All-New 2022 Lexus NX Preview

“The 2022 NX includes the most technological vehicle changes since we launched Lexus 32 years ago. With the all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system and a variety of customizable features, the NX is an exciting first step in a series of 20 all-new or updated Lexus vehicles by 2025.” – Vinay Shahani, Lexus vice president of marketing

Are you ready for it?  The 2022 Lexus NX, expected to arrive at North Park Lexus Rio Grande Valley this Fall 2021, will introduce a new era of Lexus luxury that is fully embracing electrification, intuitive tech, heart-pounding performance, and bold design.  With four powertrain options, enhanced standard safety, and all-new technology, the 2022 Lexus NX offers more than we expected.  Get your preview of the exciting new NX here.

New Lexus NX Delivers a Long List of Lexus Firsts

The 2022 Lexus NX will introduce the all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system, the first plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) by Lexus, an all-new Digital Latch system, and much more.  Introducing so many exciting Lexus-firsts, updates, and upgrades – all of which check off more boxes than we know what to do with… we’ve decided to kick things off with a concise list of what’s new for 2022:

• Lexus Interface multimedia system with User Profile feature and Digital Key
• 14-inch optional touchscreen display
• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, plus Blind Spot Monitor
• Safe Exit Assist
• Digital Latch system
• Lower center of gravity
• Updated grille pattern and frame
• Full-width blade taillamps
• New LEXUS rear badging
• 7-inch Multi-Instrument Display (MID)
• Optional 10-inch Head-Up Display (HUD)
• Standard 9.8-inch touchscreen
• New 8-speed transmission on gas-powered NX
• More Horsepower
• Quicker 0-60 time
• First-ever Lexus plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV)
• Predictive Efficient Drive
• Human Machine Interface (HMI)
• New Virtual Assistant
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability
• Nature-Inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination
• Increased Head and Legroom with the adoption of the Lexus GA-K platform
• Interior Seat and Console Color Options
• Panoramic Moonroof
• F SPORT updates including 20-inch gloss black wheels, black roof rails, and daylight opening garnishes (DLO)

Lexus Interface and More Innovated Technology Coming on the 2022 Lexus NX

The official Lexus press release states that “the most notable update is the introduction of Lexus Interface, the integrated multimedia and digital support on the optional 14-inch touchscreen display.  It offers available over-the-air updates, wireless charging, and untethered smartphone connection to the user’s unique profile.”  As we have yet to explore the new Lexus multimedia system hands-on, we cannot yet offer our personal opinion on the system however as some of the more recent Lexus multimedia system updates have proven to be a tender subject for some guests, we can only hope that this “all-new elegant, intuitive and desired connected multimedia system” is as reliable and easy to use as it is hard to explain or paraphrase for this post.

The all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system was developed specifically for the North American market and allows the NX to integrate with the driver and the entire experience in more ways than we imagined.  First, the multimedia display screens are stunning. Both the standard 9.8-inch touchscreen and optional 14-inch touchscreen displays are enough to give us the new car fever.  Couple that with the new Human Machine Interface (HMI) that is said to enhance user interaction through sight, touch, and voice by incorporating a new Virtual Assistant developed with a human-centered approach, and we’re sold – or, slightly intimidated, to say the least.

The Virtual Assistant is intended to be the primary way guests interact with the new multimedia system. Designed with dual microphones, enhanced noise-cancellation, seat detection, and speaker location capabilities, the system enables a voice-first approach allowing front seat occupants an expanded and interactive experience to access navigation, media, phone, and certain vehicle settings such as climate control and window opening/closing.”

The new Lexus Interface User Profile feature is made possible by our common, everyday use of smartphones.  With the new Lexus Interface User Profile feature, the driver’s personalized settings and “experience” can be uploaded and stored in the cloud then accessible on the go in other future Lexus Interface-equipped vehicles.  Linked to a profile created in the Lexus App, new 2022 Lexus NX owners can use a Bluetooth device, smart key, or manual login to access it.  The User Profile offers even more with the new Digital Key feature that allows new owners the ability to lock and unlock and start/stop their vehicle using their smartphone when within Bluetooth proximity.  You will even be able to share your new Digital Key with up to seven guest drivers.

The Lexus Interface native navigation system features 100 percent cloud capability and integrated Google POI data that will allow for faster and more accurate directions and mapping. The new system will also feature over-the-air (OTA) updates allowing for real-time updating for maps and media experiences.  Thankfully, Lexus didn’t forget that some Lexus drivers may take their 2022 Lexus NX to places without a network connection. The native navigation helps anyone taking their Lexus to the ranch or on off-road adventures with an offline mode that is detected when the vehicle is near or entering an area with low connectivity and developed to download applicable maps and services in advance to losing connection.

