2023 Lexus NX 250 SUV

　　

2023 Lexus NX 250 Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　Redesigned last year, the NX lineup returned with a second generation and a renewed purpose to challenge established competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Acura RDX and newcomers like the Genesis GV70. The entry-level 2023 Lexus NX 250 is key to that strategy, with its roomy interior, cutting-edge infotainment and attractive starting price.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Lexus NX 250 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$131/mo  for NX 250 Base

　　NX 250 Base

　　4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $39,055 MSRP4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $40,655 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $42,105 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $43,705 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $45,205 MSRPLuxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) - $46,805 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The base model offers essential features, including a bundle of useful driver aids, but luxury buyers will likely gravitate to the Premium and Luxury trims for more robust offerings: quilted leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a power liftgate, and a hi-def 14-inch touchscreen (optional on the Premium) among others. The latter is a welcome departure from the distant display and frustrating touchpad controller of past NX models.

　　More practically, the NX 250 has nearly 23 cubic feet of cargo space, roughly the size of a standard washing machine. That's more than the GLC but less than the GV70 or RDX, but they're slightly longer, and the NX's cargo area is easy to access and accommodating.

　　The NX 250 joins a more powerful NX 350 and two hybrids, the NX 350h and NX 450h+. Some buyers may consider those options given the NX 250's modest power: just 203 horsepower from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It's adequate, fuel-efficient (28 mpg combined) and keeps the price low, but power falls far short of most rivals. And compared to alternatives like the RDX or BMW X3, the Lexus lacks spirit. Pleasantly comfortable in a straight line, the NX 250 isn't as sharp or responsive when the road bends. Still, buyers more interested in value and fuel economy, with modest performance expectations, will find plenty to like in the 2023 Lexus NX 250.

　　

Which NX 250 does zzdcar recommend?

Stick to the base trim if you want to keep the price around $40,000, but we think adding the Premium package makes sense. It's not much more than the base trim yet adds appealing extras like a hands-free liftgate and ventilated front seats. It also opens the door to desirable options, such as the larger touchscreen, wireless phone charger and upgraded audio system. If you're left underwhelmed by the NX 250's modest power, consider the NX 350 or NX 450h.

　　

Lexus NX 250 models

The 2023 NX 250 is a compact luxury SUV that seats five. It comes in a single base trim, to which you can add Premium or Luxury packages. The lone engine choice is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque), paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional. The NX 350 and the NX 350h and 450h+ hybrids are reviewed separately.

　　NX 250

　　The base trim's standard features include:

　　18-inch wheels Power-adjustable, heated front seats Synthetic leather upholstery Dual-zone automatic climate control Leather-wrapped steering wheel 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration (includes wireless connectivity) Wi-Fi hotspot 10-speaker audio system Subscription-ready connected services (cloud-based navigation, Wi-Fi, voice assistant)Every NX 250 also has these advanced driver assist features:

　　Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure alert (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Lane keeping assistance (steers the NX 250 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker) Intersection turn assist (warns you of an impending collision during a left turn and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the NX 250 and the car in front) Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse) Automatic high beamsPremium

　　This package/trim introduces extra features such as:

　　Sunroof Power liftgate with kick sensor Rain-sensing windshield wipers Ventilated front seats Driver's seat memory settings Power-adjustable steering wheel Parking sensors with low-speed automatic brakingLuxury

　　At the top of the lineup, the Luxury package includes all Premium package features, plus:

　　20-inch wheels Adaptive headlights Quilted and perforated leather upholstery Adjustable driver's seat lumbar support Open-pore wood interior trim Ambient cabin lighting Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) 14-inch infotainment touchscreen Cloud-based navigation Advanced voice controls and voice assistantThe NX 250 also offers several stand-alone options that first require either the Premium or Luxury package, including:

　　Heated steering wheel Head-up display Digital rearview mirror 14-inch infotainment touchscreen Lexus Digital Key (turns your smartphone into the vehicle's key) Wireless phone charger 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system 360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the NX and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Automated lane change (with adaptive cruise control engaged, automatically changes lanes after the driver briefly holds turn signal) Front cross-traffic warning (warns of oncoming cross-traffic at intersections)The Luxury trim also offers a few exclusive options, including:

　　Panoramic glass roof Upgraded LED headlights Power-folding, heated rear seats

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