2019 Lexus NX

In the growing automotive subsection of small luxury SUVs, the 2019 Lexus NX is a smart choice that caters to buyers with penchants for style and comfort. Its cozy cabin features softly cushioned seats, plenty of high-end features, and a unique design that is right in step with the NX's wild exterior. A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder provides decent pep around town, and an optional hybrid powertrain sips fuel efficiently. Drivers can expect few thrills from behind the wheel, though, as the NX's dynamic abilities are limited. Lexus makes up for any deficiencies by offering standard features that are likely more important to its target audience, such as onboard Wi-Fi, automated emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. What's New for 2019? The 2019 NX sees only a few changes for this year. Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa integration are now standard across the lineup. Lexus's Enform Remote app is now standard and can be used on smart watches; it includes Alexa and Google Assistant.

We'd choose the F Sport trim of the NX300, which is powered by the standard 235-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. It's more expensive than the standard NX300, but we think it's worth it, as it adds supportive sport bucket seats, G-force and turbo-boost gauges, unique wheels, and an aggressively styled front grille and lower bumper. We'd go sparingly on options, but the power-operated rear liftgate is a handy feature at a reasonable price. Likes: Linear power delivery, smooth shifts, firm brake-pedal feel. Dislikes: Unhurried acceleration, poky hybrid model, standard suspension provides a jarring ride. While its acceleration won't blow the doors off any stoplight challengers, the 2019 NX should offer enough power for the casual driver. The NX300 (formerly known as the NX200t) comes with a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is also available. In our testing of an all-wheel-drive F Sport model, it performed a class-average 6.9-second zero-to-60-mph time.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA250 4Matic managed to sprint to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds, making the NX seem positively sluggish. It's a different story on the road. The NX doesn't feel lethargic pulling into traffic, the engine's power delivery is linear and predictable, and once the turbo kicks in, it's even peppier. The hybrid powertrain provides even less pep, but its fuel economy is measurably improved. While the NX isn't as fun on a twisty road as the BMW X1 or the GLA250, its light steering makes it easy to pilot around town. Its center of gravity is higher than in either of those competitors, lending it a top-heavy feel when cornering. Being the tallest and most SUV-like crossover in this segment means the gas-powered NX isn't as efficient as its lower-slung rivals. The hybrid powertrain nets considerable gains at the pump, but its acceleration performance is hindered by its weaker horsepower output. The nonhybrid NX managed 27 mpg in our real-world highway fuel-economy test.

However, the GLA250 was more efficient with a 34-mpg result. The NX300h hybrid managed 32 mpg in the same test. Likes: Plush seats, large optional 10.3-inch infotainment display, plenty of cargo room with the rear seats folded. Dislikes: Pinched headroom measurements, no Android Auto, frustrating touchpad infotainment interface. The NX's high-quality, ever fashionable interior is a retreat, and its front seats are among the most comfortable. Its passenger space may not be as roomy as in some rivals, though, and its exterior styling comes with large blind spots, particularly when looking rearward. With less headroom than the X1, the Lincoln MKC, and the GLA250, the Lexus NX might feel tight for passengers in both the front and back seats. Legroom is a different story, where the Lexus delivers 42.8 inches of stretch-out space for front-seat occupants, tying the MKC. Rear-seat legroom is also above average for the class. Lexus offers a comprehensive list of standard and optional connectivity features in the NX, and the infotainment system's software is easy to learn.

Its touchpad interactivity, however, is annoying and makes us yearn for simpler interfaces. An 8.0-inch display is standard but the larger, optional, 10.3-inch display is the one we prefer. No matter the display, Lexus offers Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and a Wi-Fi hotspot as standard equipment. Second-row seats split and fold in a 60/40 configuration, but when they are flipped down, they don't lay flat. The rear seats offer recline adjustability and can be optioned with a power-folding feature throughout the lineup. With the rear seats folded, the NX has room for 18 carry-on suitcases. The NX earns great marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the latter of which gave the NX a Top Safety Pick award. The NX's standard driver-assistance features provide an extra layer of protection. The only thing holding the Lexus back from safety greatness is a better backup camera: the current one, while useful, has a disappointingly low resolution. Lexus offers one of the more comprehensive protection packages in the industry. Lincoln offers unlimited roadside assistance for the life of the MKC for original owners, and BMW covers scheduled maintenance for three full years. Lexus provides that benefit for one year.