As Toyota's luxury division, the appeal of Lexus is tangible. You experience the opulence synonymous with Lexus and the longevity and reliability of the Toyota brand. The combination is unmatched, inspiring drivers to search for a "Lexus dealer near me" and excitedly look forward to their time in the driver's seat. For some, that means getting behind the wheel of the 2023 Lexus NX, a compact SUV based lightly on the Toyota RAV4 but undeniably and unequivocally more luxurious, sophisticated, and modern.
With its name meaning "Nimble Crossover," the NX debuted in 2015 as a compact luxury SUV situated between the midsize Lexus RX and the subcompact Lexus UX. This compact footprint gave the model a distinct advantage and immediately earned it acclaim for its engaging driving demeanor, tech-savvy features, and plush cabin. Since then, the NX has aged like fine wine, with Lexus fully redesigning the model for 2022. Those updates lay the foundation for the 2023 Lexus NX, which promises innovative technology via the Lexus Interface and both power and efficiency from multiple powertrain options. Here's a closer look at those features, what we like to call the "heart and soul" of the NX, that you can experience on our lot at Lexus of Queens.
Meet the Lexus Interface: Premium Connectivity and Convenience
Lexus values your time and recognizes the importance of keeping you connected wherever the road takes you. Many automakers acknowledge the same, but few take a similar approach, and none match the quality or capability of the Lexus Interface. Instead of solely making it easier to handle phone calls and navigate your route, the Lexus Interface is designed as an extension of you. Think of it like the role J.A.R.V.I.S. plays for Iron Man.
Infotainment systems focus on voice, touch, and sight. They should be responsive to your voice, visibly engaging with a high-definition picture, and easy to navigate like a touchscreen. The Lexus Interface excels in answering these three needs on the 2023 NX's standard 9.8-inch and available 14-inch optically bonded touchscreen displays. First and foremost, these displays complement the interior, transforming the cabin into a digital cockpit.
The Lexus Interface is intuitive, customizable, and personable. It offers user profiles that let you personalize your experience in your NX, with the settings securely stored in the cloud and compatible with other models equipped with the Lexus Interface. It's as easy as using your smartphone, a smart key, or logging into the system to access your profile. This level of customization gives the 2023 NX the most customizable infotainment system in the segment.
Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant
Beyond personalizing your experience, the Lexus Interface acts as a digital assistant. Its Voice Assistant sets a new standard because Lexus integrates seat detection, enhanced noise cancellation, and dual microphones. The Voice Assistant detects your location in the cabin and hones in on that position to better understand commands. As a result of the voice-first approach, the assistant has more success in comprehending your commands the first time. This cutting-edge technology improves your experience, limits the need to restart the process, and optimizes your focus because you don't have to use the center touchscreen display or your phone.
This Voice Assistant is integral to your time in the driver's seat, but Lexus builds on that technology with Intelligent Assist. Wireless smartphone integration gives you seamless access to your iPhone or Android device via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Intelligent Assist lets you say "Hey Lexus" to wake your personal assistant. From there, your Lexus assistant works with the NX's Drive Connect subscription, Wi-Fi Connect, and Cloud Navigation to stream music, schedule appointments, check the weather, help you navigate the fastest route, and more. In the event you're traveling somewhere without a network connection, the NX's Lexus Interface relies on over-the-air updates to keep the SUV's software current and offers an offline mode, which lets you download maps and services before you venture beyond the network service area.
Meet the Heart of the NX
While Lexus models like the NX are often in the spotlight because of their opulence, they're also renowned for their versatility, agility, and responsiveness. The 2023 NX is fun and engaging to drive because of its lower center of gravity, which gives it a more stable footprint on the road and keeps you in control in the driver's seat. Lexus complements this positioning with four outstanding powertrains that offer a broad band of power to accommodate every driving need.
NX 250
A 2.5L four-cylinder engine starts the 2023 powertrain lineup and is standard on the first-ever NX 250. Lexus pairs the engine with an eight-speed transmission that offers smooth shifting as it reaches its peak delivery of 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. This output makes the compact SUV agile and efficient, with the 2023 NX 250 offering an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined.
NX 350
The NX 350 rolls off the production line with a 2.4L turbocharged engine under its hood. Also paired with an eight-speed transmission, this powertrain produces 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, heightening the vehicle's responsiveness at any speed and giving it a launch from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. This output doesn't compromise the SUV's efficiency, with the fuel-sipping 2023 NX 350 offering an EPA-estimated 25 MPG combined.
NX 350h
Lexus blends luxury and performance with hybrid power in the NX 350h. This model features a 2.5L four-cylinder engine combined with two high-torque electric motor generators. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system transforms the NX 350h into an efficient powerhouse, churning out 240 hp and offering an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 39 MPG combined. Beyond its incredible power output, the NX 350h's advanced all-wheel drive system heightens your control without impeding performance or efficiency because it relies on a second independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels, only engaging when the conditions require, and traction loss is expected.
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The Powerful Plug-In NX 450h+
Lexus ups the ante with the NX 450h+, the perfect SUV for drivers looking for sporty handling from a plug-in crossover. The NX 450h+ boasts a high-capacity lithium-ion battery that provides an EPA-estimated 37-mile all-electric range and 84 MPGe. This incredible efficiency is a product of the hybrid transaxle and Lexus' potent 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine that delivers 304 hp without compromise.
The NX 450h+ gains another advantage via its electronically controlled all-wheel drive system. Like the NX 350h, the NX 450h+ is engaging to drive because the all-wheel drive system optimizes torque distribution based on the driving conditions and driver input. However, the biggest difference is that the NX 450h+ offers significantly more horsepower, making the drive far more thrilling than the NX 350h.
Beyond its sheer performance, the NX 450h+ is easy to own and recharge. It's a plug-in crossover with a penchant for speed, but Lexus makes it convenient to push the envelope because recharging is straightforward and efficient. The NX 450h+ offers fast recharging times courtesy of either the standard 3.3 kW charger or the optional 6.6 kW Expedited Onboard Charger. The 6.6 kW option can recharge the battery in approximately 2.5 hours from a 240-volt outlet, while the standard charger takes around 4.5 hours and is ideal for overnight charging.
Luxury on Your Terms
Lexus' reputation for luxury is unbreakable because of models like the 2023 NX. Many automakers focus on delivering luxury through premium upholstery and keen attention to detail. While Lexus certainly does that, it expands the definition of luxury to include the entire user experience. For Lexus and SUVs like the 2023 NX, luxury means innovative technology and potent engines that dramatically improve your time in the driver's seat, making the leather upholstery and premium details a backdrop rather than the center of attention. It's an incredible approach that explains Lexus' astonishing success and the appeal of models like the compact and agile NX. Contact us today to learn more.