2018 Lexus NX Refresh is More Than Skin Deep
In its fourth year on the market, the sportier, more advanced Lexus NX 300 compact crossover utility vehicle (formerly the NX 200t) is available with three trim levels: NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and NX 300h hybrid.
1. A sportier NX
The all-new 2018 Lexus NX 300 (formally the NX 200t) was first presented back in April at Auto Shanghai 2017 and now that it's finally hit dealerships, we have a better sense of what makes it different from its predecessor. Lexus has been killing it when comes to new styling on their cars -- see the Lexus LC500 as a prime example -- and if you like what Lexus has been doing, this newest, even sportier breed of the NX will not disappoint. But styling is not all that sets this generation apart from the past. The two engine options are not new for 2018 but several of the interior features are. Working from the outside in, several changes are quickly obvious, such as the longer taillights, larger exhaust tips, and a lower rear bumper. But the new Lexus also features triple-beam LED projector headlights which provide additional brightness when turning.
>>Join the conversation about the all-new 2018 Lexus NX right here in ClubLexus.com.
2. Subtle improvements
In terms of design, the new NX will get a revised front end with reshaped grille akin to the more expensive RX crossover. As mentioned in the previous slide and seen above, the headlights will now feature a triple-projector design inspired by the new LC coupe. The chassis is the basis for most of the change. Springs, bushings and stabilizer bars have been returned for a better ride and handling. MacPherson strut front suspension and a trailing arm double wishbone rear suspension help optimize agility, control and ride comfort. New shock absorbers improve the quality of the NX’s already smooth ride. The biggest change to the chassis is the available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), now based on the advanced system found in the LC 500, which offers a range of up to 650 instantaneous compression and damping adjustments (up from 30) for enhanced control and overall handling stability.
>>Join the conversation about the all-new 2018 Lexus NX right here in ClubLexus.com.
3. Some relandscaping out back
4. More creature comforts than ever before
Inside the NX, you will find more luxury than in previous models. The new model offers ambient lighting, an available moonroof, and NuLuxe seating, and its Luxury Package includes electrochromic mirrors and reverse tilt and memory mirrors and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. You can also opt-in on driver and passenger heated and ventilated seats, power tilt and telescoping steering column, and Second Gen Lexus Navigation System with Remote Touch Interface (RTI) and Lexus Enform App Suite 2.0. Lexus Enform Wi-Fi with 4GB of space to connect Wi-Fi enabled devices and smartphones to the vehicles’ Wi-Fi hotspot is complimentary for the first year. The standard multimedia screen is 8 inches, but if you need bigger, you can opt for the 10.3-inch screen that comes with Navigation. Lexus Safety System+ becomes standard equipment on all NX models. The system includes a pre-collision system with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and auto high beams. Other highlights include a larger wireless charger tray to accommodate larger smartphones and Active Sound Control, which pumps artificial induction and exhaust sounds through the car speakers.
>>Join the conversation about the all-new 2018 Lexus NX right here in ClubLexus.com.
5. Drive Mode Select
Drive Mode Select is not new in 2018 but worth a mention here as it enables you to make your vehicle more responsive or efficient with a simple turn of a dial. Sport mode alters the powertrain for faster and more dynamic throttle response. Normal mode provides the optimal balance of fuel efficiency and engine performance. ECO mode moderates the throttle response, engine power output and climate settings for increased fuel efficiency.
>>Join the conversation about the all-new 2018 Lexus NX right here in ClubLexus.com.
6. What's under the hood?
Two powertrain options, that's what. The NX 300 replaces the NX 200t but is powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The NX 300h, which will launch in India on November 17th, combines 2.5-liter inline-four and a pair of electric motors. The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine expresses 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. This option uses direct injection but varies between conventional operation and the more efficient Atkinson cycle to operate as economically as possible. The result is a fuel economy of 24 to 25 mpg combined -- not great but not too shabby either. The F Sport package, which includes all-wheel drive as standard, doesn’t change the engine power at all. The hybrid hits a "hy" of 31 mpg. The NX is decently equipped at a starting price around $36,000 for the front-wheel-drive model, and the F-Sport will cost you somewhere in the mid $40,000s depending on the options you select.
>>Join the conversation about the all-new 2018 Lexus NX right here in ClubLexus.com.
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