The Lexus NX is a sleek, sophisticated compact SUV that’s been part of the Lexus lineup since the 2015 model year. It has a striking exterior with imposing body lines that you can’t ignore. It’s perfect for cosmopolitan Manhattan. Packed with convenience, technology, and safety features, it offers excellent value to drivers looking for a fuel-efficient five-seater. However, if you check out a 2024 Lexus NX for sale with us, you’ll notice a variety of numbers and letters after the NX name.
It might seem confusing at first, but we’ll walk you through what it all means so that you can determine which one is right for your needs. Lexus has a history of creating a simple numbers and letters system that indicates details like vehicle body style and powertrain type. But, if you’re new to the system, it can be a little overwhelming. We’re here to make it all clear and empower your shopping journey.
A Luxurious and High-Tech Compact SUV
The 2024 Lexus NX is a compact SUV with seating for five. It comes in a variety of powertrains, including two traditional gas engines, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. Across the many options, plenty of comfort and technology features come standard or are available, regardless of trim.
You’ll get Wi-Fi hotspot capability on every trim, giving you access to the Internet wherever you are. Smartphone connectivity for Apple and Android phones also comes standard, as does a 9.8-inch touchscreen where you can see and control your apps, view navigation, and more. Plus, there’s an optional 14-inch screen for even larger graphics. You can create the ambiance you want with Thematic Ambient Illumination themes like Waterfall, Rain Forest, and Sunset.
There’s an optional wireless charger for cord-free charging, complementing the standard wireless smartphone connectivity. If you want a tidy and cord-free driver’s center, you can have it. Voice Command lets you speak to your Lexus NX and ask it for things like directions or coffee shop recommendations along your route. It even has advanced features like dual microphones, seat recognition, and noise cancellation to help the system clearly understand who is speaking and what they are saying.
Here’s a feature that’s perfect for NYC drivers: a built-in air filter. It will help remove dirt, debris, and pollution from inside the cabin for a clean breathing experience. The streets of Manhattan might not have the freshest air, but you can breathe easily inside of your NX. Dual-zone automatic climate control also comes standard across trims.
An available digital key lets you turn your smartphone into your key, allowing you to lock and unlock your NX without taking out your physical key. This key can be shared with up to seven devices, making it ideal for families who share a vehicle.
A suite of driver-assist features comes standard. Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support, Intelligent High Beams, All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Tracing Assist, and more are all included with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Meanwhile, Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available to help with parallel and perpendicular parking.
How Do You Decipher the Numbers and Letters?
As you begin your shopping journey, you’ll notice there are several variants of the 2024 Lexus NX. There is the NX 250, the NX 350, the NX 350h, and the NX 450h+. So, what does it all mean? We’re going to break it down. Let’s start with the three numbers associated with the NX nameplate: 250, 350, and 450. Moving along in these letters gets you a gradual increase in engine power.
The NX 250 has a 2.5L four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It produces 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque and can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 8.2 seconds. The NX 350 gets a 2.4L turbocharged engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, boasting 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. It can go from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 6.6 seconds. The NX 250 is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, but the NX 350 is only available with all-wheel drive.
Shoppers will also find a NX 350h variant. That’s the hybrid model of the Lexus NX. The hybrid variant combines the base 2.5L four-cylinder gasoline engine with two high-torque electric drive motor-generators for the power and acceleration you get from the gas engine, with the fuel efficiency you get from electrification. This model produces 240 hp and has a zero to 60 mph time of 7.2 seconds, sitting between the two traditional gasoline models.
Once you reach the 450, you’ll notice an “h+” after the number. That signals that it’s a plug-in hybrid variant. A plug-in hybrid has a larger battery and can be plugged in to recharge rather than just relying on regenerative braking. In fact, the NX 450h+ comes with a Level 1 charger, made for 120V outlets, and can be charged with a higher-output Level 2 charging station. Drivers can get a full charge on the NX 450h+ in about four-and-a-half hours with the standard 3.3 kW onboard charger or two-and-a-half hours with the available 6.6 kW onboard charger. The NX 450h+ is only available in all-wheel drive and provides 304 hp for a zero to 60 mph time of 6.0 seconds.
Finally, there’s one more descriptor you’ll see after the NX name, and that’s F Sport Handling. As the name suggests, these models offer more spirited performance. Only available on the NX 350 and NX 450h+ models, this option adds adaptive variable suspension, bolstered seats, a perforated leather steering wheel, and stunning track-ready styling like color-matched fenders and an F Sport fascia and grille. The NX 450h+ F Sport Handling has everything the NX 350 variant has but adds a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats as standard features.
Whether you want a traditional gas engine, a hybrid, or a plug-in hybrid, each is available in the NX lineup. Front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models are also available, as well as performance-oriented trims. With the NX, Lexus created a lineup of trims to appeal to a wide range of driving habits and powertrain needs. Once you become familiar with the different numbers and letters, you’ll quickly be able to narrow down your options.
Check Out the Lexus NX’s Many Personalities at Lexus of Manhattan
Ready to check out this sophisticated and versatile compact SUV for yourself? We have it, in all of its renditions, at Lexus of Manhattan. We know that this vehicle is perfect for NYC drivers. It is as stylish as the architecture and the people in the Big Apple, and its compact dimensions make it easy to squeeze into the limited parking spots here. Plus, its hybrid variants mean you can turn stop-and-go traffic from a dull, frustrating experience into a chance to charge your battery.
If you want to learn more about this terrific model, our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to help. They know the features of every trim, and if you tell them about your daily drive, they’ll know which one is right for you. Once you’ve found your perfect vehicle, our finance team is prepared with a large selection of loan and lease packages for you to explore. The Lexus NX is beautiful and powerful, just like Manhattan residents. Come check it out today!