Lexus NX 200t Review

Lexus is well known for its SUVs, such as the RX 350 and LX 570. But only recently has it also offered a smaller crossover. The Lexus NX 200t is Lexus' entry in the compact luxury crossover SUV market. It boasts more aggressive styling and a sharper driving experience than you might expect from Lexus yet preserves the quiet cabin and exceptional quality for which the brand is known.

Current Lexus NX 200t
The Lexus NX 200t is sold in a single trim level that comes standard with simulated leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and power front seats, among other luxury features. Lexus also offers the NX 200t with an F Sport package, which includes a sport-tuned suspension, deeply bolstered front seats, unique gauges and sportier trim inside and out.

Power for the Lexus NX 200t comes from a 235-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. We timed a front-wheel-drive NX 200t from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds flat, which is average for this class of vehicle. The EPA rates the NX 200t at 25 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and 24 mpg with all-wheel drive.

The NX 200t is enjoyable to drive, especially when equipped with the F Sport package, and its suspension smoothly absorbs even the most abusive bumps that pass under the wheels. The engine is more refined than the turbocharged ones found in competing SUVs, rivaling V6-powered models we've driven for smoothness and quietness.

We like the contemporary feel of the Lexus NX 200t's interior. Materials quality is excellent; look around and you'll find remarkable attention to detail, such as padded surfaces on the parts of the center console that the front passengers' legs are most likely to contact. We're not fans of Lexus' Remote Touch infotainment interface, which we find too attention-intensive to use while driving. Fortunately, lower-trim NX 200ts can be ordered without it. We also wish Lexus would join the rest of the industry and start fitting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to its vehicles.

When it comes to passenger space, the NX 200t excels, taking advantage of its larger exterior size to provide plenty of space for occupants. But it's less friendly to cargo, with just 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place and 54.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. But if you can deal with its few shortcomings, the Lexus NX 200t is a compelling choice.

Used Lexus NX 200t Models
The Lexus NX 200t was an all-new model for 2015. No major changes have occurred since.

Read the most recent 2017 Lexus NX 200t review.

If you are looking for older years, visit our used Lexus NX 200t page.