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Lexus’ first compact crossover sport utility vehicle, the 2015 NX, is proof that the luxury automaker has finally severed the bonds of styling that has been as inoffensive as a chocolate chip cookie.

The NX presents a visual intensity with its most ardent expression yet of the new Lexus spindle grill and the family design direction that the company calls L-finesse. It’s an edgy, in-your-face design from any angle, with sharp creases, assorted folds, pronounced wheel arches and a swoopy roofline that makes it stand out from the competition.

And speaking of competition, oh my goodness, nearly every luxury nameplate has a compact crossover — Acura, Audi, BMW, Land Rover, Lincoln, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Most of these key competitors have had offerings for several years so it’s somewhat surprising that Lexus waited so long to join the bandwagon, especially since they spawned the luxury crossover sport utility category in 1998 with the launch of the RX 300.

Taking on the competition are two NX models, the NX 200t with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and the NX 300h hybrid, which brings the automaker’s number of hybrid offerings to six. Both are available in front- or all-wheel drive.

The sticker price for the front drive NX 300h is $39,720 plus $925 destination charges; the all-wheel drive starts at $41,310.

About the same size as Toyota’s RAV4, with which it shares about 10 percent of structural components, the NX showcases Lexus virtues in a small size. But it’s much more than a breathed-on RAV4. It adds to its MacPherson strut front suspension, high-rigidity components and low-friction moving parts.

Lexus notes that a new trailing arm double wishbone rear suspension separates the coil springs and dampers and aims to optimize agility, stability and ride comfort while also providing an unusually low floor for an SUV.

Does the 2015 NX have what it takes to face off against the established rivals and come out on top?

Overall the NX is generally impressive. However, the much-ballyhooed turbocharged NX 200t faces an arduous task of standing out from the crowd when it comes to fuel economy and performance. The NX 300h hybrid overcomes those hurdles with the best fuel economy of any small crossover and delivers performance not expected from a hybrid.

Fuel Miser Powertrain

For the 2015 NX 300h, Lexus updated the hybrid powertrain found in the ES 300h sedan. The 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle gas engine was tuned specifically for the little SUV. The 154 horsepower four-cylinder is paired with the now familiar Lexus/Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive. It combines two electric motor-generators: one that can power the vehicle alone or assist the engine when additional power is needed, the other to recharge the battery. Total system output of the engine and motor is 194 horsepower.

To improve fuel economy and hill climbing, enhancements include a water-to-oil cooler for the electric drive motor and a revised front drive reduction ratio.

There’s also a new automatic transmission with a kick-down feature for greater acceleration performance. The transmission consists of the electric drive motor and electric motor generator linked by a double set of planetary gears. The planetary gearset simultaneously fulfills three roles: as a power split device between the generator and the front wheels, as a reduction gear for the electric motor and, when both work together, as an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The transmission offers sequential shift, which allows maximum power to be delivered on demand and increases engine braking when decelerating.

Drivers can optimize fuel economy by using Eco or Normal modes in Drive Mode Select, or use Shiftmatic in Sport mode to better enjoy a winding road.

To enhance that winding road drive experience, engineers split the nickel-metal hydride battery pack into two 44-pound modules. They are located on each side of the rear seat to improve the center of gravity for better driving control.

Opting for all-wheel drive adds a 67 horsepower electric motor to the rear axle with no mechanical connection to front-mounted engine/motor combination. This is called a “through-the-road” system, wherein the motor/generator is housed in a disparate transaxle that delivers torque to the rear axle when the system detects a loss of traction of the front wheels.

The rear motor also acts as a generator when the NX is in regenerative braking mode, increasing the amount of kinetic energy recovered that’s forwarded to the battery.

Official EPA fuel economy ratings give the NX 300h best-in-class fuel economy bragging rights: Front dive numbers are 35-mpg city/31-mpg highway and 33-mpg combined; all-wheel drive is rated at 32-mpg combined (33/30).

About That Avant-Garde Styling

The new design territory is one that people either really like or really dislike. And that’s a good thing for Lexus because those who make an emotional connection with a vehicle rarely cross shop, they just buy it.

Inside, the design isn’t quite as striking with a blend of Lexus luxury and youthful sportiness. The no-detail-overlooked interior is an inviting place with high quality soft-touch materials meeting fingertips at nearly every touch point.

The instrument cluster of the NX 300h features metal-faced four-dial gauges with a three-dimensional power output and regeneration displays. The hybrid-specific dial changes to a tachometer when the vehicle is in sport mode.

Lexus says the seats were inspired by sports car design and the deeply bolstered front seats securely enfold the driver and passenger. While compact in size, six-footers will find sufficient head- and legroom in both front and rear seating.

Highlights from the standard features list include automatic LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats, a 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat and a clever cargo cover.

For convenience, there’s a power liftgate available and an optional power rear folding seats, a first for a Lexus SUV.

Standard tech gear includes a 7-inch display screen, multimedia interface, rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, Siri-based voice controls, an eight-speaker sound, HD and satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and a USB/iPod interface. Available are a head-up display, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.

Smartphone or tablet users will be immediately familiar with the new Remote Touch Interface, which replaces the previous joystick with a touchpad in the center console. An ergonomic palm rest makes it comfortable to use.

 

And speaking of smartphones, the NX offers an available Qi wireless charging tray inside the center console box. Sadly, as we discovered, it doesn’t work with current-generation iPhones without an adapter.