Would You Drive This? 2022 Lexus NX Crossover

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This is the second-generation Lexus NX crossover, and it might just be Lexus' most important new car since the first-gen RX debuted in 1998. The 2022 NX rides on Toyota's latest TNGA platform, packs multiple new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid and, probably most importantly, it has a brand-new touchscreen infotainment system.

When it comes to styling, the NX is fairly evolutionary. It has one of the best applications of Lexus' spindle grille yet, especially when it comes to the standard version with vertical slats, and the base car no longer has an underbite-ish lower bumper. The headlights are now one cohesive unit, while the taillights have a horizontal bar connecting them, though no cool fins like on the UX.

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The NX's surfacing is less angular and more sculpted than the old one, and it loses the cool, super boxy rear fenders. There's a nice crease that runs from the front fender and kicks up to meet the pointed C-pillar, with another line coming off the taillights to add definition to the rear haunch. Overall, it's much sleeker and more modern than the previous model without shaking things up. The biggest change comes at the rear, where Lexus ditched its traditional round emblem for a de rigueur written-out script. This treatment will start to spread across the Lexus lineup, though the brand's cars will continue to have the round logo in the grille.

As usual there's an optional F Sport package that adds a more aggressive front bumper with a different grille pattern, unique wheel designs (including the first application of 20-inch wheels on the NX), dark chrome exterior trim and body color wheel arches. The F Sport package also brings a different steering wheel, aluminum pedals, perforated sport seats and other interior enhancements, while an additional F Sport Handling Package adds upgraded dampers and Lexus' variable suspension system to turbocharged and hybrid models.

The revolution comes when you step inside. That horrid touchpad setup is finally gone, replaced by the new Lexus Interface touchscreen infotainment system that Lexus designed in-house. A 9.8-inch screen will be standard, but the huge 14-inch screen you see in these photos is optional. The screen is canted towards the driver and is well integrated into the design of the dash, flowing nicely into the center console. With the larger screen you still get physical temperature knobs for the automatic climate control that contain a digital screen inside, as well as a physical volume knob and real buttons for the heated windshield and mirrors.

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Lexus is offering the NX with four powertrains at launch, three of which are new to the model. At the bottom of the NX lineup is the NX 250, which uses a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-4 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and front-wheel drive is standard but all-wheel drive is an option. Then there's the NX 350, which uses a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 275 hp and 317 lb-ft, increases of 40 hp and 59 lb-ft over the previous turbocharged NX 300 model. The NX 350 also uses an eight-speed auto, and it comes standard with AWD.

Next up are the two hybrid models, both of which build off of the 2.5-liter engine. The all-wheel-drive NX 350h pairs the engine with two electric motors, one of which independently drives the rear wheels, and it has a total of 239 hp, 45 more than the old NX 300h. Lexus says the NX 350h will hit 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, a second and a half quicker than before, and it should achieve 36 mpg combined, a 6-mpg increase.

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