The updated Lexus NX gets even more aggressive looks, new interior tech, and improved powertrains

The second-generation Lexus NX came out sometime in 2021, meaning that the luxury compact crossover is now five years old. The AZ20 NX brought a lot of firsts to the brand, being the first model to be developed at the Shimoyama Technical Center, the first to adopt the (then new) Lexus touch interface, and also the first to ditch the Lexus badge for a spaced-out Lexus wordmark.

For this year, the NX now gets a heavy midlife cycle update that introduces the brand’s current design language and technology to the model, which pushes it to be a more aggressive and youthful crossover for younger buyers.

The first and most obvious change is the front fascia. It now dons an even larger spindle grille with larger openings, similar to the one on the updated Lexus IS. Beside it are more aggressive and futuristic headlights, with a two-tiered LED DRL design. The rear remains mostly the same, but it has new double L taillights with an illuminated Lexus logo wordmark; otherwise, the same general shape has been retained. 

The interior, on the other hand, gets more drastic updates. We now see the new tech suite, which we first saw on the ES.

The dashboard now features the same Responsive Hidden Switches, which are touch-sensitive controls with tactile clicks that disappear when not in use, alongside a 12.8-inch digital instrument cluster and up to a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment that utilizes the Arene OS. In line with this, it’s also accompanied by the new steering wheel with the Lexus wordmark and the disappearing controls.

There is also a new ambient lighting system with a continuous line that also extends to the speaker grilles, and it also has the option for a Mark Levinson Surround sound system, the Lexus Safety Sense suite, and other luxury features, including the Sensory Concierge that combines illumination, music, climate control, and fragrance.

Powertrain-wise, it has been condensed to three powertrains: a hybrid (which uses a new hybrid system) with either a 2.0-liter or 2.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine and an electric motor with up to 244 horsepower (for the e-Four AWD), or a plug-in hybrid that produces a healthy 326 horsepower.

The PHEV now has an improved lithium-ion battery for better range of up to 100km (WLTP) and support for DC fast charging as well. 

The chassis has been stiffened further, with new shock absorbers for improved handling and comfort, a more responsive variable steering ratio, and improved rear motor control and brake control systems for improved handling.

It’s definitely a polarizing update, and we won’t be surprised if not everyone is a fan of it. However, this is probably the result of the reintroduction of Century as Toyota’s standalone top luxury brand, which gives Lexus more free rein to have bolder ideas and innovate. What do you think of the newest NX?

^{Photos from Lexus}