The redesigned 2022 Lexus NX is a stark improvement over its previous model, with notable changes that eliminate past problems. The small luxury SUV is the brand’s second best-selling model and now includes four different engine variants, including a new plug-in hybrid and the option for front or all-wheel drive.

Consumer Reports recommends the 2022 Lexus NX for several reasons, highlighting these three points as its best attributes.

The cabin of the 2022 Lexus NX has plenty of high-quality padded surfaces, making it a comfortable and inviting setting for all occupants. There is glossy-black trim around the console and instrument panels. Quilted leather upholstery and interior ambient lighting add a sense of welcomed luxury. 

The plush front seats consist of Lexus NuLuxe faux leather, and the driver seat has two-way lumbar support or four-way lumbar support available in the Luxury package. The rear seat is spacious and contoured for comfort, with ample leg support to accommodate passengers. Additional features include a handy storage bin under the center armrest, wireless charging, and a fully-lined glove box.

Consumer Reports said the NX cabin feels like a “proper Lexus” with high-quality materials throughout the interior. The auto reviewer explained, “We like the way the leather flows from the base of the infotainment screen around the center console.”

2022 @Lexus NX: What we know so far: https://t.co/xdzLyJyX2J pic.twitter.com/0dmwgz5Kat

According to Kelley Blue Book, “One of the most frustrating flaws with the outgoing NX was the touchpad controller for the infotainment system. It was extremely tricky to use on the center console, especially when trying to stay focused on the road ahead.”

The newly redesigned 2022 Lexus NX alleviates that problem with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen display that is easier to operate than previous models. The premium infotainment system in the Luxury package offers an enormous 14-inch display, and the control knobs are solid. The climate control functions are now located at the bottom of the display screen, eliminating the need to search for a separate menu.

According to Consumer Reports, “The gas-only NX performed much better than the hybrid when it came to our braking tests.” They explained, “It managed short stopping distances on both dry and wet surfaces with excellent consistency. Out on the road, our drivers found the brake pedal to deliver an easy-to-modulate feel that made it simple to come to a stop exactly where you wanted.”

The 2022 Lexus NX stopped about 10 feet sooner than the hybrid on a dry surface, and the hybrid NX needed about 14 feet more to stop on a wet surface.

In addition, the brake pedal in the gas-powered NX “delivers a more solid, consistent feel” compared to the hybrid’s pedal, which is “touchy” at low speeds.

2022 @Lexus NX first drive review: Hitting all the marks https://t.co/a7ul9ZTSCD pic.twitter.com/UUWGnKw6Jk

The 2022 Lexus NX has two gas powertrains and two hybrids, one with a plug-in option.

The class-leading fuel economy of the 2022 Lexus NX is 25 mpg overall with the AWD option, although the engine does require higher-priced premium fuel. The hybrid variant of the 2022 Lexus NX has a significant gain over the gas-powered engine, achieving 38 mpg overall fuel economy, also requiring premium fuel.

Consumer Reports recommends the five-passenger hybrid Lexus NX 350h, saying, “Not only does it deliver much better fuel economy, but it gets you away from the rather bumpy shifts of the conventional version’s automatic transmission.”

Newsweek says, “The first generation of the Lexus NX felt like a bootleg copy of the company’s bigger cars. Now it has its own personality and luxury look, a new infotainment system with a massive touchscreen, not to mention four powertrains to choose from. It should be high on any compact luxury buyers list.”

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