Lexus NX review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

A premium family SUV has to be comfortable as well as offering good practicality and space to accommodate passengers and extra kit on longer journeys. The NX feels more spacious inside than before, while the excellent levels of standard equipment mean it’s a pleasant place in which to spend time. 

Items such as dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are all available with the entry NX trim, while stepping up to the F Sport and Takumi specifications brings extra luxury with upgraded leather upholstery, electric adjustment and a ventilation function for the front seats and a heated steering wheel.

Further practical features include a reversing camera, a digital rear-view mirror and a power-adjustable steering wheel to help the driver find a comfortable setup. Lexus has also provided some clever tech to assist with parking; the Panoramic View Monitor displays an image of the car’s surroundings onto the touchscreen, so you can feel more confident parking up in tighter spaces.

Size

The NX is a little bigger overall than its predecessor, measuring 4,660mm long and 1,865mm wide, but it’s about the same size as most of its close rivals. The Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC are all a little wider, but overall length is broadly the same.

23

Leg room, head room and passenger space

Rear space in the NX is good, with decent head and legroom meaning even taller adults should find things pretty comfortable, while sitting up front is equally roomy.

Boot

Overall boot capacity is good for the class and, at 521 litres, there should be plenty of space for luggage in the NX. There’s no reduction in boot size if you opt for the 450h+ plug-in hybrid model, whereas the BMW X3 xDrive30e PHEV gives up around 100 litres to its fossil-fuelled siblings. Folding the rear seats in the NX opens up a 1,436-litre area for carrying larger items, too, while there’s also underfloor compartments to stow charging cables.

Towing

Hooking up a trailer or a small caravan shouldn’t be an issue, as the NX’s maximum braked towing capacity is 1,500kg, whether you go for the 241bhp 350h or 302bhp 450h+ plug-in hybrid model.