2022 Lexus NX vs. 2021 Lexus NX: Which is Better?
The 2022 Lexus NX is a complete redesign of the model and improves on what was lacking with the 2021 version.
Written by Brittni Brinn
Reviewed by Pat Roache
As a complete redesign of the model line, the 2022 Lexus NX costs about a grand more across comparable trim levels compared to the 2021 NX. However, that extra $1,000 is definitely worth the upgraded features and streamlined stylings.
The Lexus NX lagged behind the competition for a while there, but the 2022 model is taking the stage with a new look and tech features that make it a competitor once more. The four available powertrains give the 2022 NX enough power to thrill, while the generous standard safety features will keep your ride going just right.
Let’s do a side-by-side comparison of the 2022 and 2021 Lexus NX to find the areas where each model shines—and where each one needs improvement.
2022 Lexus NX vs. 2021 Lexus NX: What’s the difference?
As Toyota’s luxury brand, Lexus vehicles sometimes share components of Toyota’s mainstream vehicles—this is the case of the 2022 Lexus NX, which uses the same chassis and powertrains as the
Toyota RAV4
. However, the newly-redesigned Lexus NX is more on a level with small luxury SUVs like the Audi Q3
and BMW X1
.But we’re comparing the 2022 and the 2021 versions of the Lexus NX, not how they compare to rivals, so let’s get back to the question at hand: which year model is the better buy? Let’s break it down!
Pricing
you’re indeed going to have to spring more for a 2022 Lexus NX, especially as you go up the trim ladder. If you’re wondering how much more you’re going to need to save for the newer model, check out this table.
Model | 2022 MSRP | 2021 MSRP |
|---|---|---|
Lexus NX300 | N/A | $38,685 |
Lexus NX250 | $39,500 | N/A |
Lexus NX300 F Sport | N/A | $40,785 |
Lexus NX300h | N/A | $41,235 |
Lexus NX350h | $42,700 | N/A |
Lexus NX350 | $43,100 | N/A |
Lexus NX300 Luxury | N/A | $45,135 |
Lexus NX300h Luxury | N/A | $47,685 |
NX350 F Sport | $48,200 | N/A |
NX450h+ | $57,300 | N/A |
Lexus NX450h+ F Sport | $58,550 | N/A |
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General specs
With the increase in price from 2021 to the 2022 Lexus NX, you get a completely redesigned luxury SUV with better features and more powertrain options. It’s almost like buying a completely different car!
Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between the two models in terms of engine performance for each powertrain and towing capabilities:
2022 Lexus NX | 2021 Lexus NX | |
|---|---|---|
Base engine (NX250, NX300) | 203-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder | 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine |
Upgrade engine (NX350) | 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder | N/A |
Base hybrid engine (NX350h, NX300h) | 239-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors | 154-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors |
Plug-in hybrid engine (NX450h+) | 302-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack | N/A |
Transmission | 8-speed automatic or CVT (for hybrids) | 6-speed automatic |
Drivetrain | Front- or all-wheel drive (AWD) | Front or all-wheel drive (AWD) |
Maximum towing capacity | 2,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
Fuel economy
Since the 2022 Lexus NX has an additional engine option over the 2021 NX, you have a bit more choice when it comes to finding a fuel-efficient NX. Here are the fuel economy EPA ratings for the Lexus NX:
- 2021 Lexus NX 300 2WD (Turbo 2.0 L 4-cylinder with 6-speed automatic): 22 city/28 highway/25 combined mpg
- 2021 Lexus NX 300 AWD (Turbo 2.0 L 4-cylinder with 6-speed automatic): 22 city/28 highway/24 combined mpg
- 2021 Lexus NX 300 F Sport AWD (Turbo 2.0 L 4-cylinder with 6-speed automatic): 22 city/27 highway/24 combined mpg
- 2021 Lexus NX 300h AWD (2.5 L 4-cylinder with 6-speed automatic): 33 city/30 highway/31 combined mpg
- 2022 Lexus NX 250 2WD (2.5 L 4-cylinder with 8-speed automatic): 26 city/33 highway/28 combined mpg
- 2022 Lexus NX 250 AWD (2.5 L 4-cylinder with 8-speed automatic): 25 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg
- 2022 Lexus NX 350 AWD (Turbo 2.4 L 4-cylinder with 8-speed automatic): 22 city/29 highway/25 combined mpg
- 2022 Lexus NX 350h AWD (2.5 L 4-cylinder with 6-speed automatic): 41 city/37 highway/39 combined mpg
- 2022 Lexus NX 450h Plus AWD (2.5 L 4-cylinder with 6-speed automatic): 36 combined mpg/84 combined MPGe with 37-mile electric-only range
Of course, the hybrid options of both model years will be the most fuel efficient, with the AWD 2022
Lexus NX 350h
coming out on top. Overall, the 2022 Lexus NX models are more fuel efficient than their 2021 counterparts.Find out if you can reduce your monthly car payments in minutes
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Safety ratings
The 2021 Lexus NX received an overall safety rating of five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a four-out-of-five rating for rollover and frontal crash tests. The 2021 NX has only four reported complaints and zero recalls, making it a reliable vehicle. The 2022 NX has yet to be rated by the NHTSA.
The 2021 and the 2022 Lexus NX models were both awarded Top Pick+ designations from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They both earned the highest “Good” ratings in every category except for the LATCH ease of use on the 2021 NX, which got a mediocre “Acceptable” rating.
The 2021 and 2022 Lexus NX models also come with these standard safety features:
- Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
Styling and interior changes
The 2022 Lexus NX is the more luxurious choice in terms of interior options, upgraded materials, and slightly more room in the backseat. However, you will have to sacrifice a bit of cargo space for that extra legroom.
Let’s compare the tech features for the 2021 and the 2022 Lexus NX.
The 2021 Lexus NX comes with the following tech features:
- 8.0-inch display
- Optional 10.3-inch display
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- 8-speaker premium sound system
The 2022 Lexus NX comes with these tech features:
- 9.8-inch display
- Optional 14.0-inch display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Optional wireless smartphone charging pad
- Optional head-up display
- 10-speaker stereo system with a free trial of Amazon Music
- Optional 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system (Premium or Luxury packages only)
The Luxury package is a desirable offering for the 2022 NX, with quilted leather upholstery, cloud-connected navigation, upgraded interior ambient lighting, and a four-way adjustable lumbar support for the driver’s seat.
2022 Lexus NX vs. 2021 Lexus NX: Which one should you buy?
When all is said and done, the 2022 Lexus NX is far and away the better model. With a complete redesign, upgraded tech features, a nicer interior, and better fuel efficiency, the 2022 NX has a lot to offer for its slight bump in price.
However, if you want to save a bit of money, the 2021 Lexus NX has excellent safety ratings and a hybrid option for the gas-conscious, while still providing a luxury car experience.
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