2015 Lexus NX Crossover Review

Welcome the latest and greatest Lexus family member the 2015 NX crossover. The CUV will reportedly squeeze right below its larger sibling, the RX and aim for such competitors as the Range Rover Evoque and BMW X3.

 The Lexus DNA is apparent in the NX's in-your-face styling, striking nose or spindle grille that is rather trapezoidal in design. Really dramatic, sculpted, aggressive lines with flared fenders, sleekly swept roofline, LED headlights, the NX is compact but certainly no punk; it looks like it can give its competitors a run for their money, as far as its array of luxury offerings.

The base NX 200t has a sticker price of $35,405 and an all-wheel drive option tacks on another $1,400 to the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 235 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque and goes from 0 to 60 in 7 seconds. For those who prefer to go greener, there's the hybrid NX 300h version of the luxury 5-seater that offers a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder gas engine and electric motor setup. The hybrid version of the CUV has a starting price of around $40,645 and will produce 194 horsepower and offer an EPA estimate of 35 mpg/city and 31/hwy; the all-wheel drive version of the hybrid is a smidge thirstier at the pumps coming in at 33 mpg/city and 30/hwy. BTW, adding an all-wheel drive option to the NX 300h raises the price by another $1,590.

There is also an NX 200t F-Sport coming down the pike that will be more performance-oriented for those who prefer that push back sensation; pricing for the pepped up version of the crossover will be announced at a later time.