Design and Exterior

Exterior Design

The Lexus RX and NX models share a similar design language, but they have distinct exterior features that set them apart. The RX has a more angular and aggressive stance, with a prominent grille, flared fenders, and a sloping roofline. The NX, on the other hand, has a more aerodynamic profile, with a more subtle grille, thinner fenders, and a more upright roofline.

Both models feature LED headlights and taillights, but the RX’s are more angular and prominent, while the NX’s are more rounded and discreet. The RX also has a more pronounced crease running along its sides, giving it a more muscular appearance.

Interior Design

The interior design of the Lexus RX and NX models is where they diverge most significantly. The RX features a more luxurious and premium cabin, with softer-touch materials, more ambient lighting, and a more upright dashboard design. The NX, by contrast, has a more sporty and modern interior, with harder-touch surfaces, more aggressive styling cues, and a more sloping dashboard.

Both models feature Lexus’s signature infotainment system, but the RX’s is more expansive and customizable, while the NX’s is more streamlined and user-friendly. The RX also offers more premium amenities, such as ventilated and heated seats, a panoramic moonroof, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

Dimensions and Weight

In terms of dimensions, the Lexus RX is significantly larger than the NX, with a length of 196 inches compared to 184.6 inches, and a width of 74.2 inches compared to 72.4 inches. The RX also weighs more, at around 4,400 pounds compared to the NX’s 3,800 pounds.

However, despite its larger size, the RX is slightly more aerodynamic than the NX, with a drag coefficient of 0.33 compared to the NX’s 0.35. This suggests that the RX may be slightly more fuel-efficient in real-world driving conditions. The materials used in each model also differ, with the RX featuring more premium materials and the NX using more durable and scratch-resistant surfaces.

Performance and Engine Options

The Lexus RX and NX models offer distinct engine options that significantly impact their driving experiences. The 2022 Lexus RX 350 comes standard with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain delivers smooth acceleration and effortless highway cruising, making it well-suited for daily driving. Additionally, the RX 350 F Sport trim features a more aggressive tuning, which amplifies its performance capabilities.

In contrast, the Lexus NX 300 is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While it may not offer the same level of outright power as the RX 350, the NX’s engine provides a more agile and responsive driving experience, particularly in urban environments.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Lexus RX 350 achieves an estimated 20 mpg combined, while the Lexus NX 300 manages an estimated 22 mpg combined. While the NX’s fuel economy is slightly better, both models offer respectable fuel efficiency for their respective classes. The differences in engine options and performance characteristics between the Lexus RX and NX models are significant, reflecting their distinct design philosophies and target markets. The RX 350 is designed to provide a more luxurious and comfortable driving experience, while the NX 300 prioritizes agility and responsiveness.

Interior Space and Comfort

The interior space and comfort features of the Lexus RX and NX models are designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable driving experience. The Lexus RX offers more legroom for both front and rear passengers, with 42.7 inches of front legroom and 38.8 inches of rear legroom. In contrast, the Lexus NX has slightly less legroom at 41.4 inches in the front and 36.9 inches in the back.

The cargo capacity is another area where the RX outperforms the NX, with a maximum cargo volume of 45.6 cubic feet compared to the NX’s 17.7 cubic feet. However, the NX has a more compact design that makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and park in urban environments.

In terms of comfort features, both models offer premium amenities such as heated and ventilated seats, moonroof, and power-adjustable front seats with memory. The RX also offers an optional panoramic moonroof and a 16-speaker premium sound system. The NX has a more advanced infotainment system with a larger 10.3-inch display screen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Both models also offer advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the RX offers an optional blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert that is not available on the NX. Overall, while both models offer a comfortable and luxurious driving experience, the Lexus RX has more space for passengers and cargo, while the NX has more advanced technology features.

Technology and Safety Features

Lexus RX models come equipped with advanced safety features, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The RX also offers a 360-degree camera system, blind spot monitor, and rear cross traffic alert.

The NX models, on the other hand, feature a Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of safety features, which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The NX also offers a blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.

Both models offer premium audio systems, including a 15-speaker Mark Levinson sound system on the RX. Navigation systems are available on both models, with an 8-inch display on the RX and a 10.3-inch display on the NX.

In terms of connectivity options, both models feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The RX offers a USB port, Bluetooth wireless technology, and Wi-Fi connectivity, while the NX adds a USB-C port and a wireless charging tray.

The RX’s Enform infotainment system is more customizable than the NX’s Display Audio system, with features like split-screen mode and a more intuitive menu structure. However, the NX’s system responds more quickly to inputs and offers a more modern design aesthetic.

Price and Trim Levels

When it comes to pricing and trim levels, both the Lexus RX and NX models offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.

The Lexus RX 350 starts at around $45,000 for the base model, while the top-of-the-line RX 450h F Sport can reach up to $60,000. The mid-level RX 350 Luxury trim offers a good balance between features and price, starting at around $50,000.

In contrast, the Lexus NX 300 starts at around $35,000 for the base model, while the top-of-the-line NX 300 F Sport can reach up to $45,000. The mid-level NX 300 Luxury trim offers a good balance between features and price, starting at around $40,000.

Some notable differences in standard and optional features across different trims include:

  • Infotainment systems: The RX 350 comes with a standard 8-inch display, while the NX 300 has a standard 8-inch touchscreen display.
  • Audio systems: The RX 350 offers a premium Mark Levinson audio system as an option, while the NX 300 only has a standard 8-speaker system.
  • Driver assistance features: Both models offer adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, but the RX 450h F Sport adds a heads-up display and a 360-degree camera system.

Overall, both models offer a range of trim levels to suit different budgets and preferences. However, the Lexus RX tends to prioritize luxury and technology features, while the Lexus NX focuses on performance and fuel efficiency.

In conclusion, the Lexus RX and NX are two unique luxury SUVs with different strengths and weaknesses. The RX is ideal for families or individuals who prioritize interior space and comfort, while the NX offers a more agile driving experience and sleeker design. By understanding these differences, car buyers can make an informed decision when choosing between these two models.