2022 NX 350h Subjected To the Moose Test

Dodging the Moose

New vehicles are submitted to all sorts of tests throughout the development process, whether it be crash testing or determining official fuel economy ratings. Then there are the tests that follow a vehicle's launch, one of which is dubbed the "Moose Test." Conducted by the folks at KM77, the Moose Test is essentially a way to determine how well a vehicle avoids obstacles, particularly ones that appear unexpectedly.

Target Speed

The 2022 NX represents the all-new, second-generation model that's still fairly fresh, but it also competes in a red-hot segment. As such, it's worth noting that the Lexus crossover did quite well in the Moose Test. Those performing the test have a goal of seeing a vehicle enter the cone area at 48 miles-per-hour, while still managing to get through the short course. In this case, the NX came pretty close to that mark.

Successful Attempt

At first, the test driver attempts to enter the course at 48.5 mph, but winds up hitting two cones, so he bails on the attempt. After slowing down to 46.6 mph, he was able to get through the course successfully, without hitting any of the cones.

Final Set

On the flip side, the test driver had to slow down to 15.5 mph to make it through the final set of cones, which KM77 blames on the crossover's vehicle stability control system.

Electronic Nannies

KM77 also includes a clip of the Honda CR-V completing the same final section at 23.6 mph, which is a far better result. The point here is to show just how impaired the NX was in that part, thanks to the electronic nannies.

Impressive Slalom

As is pretty much always the case with crossovers, the NX also demonstrated some understeer during the Moose Test, but it still managed to perform admirably on the slalom. There, it finished with a time of 24.0 seconds, which put it in a dead tie with the Peugeot 308 Hybrid 225 for third place.

Avoidance

The Moose Test is a bit unorthodox, but it's also another useful tool when comparing vehicles. After all, we'd much rather avoid some large obstacle on the road and continue on with our day than have to deal with a deer or even a moose, depending on where you reside.

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