-wheel drive NX 250 to run from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 8.2 seconds. Opting for all-wheel drive increases traction, but also results in a slower 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 8.6 seconds.

If that’s not fast enough, there’s a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an estimated 275 hp (205 kW / 279 PS) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque. It’s paired to an eight-speed automatic and allows the NX 350 to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 6.8 seconds.

Customers looking for something more eco-friendly can opt for the 2022 NX 350h. It has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an all-wheel drive system with a rear electric motor.

This setup gives the crossover a combined output of 239 hp (178 kW / 242 PS), which is a 20% increase over the current hybrid. Thanks to the extra power, the dash to 60 mph (96 km/h) is cut to 5.7 seconds which is an improvement of 1.5 seconds. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the NX 350h has an estimated fuel economy rating of 36 mpg combined, which is 6 mpg better than the outgoing model.

The big news for 2022 is the addition of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s a first for Lexus and the NX 450h+ has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a lithium-ion battery pack and a rear-mounted electric motor.

If that setup sounds familiar, it should be as the powertrain largely carries over from the Toyota RAV4 Prime.  There are a handful of subtle differences, but the Lexus will have an electric-only range of approximately 36 miles (58 km) and an “EV output equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine.” The crossover will also be capable of hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) in approximately six seconds.

When the battery is depleted, it can be fully recharged in approximately 4.5 hours with the standard 3.3 kW onboard charger. However, customers can get an optional 6.6 kW charger which reduces the time to 2.5 hours.

The NX450h+ comes with a newly developed full-time AWD system, which promises to provide a confident and sporty driving experience. The company didn’t say much about it, but noted front and rear torque distribution will be optimized according to driving conditions.

The plug-in hybrid also has a Predictive Efficient Drive system, which “learns driving habits, predicts the expected roadway ahead and analyzes real-time traffic reports to optimize charging and discharging of the hybrid battery.” The system learns as you drive, and can predict when and where the vehicle is likely to stop or slow down. As Lexus explained, “when the NX approaches a location where the driver has slowed or stopped in the past, and the driver releases the accelerator pedal, Predictive Efficient Drive increases regenerative braking, allowing more efficient energy to be recovered and recharged into the hybrid battery.”

The 2022 Lexus NX rides on the TNGA-K platform and features a lower center of gravity as well as improved torsional rigidity thanks to laser peening welding. Engineers also beefed up the rear hatch area and focused on improving driving dynamics.  It’s also worth noting the redesigned model is lighter than its predecessor as some variants drop around 200 lbs (91 kg).

Speaking of performance, the F Sport package returns and includes an active variable suspension with performance dampers. The package also adds a revised grille, sportier bumpers and 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels.

The sporty styling continues in the cabin as drivers will find two-tone sport seats, aluminum pedals and perforated NuLuxe upholstery. The F Sport is also distinguished by a sport steering wheel, special scuff plates and Dark Graphite Aluminum accents.

The 2022 Lexus NX will go into production in the third quarter and pricing will be announced closer to launch.

carscoops