Lexus NX trims head-to-head: We Pick a Winner

By Chad Lückhoff

We compare the trim levels of the Lexus NX range and pick the one we feel represents the best value for money.

There are generally two schools of thought when it comes to Lexus, either you love them or you hate them. If you're in the market for a new Lexus, and you're looking at the NX, you may be wondering which one presents the best value for money.

The luxury arm of Toyota has been presenting upmarket alternatives for consumers since 1989 and in 2015 they entered the Compact Luxury Crossover SUV market with the NX (which stands for Nimble Crossover).

Powered by a 175 kW 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine (except for the 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid 300h), the current NX range consists of four different models, in varying states of trim, all offering something a little different to the other.

- NX 300 E

- NX 300 EX

- NX 300 F Sport

- NX 300h EX

We are talking about Lexus here, so it goes without saying that even the entry-level E-spec is crammed with features.

The Lexus NX 300 E is equipped with the following:

 

Cruise Control	8-speaker Audio System
Daytime Running Lights	Rain Sensing Wipers
Auto Door Lock	Synthetic Leather Upholstery
Smart Entry	Electric Seats
Dual Zone Climate Control	17-inch Wheels
Tyre Pressure Warning System	Reverse Camera
Audio Jack	Electric Mirrors
Wireless Charging

4-year/100 000 kilometre warranty

4-year/100 000 kilometre Distance Plan (service plan)

The Lexus NX 300 EX and NX 300h EX benefit from all the above, but sees the addition of the following:

Electrochromatic rear view mirror	Satellite Navigation
Driver and Passenger Heated Seats	18-inch Wheels
Park Distance Control	Roof rails

4-year/100 000 kilometre warranty

4-year/100 000 kilometre Distance Plan Plus (includes brake components)

The range-topping Lexus NX 300 F Sport model is replete with the aforementioned creature comforts and technology but takes it even further by including:

10-speaker Audio System	Power Tailgate
Memory Driver Seat	Adaptive Variable Suspension
Heated and Ventilated Seats	Panoramic View Monitor
F Sport Leather Upholstery	Lumbar Support
Panoramic Roof (devoid of rails)	Lane Change Assist with Blind Spot Monitoring
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors	LED Headlights

4-year/100 000 kilometre warranty

4-year/100 000 kilometre Distance Plan Complete (full maintenance plan)

Our Verdict.

Current pricing sees the Lexus NX 300 E retailing for R665 200 and that makes it rather competitive. The NX 300 EX model sells for R54 400 more at R719 600 with the hybrid option costing you a further R72 600 for a total of R792 200. This makes the hybrid a rather pricey affair for the trim level.

The “last number” F Sport version will set you back R823 500 and as is to be expected from Lexus, all the creature comforts are included in the price. However, this is still a little on the expensive side for the additional equipment offered.

This makes the NX 300 EX the one to go for as it's a respectable blend of comfort, convenience with a price that makes us feel like it would be a value-for-money proposition.