BEHIND THE WHEEL: Same ride, new name for the 2018 Lexus NX 300

New name, same ride with the 2018 Lexus NX 300 formerly known as the NX 200t. With few changes to mention, Lexus lovers won’t have anything to be disappointed about with this new iteration.  The major changes to the 2018 NX 300 are the additions of the Safety System+ package as a standard feature and a bigger display screen with larger touch pad.

Competition with this small luxury crossover includes the BMW x1 SUV, Buick Envision SUV and the Volkswagen Tiguan, but the Lexus’ five-passenger, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine offers plenty of power and a pleasing ride.

Trim level options 

The 2018 Lexus NX 300 comes in two trims either a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or the six-speed automatic transmission. Standard features are 17-inch wheels, LED fog lights and headlights, keyless ignition and entry, a 60/40-split folding and reclining back seat, power-adjustable front seats and simulated-leather upholstery. There is also an eight-inch display with touchpad interface.  

You can opt for extras like the Comfort package adding heated and air-conditioned front seats and blind-spot monitoring. There is a Navigation package with a larger screen at 10.3-inches and an even better sound system. Separately you can include front and rear parking sensors, power liftgate, improved LED headlights and on the F Sport trim the adaptive suspension dampers. 

Under the hood

The 2.0-liter turbocharged 2018 Lexus NX 300 has a four-cylinder engine that will give you 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque or there is the six-speed automatic transmission. Both come with front-wheel drive or an option to go with all-wheel drive. 

Safety first 

The 2018 Lexus NX 300 offers all the standard safety equipment expected like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning and intervention and automatic high beams. The airbags include front driver and passenger, side impact and seat mounted for driver and passenger and side curtain and knee protection airbags. There is traction control, an In-Vehicle Assistance Service and stolen-vehicle tracking. There are also rear child safety door locks and an ignition disable as well as a blind spot sensor.

Interior and exterior highlight

You won’t be disappointed with the space both in the front and back on the 2018 Lexus NX 300.  There is plenty of leg and head room in the front and the rear seats, but the windows in the rear are smaller so you will feel the difference.

The cargo space is 17.7-cubic feet and there is a sloped window in the rear that also takes up space.  With the seats folded down you have more room, but the sloped window is still a noticeable space hog. 

Along for the ride 

For a smooth ride that is all about performance and comfort this Lexus definitely keeps up with its competitors in the luxury crossover SUV market. You will find the acceleration from zero to 60 comes in around seven seconds so that is plenty of power to get you where you need to go fast. The handling on this one is smooth, and it takes the curves and bumps with ease leaving little to the imagination so in all you will have a nice compact package.  

Should you need to know

The towing capacity on the 2018 Lexus NX 300 is 2000 pounds. 

Miles

The 2018 Lexus NX 300 offers 22 miles in the city and 27 miles on the highway.

Cost

A price tag of $46,085 was attached the 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport I drove. 

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