Although the IIHS hasn't evaluated the 2023 model, it should match the 2022 version's Top Safety Pick Plus award and spread of Good crashworthiness scores, both signs of a very safe vehicle. No Lexus NX safety review has yet been conducted by the NHTSA for the second-generation model.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
Along with a suite of eight airbags, the Lexus NX also comes with a standard rearview camera with dynamic gridlines, safe exit assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard as well and consists of dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed management, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and intelligent high beams. The pre-collision system includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and bicyclist detection, intersection turning assist, and risk avoidance emergency steer assist. Premium models get intuitive parking assist with auto braking, rear cross-traffic braking, and rear pedestrian detection. Luxury derivatives have a ten-inch color head-up display as standard.
On the options list, you can specify a panoramic view monitor, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and front cross-traffic alert.
Lexus NX Trims | NX 250 | NX 250 Premium | NX 350h | NX 350 | NX 250 Luxury | NX 350h Premium | NX 350 Premium | NX 350 F SPORT Handling | NX 350h Luxury | NX 350 Luxury | NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid Luxury | NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid F SPORT Handling |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Back-Up Camera | S | O | S | S | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O |
Cross-Traffic Alert | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Rear Parking Aid | N/A | S | N/A | N/A | S | S | S | N/A | S | S | S | S |
Blind Spot Monitor | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Lane Departure Warning | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Lane Keeping Assist | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
ABS | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Night Vision | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Tire Pressure Monitor | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Brake Assist | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Stability Control | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Traction Control | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S | S |
Surprisingly for a Lexus, the 2022 NX has a disappointing quality and reliability rating of 67 out of 100 from J.D. Power, although the 2023 model doesn't yet have a rating. Its overall rating is a more acceptable 76/100.
No recalls had affected 2023 models at the time of writing, but 2022 versions were recalled for a parking brake that could fail and missing welds that could cause the shock absorber to separate. The second issue also pertains to hybrid models, but not the first. However, 2022 hybrids were affected by a recall for the stability control system that could be deactivated when starting the vehicle.
Lexus includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for the new NX but this only covers the first year or 10,000 miles, whereas BMW provides maintenance coverage for up to three years. The basic warranty runs for four years or 50,000 miles in the USA. There's also a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty for hybrid components.