2022 Lexus NX

We got the chance to spend some serious wheel time with both the NX 350 and the new NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, and the first thing to notice is how much heavier 450h+ feels on the road (4,475 lbs at the curb). It makes for a slightly different ride, but we left feeling neither like it was better or worse than the other. Like the previous generation, the suspension feels heavily damped while still soaking up lumps and bumps well. The result is a ride that feels padded when cruising, but firm and confident when hustling around tight roads and city streets.

Out on longer, windy roads, the body starts to roll when the NX is pushed, despite the new model's lower center of gravity. It's certainly not a sports car, but the NX is keen to turn in and happy to get its hustle on. On those longer roads, the NX is a happy cruiser and, with its more enthusiastic power levels, has no problem finding a reserve for overtaking, particularly the 450h+ with its 302 hp. As a balance between sportiness and luxury, the NX still errs on the side of comfort. Even in sport mode, the NX doesn't change its character too much. Understeer awaits those with too heavy of a foot on the throttle.

The new generation of Lexus NX is a marked improvement over the previous, with much of that owed to the new infotainment system and fuel economy. Lexus has clearly been listening, and we now feel we can confidently recommend people check out the Lexus NX if they're looking for a small, luxurious crossover. Ride quality is excellent, the styling is up to date, the interior is well designed and comfortable - and the technology has leaped forward. There's a lot to love with the new NX, and the new hybrid systems used are basically Toyota drivetrains. The young infotainment system has the ability to update over the air, so we wouldn't bother to hedge and wait a year before buying.

The Lexus RX is the NX's bigger brother, offering more luxury and space but at a higher MSRP. Whereas the NX's base engine is still a bit of an underperformer, the base RX has a much stronger V6. However, the new NX 450h+ hybrid is significantly quicker than even the RX 450h, so that's the model to go for if you want a Lexus SUV with some real grunt. Both SUVs have luxurious interiors, but the RX offers third-row seating if you really need it. Neither SUV has a particularly large trunk. The new NX comes with Lexus's latest safety suite, which is a step up from the RX's equivalent. The NX also has the new-generation infotainment system with a larger touchscreen. By comparison, the RX is saddled with the frustrating older infotainment suite. Unless you need the extra seating capacity, we'd rather have the fresher NX.

Acura's RDX is slightly larger than the Lexus NX but both aim to offer a similarly luxurious SUV experience for a more affordable price than their German competitors. Unlike the Lexus, the Acura only has one engine choice but it's a strong 2.0-liter turbo-four with 272 hp. Together with the ten-speed automatic transmission and some sporty dynamics, the RDX is quite fun to drive. Then again, the Lexus has more configurations so will potentially appeal to more people. We also prefer the NX's latest cabin, and it's infotainment system is now more user-friendly than the touchpad controller in the RDX. The Acura is brilliantly equipped, though, with some standard features that are optional on the Lexus. It's a close call but we'd side with the new NX.