2018 Lexus NX 300h 5-Door SUV
Test Drive
Written by Marco Carvajal
Photographs by Lexus
Lexus means luxury! As I drive the the NX 300h from Miami to Palm Coast, Florida for 300 miles, I can certainly say that this is a Premium Crossover Sport Utility with fantastic performance and probably the best fuel economy in the segment.
With several Lexus models like the NX 300h being added to the family of Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is becoming the luxury hybrid automaker leader. This visionary brand is working towards anticipating the future of luxury cars.
Main Specs
- 33 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 31 mpg combined EPA-estimated fuel economy.
- 194 hp. The NX 300h’s system combines output from a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a small high-torque electric motor through its unique transmission. The system varies power between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both as needed. The result is a combined 194 system horsepower.
- Standard Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i)
Nice Bonus on the NX 300, Free Wifi for a year, subscription complimentary for the first year, Lexus Enform Wi-Fi with 4GB capacity
Price
| Model | Approximate Price |
| 2018 Lexus NX 300h | Starting at $38,335 |
Lexus NX
The Lexus NX competes in the segment of medium size premium SUVs. The NX is located in the range below the Lexus RX, at the level of the Lexus IS and above the Lexus UX. The NX proposes a competitive alternative to the BMW X3, the Mercedes GLC or the Audi Q5. Some consumers think that he Lexus NX 300h wins over BMW, Mercedes and Audi compact SUV
The Lexus NX was introduced in 2014 as a stylish luxury crossover with great driving dynamics and excellent fuel efficiency. The NX has been a worldwide success for Lexus since its introduction in 2014 until now. The future of the NX comes with a lot of opportunity for growth and greater sales,
2018 Lexus NX
For the 2018 model Lexus refreshed the design and several details but continues with the same line and base of success from the previous model. Foot-operated rear hatch; Placing or kicking up a foot toward a sensor beneath the rear-bumper cover will automatically open or close the electrically controlled rear door. Free wife subscription for 1 year and more.
Refreshed Exterior
The 2018 NX comes with a redesigned front fascia.The upper portion of the grille and the front bumpers have been redesigned to create a fluid blend into the hood and the front doors. This new front has resulted into excellent aerodynamics and a stylish look.
New details of the 2018 NX include a sporty look with the available headlamps with triple projectors similar to the ones on the LC luxury coupe. The front grille is also now enhanced by satin and smoked chrome trim pieces and new vertical elements added to the inner portion of the grille.
The 2018 NX rear end has also been redesigned with a lower rear bumper cover, and broadened. The NX’s revised taillights have been elongated, and the black garnish has been revised to better emphasize the Lexus’s signature “L”-shaped lenses. The NX now features larger chrome-tipped exhaust tips that are integrated into the new bumper cover design. Lexus has refreshed several exterior details to enhance the look of the 2018 version.
Interior Enhancements
The new NX 300 comes with a reworked interior providing a more sportier and luxury feels. A new larger display is available for the center dashboard, increasing from the previous 7 inches to a larger display size of 10.3 inches.
The control panel has been simplified replacing the small section of buttons with a new four easy-to-operate toggle switches adorned with a tiny “L” on their surface. A new analog clock with a simpler and larger design, including satellite control to automatically adjusts to different time zones.
Most controls and switches inside, including the drive mode selector, shift knob and door handles, now have a metallic satin finish, enhancing to a premium look and feel in the interior of the cabin. The remote touch interface on the center console pad has been enlarged and redesigned for easier operation, and the palm rest has been reshaped for maximum wrist comfort. The wireless charger tray is now larger in order to fit larger smart phones. The position of the USB ports have been optimized and their amperage increased for faster charging. On my wishlist I would love to have increased cargo capacity, but let’s not forget that the NX is a compact SUV.
Takumi Craftsmanship
Lexus has been producing high level of artful craftsmanship through its TAKUMI masters. All the 2018 NXs include human craftsmanship with the skill and attention to details from the Takumi masters is shown in the needlework on the vehicle’s leather surfaces, which are stitched straight to perfection. The intricate pattern can only be executed with the help of hand-operated machinery equipped with special needles resistant to overheating and thread breakage, producing a beautiful luxury finish by TAKUMI Lexus masters.
2018 NX Hybrid
Performance and Safety
The 2018 NX includes the brand’s Lexus Safety System + as standard, integrating wonderful active safety technologies, such as the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control System, Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Automatic High Beam (AHB) to keep everybody safe while on the NX.
As a luxury SUV, the 2018 NX features reduced noise, vibration and harshness, thanks to a combination of suspension tuning and the addition of strategically placed sound deadening all over the vehicle’s body.
The Lexus NX 300h comes with great fuel efficiency with 33 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 31 mpg combined EPA-estimated fuel economy. Maybe the best on its segment.
Lexus Hybrid Drive comes with high efficiency and proven dependability but also with power. The NX 300h’s system combines output from a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and a small high-torque electric motor through its unique transmission. This smart hybrid system alternate power between the gas engine and electric motor, or combines both engines when required producing an excellent combined 194 system horsepower.
The NX 300h can run solely on the electric motor for up to 0.6 miles at lower speeds (below approximately 25 mph) when using the NX EV drive mode, under certain conditions. The Hybrid System and fuel consumption indicator, located in a 4.2-inch TFT screen, can teach drivers how to operate the vehicle as economically as possible taking advantage of the EV and hybrid technology.
For better use of energy and innovative system uses regenerative braking that convert the electric motor info generator that captures the kinetic energy of the wheels when the brake is applied, storing it in the nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery pack, a very smart way of Lexus to use all possible energy.
The NX 300h 2018 offers the Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel-Drive System with intelligence (AWD-i) standard. Instead of the traditional transfer of gears and driveshaft into the rear wheels, this smart system uses a second independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels when needed.
As part of the refreshed new look the NX 300h’s base 17-inch alloy wheels and 18-inch alloy wheel all-season tires come in a new darker finish. The new design includes a slotted sectional piece with an L-shaped satin chrome border that blends into the spoiler.
Conclusion
The Lexus NX 300h offers a fascinating urban design very appealing with several fantastic details. It comes with a state-of-the-art Hybrid Drive system what makes it a truly Premium Crossover.
The NX 300h’s hybrid drivetrain continues using a 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with a pair of electric motors. The NX Hybrid produces a strong power of 194 hp @5700 rpm, and a combined fuel economy of 31 mpg, which is not only the best in its class, but also one of the best MPG in all hybrid SUVs.
With such good power and fuel economy Lexus continues showing is leadership as a Luxury Hybrid automotive maker. For consumers more power and better fuel economy means not only great performance and savings in fuel, but also a way to help the environment and going green while buying a Lexus Hybrid like the NX 300h.
This hybrid engine offers customers a richer, sportier engine sound and exhaust note that is reproduced through the speakers by Lexus’ Active Sound Control (ASC) producing a more exciting driving experience. With a starting price under $40,000 the 2018 Lexus NX 300h is a bargain for such a luxury SUV.
