Why Lease The NX?
by: Donna KellyDonna Kelly has over 14 years of experience in the motoring industry, writing, test driving and tweeting about cars. Her weekends are spent trackside, covering racing events.
Lexus NX Review 2021
The Lexus NX is a sporty looking, practical, hybrid family SUV that's comfortable and packed with technology.
Rivals to the Lexus NX include the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC, Volvo XC60 and Range Rover Evoque.
Our Lexus NX review covers:
Lexus NX Key Features
- Striking design with a sloping coupe-style roofline and sharp origami bodywork lines
- Comfortable upmarket interior with premium materials used throughout
- 475-litre boot, which expands to 1,520 litres with rear seats down
- Available with self-charging or plug-in hybrid powertrains
- Three trim levels, including Standard NX, F SPORT and TAKUMI
Design, Practicality and Boot Space
The Lexus NX has head-turning looks and is instantly recognisable on the road, thanks to its striking exterior design. Its predator-like front grille and sharp origami bodywork lines help the NX stand out from many of its rivals. Its sporty looks continue with the rear light bar and sloping coupe-style roofline, reminiscent of a sci-fi spaceship.
Inside the Lexus NX, despite its sloping roofline, there is an impressive amount of head and legroom in the back for three passengers. However, the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 offer even more room.
At the rear, the Lexus NX's boot space is 475-litres, expanding to 1,520 litres with rear seats down. Unfortunately, the batteries eat into the boot space with hybrids, meaning the NX boot isn't as big and practical as rivals such as the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. However, the Lexus NX has a usefully wide boot opening and a flat load area, with F Sport models featuring a powered tailgate.
Interior and Trims
The Lexus NX's interior looks excellent and is packed with new technology. The new infotainment system is fast and has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You also get a 360-degree panoramic camera view for parking with a birds-eye view of the car. Overall the Lexus NX interior is stylish, well-made and comfortable.
Three trim levels are available, including the NX, F SPORT and TAKUMI.
The sleek styling, versatility and intuitive technology standard NX models come with a 9.8- inch touchscreen display, Lexus Safety System +, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. It also comes with intelligent front and rear parking sensors, Tahara man-made leather upholstery, electrically auto-folding door mirrors and 15-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels.
The distinctive style F SPORT model comes with revised suspension and F SPORT design badges, Blind Spot Monitor, Adaptive Variable Suspension, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Braking. It also comes with Embedded Hybrid Navigation, F SPORT leather upholstery, quad-LED headlights and 20-inch alloy wheels.
The top-of-the-range Lexus NX TAKUMI model has a 14-inch touchscreen display, 360⁰ panoramic view monitor, electric panoramic roof and ventilated front seats. It also comes with leather upholstery, a card key, 17-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound System and 20-spoke, 20-inch alloy wheels.
Power and Performance
Under the bonnet, the Lexus NX comes with a choice of self-charging and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. All NX models with a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a choice of 350h FWD, 350h AWD and 450h+ AWD variants.
The 2.5-litre hybrid engine and rechargeable 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery with an additional rear electric motor enables full-time all-wheel drive. The NX has an EV driving range of 40 miles enabling all-electric driving at speeds up to 83 mph.
The Lexus NX is excellent to drive as it's incredibly comfortable with little body roll around corners. However, while the ride is comfortable on the motorway, the suspension and light controls feel firm driving in town, lacking the composure and grip of rivals such as the BMW X3.
Overall the Lexus NX is a stylish, sporty, well-made, comfortable SUV and is a great family car leasing option.
Leasing vs Buying
Prices for the new Lexus NX start from £43,349.00 OTR* or to lease from £551.14 per month.
Want to know more about leasing the Lexus NX? Nationwide Vehicle Contracts is one of the largest car leasing providers in the UK. All of our leasing deals include the manufacturer's warranty, road tax for the duration of the lease, breakdown cover, and free mainland GB delivery (exclusions apply).
Plus, with fixed monthly rentals, a low initial outlay and flexible mileage and contract terms, leasing a Lexus NX might be cheaper than buying outright with a bank loan or dealer finance.
*'On the road' price is correct at time of publication and includes one year's road fund license, DVLA first registration fee and number plate fee. Prices are subject to change. Always check with your nearest retailer.
