Skip advert
Advertisement

Lexus NX video review

The all-new Lexus NX gets concept car looks and rivals the Range Rover Evoque. A new school run favourite?

This is the new Lexus NX. "Oh dear, another posh 4x4 wannabe," I hear you cry - but hold fire, because this car has one or two talking points that mean it’s more than just another compact premium SUV.

For starters, just look at the NX. It’s edgy and controversial – and crucially more handsome than the concept car which spawned it. Question is, once the styling has drawn you in, has the NX got substance beneath its crazy skin?

Advertisement - Article continues below

If the outside of the NX is unfamiliar and scary, inside it’s all reassuringly Lexus. It’s beautifully made, quite funky and angular, and the stereo is great. The annoying mouse control on the centre console has given way to a touchpad to control the main screen. It’s not as accurate as BMW or Audi’s click-wheels, but it’s a big improvement.

The NX certainly looks the fashionista’s wagon inside and out, but the drive isn’t going to give a BMW X3 nightmares. This NX 200t, packing Lexus’s first ever turbocharged engine, is a more agile, puncher steer than the disappointing hybrid version, but it never really feels the full 235bhp, and you only get six gears in the standard automatic gearbox. Add in a stiff urban ride and you realise the NX occupies the middle ground between the doughy Volvo XC60 and more chuckable BMW X3.

It’s a curious car, this NX – great to look at outside and really fresh-feeling inside. Dare we say it, it’s the first Lexus ever that someone below pensioner age might be seen dead driving. Expect to see it coming soon to a school run near you.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best mid-size SUVs to buy 2025 - our expert pick of the top options
July 2025 Best mid-size SUV - header image

Best mid-size SUVs to buy 2025 - our expert pick of the top options

Mid-size SUVs are hugely popular in the UK, and these are the very best of the current crop
Best cars & vans
10 Jul 2025
Best commuter cars to buy now 2025
Best commuter cars 2025 - header

Best commuter cars to buy now 2025

No matter what size, shape or price of car you’re after, one of these commuter car recommendations will be right for you.
Best cars & vans
29 Apr 2025
Toyota RAV4 alternatives: Seven mid-size SUVs you may want to consider instead
Toyota RAV4 alternatives - header image

Toyota RAV4 alternatives: Seven mid-size SUVs you may want to consider instead

Toyota’s RAV4 is a great all-rounder, but here are seven alternatives you might like to consider
Best cars & vans
9 Apr 2025
Best hybrid SUVs to buy 2025
Best hybrid SUVs - header

Best hybrid SUVs to buy 2025

Plenty of SUVs now come with hybrid power, and we’ve picked out the very best buys on today’s market
Best cars & vans
28 Mar 2025

Most Popular

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons
Mazda CX-5 - front

New Mazda CX-5 revealed with fresh looks, more space and far fewer buttons

The Mazda CX-5 has been revolutionised to take on the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson
News
10 Jul 2025