2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Lexus RX

The 2022 Lexus RX was available in several trims, including the base 350, F Sport, and L for its gas powertrain, with a hybrid model known as the RX 450h. The RX 350 and F Sport seated five, while the L trim offered a three-row, 7-passenger configuration. The RX's design, refreshed in 2020, remained modern and sporty, standing out with aggressive styling among competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X5. The RX featured sharp character lines and angular boomerang-like elements, creating a striking yet balanced appearance. The F Sport trim, in particular, added a performance-oriented look with 20-inch wheels, black-housing mirrors, and unique front fascia.

Inside, the RX maintained a luxurious feel across all trims, with the F Sport adding sporty touches like Scored Aluminum trim and NuLuxe synthetic leather. The cabin offered various color combinations, though the center stack felt dated due to an abundance of buttons. Comfort was a mixed bag; while the RX absorbed road imperfections well, the F Sport's NuLuxe seats lacked cushioning and lumbar support. The limited-edition Black Line trim added exclusive black-colored elements and contrast gray stitching for a high-end look.

The redesigned 2022 Lexus NX, available from December 2021, came in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX 250 and NX 350 were non-electrified, while the NX 350h was a hybrid, and the NX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was reviewed in F Sport and Luxury trims. The NX's design featured a prominent spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate, reflecting a refined attention to detail. The new model was longer, wider, and taller, offering more passenger and cargo space. The F Sport trim stood out with a unique mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, and 20-inch gloss black wheels.

Inside, the NX adopted a minimalist approach, with fewer buttons and a more streamlined dashboard. The F Sport trim added sport-bolstered seats and a black headliner, while the Luxury trim featured real leather and open-pore wood trim. The NX's interior was comfortable, with thoughtful padding on the driver’s door panel and center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX also offered a panoramic sunroof and a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system in the Luxury trim.

The 2022 Lexus RX 350 was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid RX 450h combined the V6 with two electric motors for a total output of 308 hp. All RX models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive standard on the RX 350 and all-wheel drive available. The hybrid RX came exclusively with AWD. Despite its sporty appearance, the RX's performance was underwhelming. The engine sounded more like a turbocharged four-cylinder, and acceleration was sluggish. The F Sport trim, with its performance dampers and adaptive variable suspension, failed to deliver a truly sporty driving experience.

The RX offered different drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, but the differences between Normal and Sport/Sport+ were negligible. The RX excelled in comfort and cabin quietness, absorbing road imperfections well and providing a serene driving experience. Fuel efficiency for the RX 350 was 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined, with slight variations for AWD and three-row models. The RX 450h hybrid achieved 30 mpg combined, with 31 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The NX 250 had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, available with front-wheel drive or optional AWD. The NX 350 offered Normal, Sport, and Eco driving modes, with the F Sport trim adding Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension.

On winding roads, the NX 350 F Sport felt taut and responsive, while the Luxury trim provided a softer, more relaxed driving experience. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds for the NX 350, which seemed credible. Fuel economy for the NX 350 was estimated at 25 mpg combined. The NX 350h hybrid delivered 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined, while the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid offered 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of electric range.

The standard two-row Lexus RX offered 99.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, comfortably seating four adults, with a snug fit for five. Front headroom was 39.4 inches, and rear headroom was 39.1 inches. Front legroom measured 44.1 inches, with 38.0 inches in the rear. The three-row RX 350L had a 2/3/2 seating configuration, with optional second-row captain’s chairs. Cargo space in the two-row RX was 16.0 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 32.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The three-row model offered 7.45 cubic feet with all seats upright, 23.03 cubic feet with the third row down, and 58.48 cubic feet with both back rows folded. The RX featured thoughtful interior elements like a smartphone slot, adjustable-height cup holder, and a flat-bottomed cargo net.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt cozier from the driver’s seat due to the new dashboard design. The NX was comfortable, especially with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space. The Luxury trim featured a Thematic Ambient Illumination system with 14 themes. Cargo space increased by 14%, offering 22.7 cubic feet behind the back seat and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen display, with a 12.3-inch version available as an option. Despite being moved closer to the driver, the touchscreens were ergonomically unfriendly, with a lip in front of the screen creating access issues. The touchscreen was responsive, but the alternative touchpad was frustrating to use. The RX offered a range of tech features, including six USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, wireless charging, Amazon Alexa compatibility, a WiFi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The Lexus App allowed for remote engine start, vehicle settings, and service scheduling.

The 2022 Lexus NX introduced the new Lexus Interface infotainment system, featuring large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, music streaming, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen optional. Both versions included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Voice Assistant technology, and readiness for connected service subscription plans. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and the NX included a complimentary three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect service. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, a 10-inch head-up display, and User Profiles for individual driver settings.

The 2022 Lexus RX came standard with the Lexus Safety System 2.0+, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition, lane-keeping assist, a pre-collision system, and intelligent high beams. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and Lexus Enform Safety Connect. The RX was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS with optional triple-beam LED headlights and received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus NX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driver assistance systems like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also had an Emergency Driving Stop System, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, an adaptive front lighting system, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. The Vision Package included a panoramic view monitoring system, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.