To top it off, the all-new 2022 Lexus NX will also feature standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.  No doubt this wireless update will follow future multimedia system updates – so stay tuned for more Lexus news on that as soon as we have it.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

The 2022 Lexus NX will come equipped with the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, providing peace of mind in many specific and needed scenarios which include:

• Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist
• Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking
• Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection/Braking
• Oncoming Vehicle Detection added to Pre-Collision System
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 also adds the following safety features for NX:

• Road Sign Assist
• Pre-Collision System
• Lane Assistance
• Intelligent High-Beam
• Road Sign Assist for new HUD system including driver alerts

All-New Lexus Digital Latch System

The all-new Lexus NX will come with the all-new Digital Latch system that enables doors to open smoothly at the touch of a button.  The new Digital Latch System also offers a valuable new safety feature called, Safe Exit Assist.  By scanning the environment, Safe Exit Assist alerts the driver and passengers to avoid the risk of accidental contact with surrounding vehicles and cyclists, helping to ensure safer openings and closing of doors.

Four Powertrains Offer Something For Everyone

Let’s start with the Lexus-first Plug-In Hybrid.  The very first Lexus plug-in hybrid system (PHEV) is introduced with the new Lexus NX 450h+ and has a manufacturer-estimated 36-mile range on electric power only that is made possible by the newly developed, high-capacity lithium-ion battery.  Lexus states that the new EV output is equivalent to a 2.0-liter engine and when combined with the newly developed hybrid transaxle, a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine, delivers an estimated 6-second 0-60 time.

The NX 450h+ features a high-efficiency system that is “designed to reduce power loss when converting from AC power to DC power” which results in shorter charging times.  The Lexus NX 450h+ will come standard with a 3.3 kW onboard charger that has an estimated charge time of 4.5-hours and an available 6.6 kW Expedited Onboard Charger that will reduce the charging time to approximately 2.5-hours.

The Lexus-first plug-in hybrid will also feature a new Predictive Efficient Drive that works with the navigation system to learn driving habits, predict expected roadways ahead and analyze real-time traffic reports to optimize charging and discharging of the hybrid battery.  This smart system will only get better with the more miles you put on your new 2022 Lexus 450h+ as more data is gathered to optimize fuel consumption with every mile driven.

The all-new Lexus NX 350h will debut for the 2022 model year and deliver 239 horsepower (a 20% increase over the current 2021 model) and an impressive 36 MPG (an increase of 6 MPG over the current NX hybrid).  The new NX hybrid will also offer more power and a quicker 0-60 time that is 1.5-seconds faster than prior generations that come in at 7.2-seconds.

The standard gas-version of the Lexus NX also debuts the 2022 model year with a new name: NX 350.  The NX 350 features a new 8-speed transmission providing more performance and higher 275 horsepower produced by an enhanced 2.4-turbo engine.  The new NX 350 has a faster 0-60 time as well – you can expect a half-second quicker 0-60 time compared to the previous model… hey, every little bit counts! 

The fourth option is the updated NX F SPORT model that will be available with both the turbo and PHEV powertrains.  Exclusive to the NX F SPORT family, the 2022 model will include Dark Graphite Aluminum ornamentation, a unique meter, sport seats, a newly developed steering wheel, and aluminum pedals and scuff plates.  The NX F SPORT will be available with either Black or Circuit Red NuLuxe interiors and for those looking to take things up another level, Lexus drivers can opt for the NX F SPORT Handling model with Luxury package which will give you the 14-inch touchscreen, unique headlamps, and 64-color illumination.  The NX F SPORT will no doubt continue to turn heads with new, 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels that are topped with black roof rails, new daylight opening garnishes (DLO), and exclusive F SPORT colors including Ultra White, Obsidian, and Ultrasonic Blue 2.0 (seen below).

Design Changes Coming to 2022 Lexus NX

The 2022 Lexus NX will introduce several design changes including a refined spindle grille, new full-width blade taillamps, and LEXUS rear badging.  The iconic Lexus L emblem has been replaced by a new LEXUS logo seen on the rear of the new 2022 Lexus NX (below).

To blow your mind with one final detail about the all-new NX arriving this Fall 2021, the 2022 Lexus NX will offer new color choices including Redline, Cloudburst Gray, and Grecian Water.

Preview even more of the design changes and updates for the 2022 Lexus NX below and be sure to visit our Youtube channel to view recently released videos of the exciting new NX.