To say the Lexus RX has been a critical component of the brand's success would be a huge understatement. But with the compact luxury-utility segment on fire right now, Lexus needed something one notch down in size and price.And the all-new 2015 NX is their answer, available as a gas-electric hybrid or like here as the NX 200t with the brand's first turbo.There’s no doubt; the NX is going to do very, very well for Lexus. As the brand’s maturation continues from quiet, luxury carmaker to producer of stylish products with more sizzle, the NX arrives at just the right time. Compelling design, a modern and spacious interior and an assertive chassis blend to form a ride that speaks to a younger audience. It also helps that with an MSRP including shipping of $35,405 it’s the 2nd least expensive model in the Lexus lineup, just above the CT Hybrid of which it shares some of its underpinnings. And if it reminds you in any way of the Toyota RAV-4, it also shares some genes with it. But lo and behold, the NX is its own crossover.It took me some time to warm-up to this body, especially in my least favorite Lexus color, Fire Agate Pearl, and if you only view it from the side, its profile can look quite unflattering with its Cyrano de Bergerac-sized schnoz. But from every other angle, the NX looks pretty darn amazing and really stands apart from the yawn-inducing styling of its competitors, like the Acura RDX. Not only is this the first turbocharged gas-powered Lexus, but it’s also the only non-hybrid they sell with a 4-cylinder engine. If you look under the hood of parent company’s Scion FR-S you’ll see some similarities – same displacement, same bore, same Toyota fuel system – but the NX gets a boost from a twin scroll turbocharger providing a smooth and energetic 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Working that output is an all-new 6-speed automatic devised with an artificial intelligence system to maximize spirited driving. Gas mileage on premium is rated at 22mpg city/28mpg highway.My tester is a front wheel drive model and with the turbo's kick it can be difficult to get the tires to dig in. Which is why I'd give the AWD model a long hard look, especially where I live. There's an undeniable spirit of performance in this machine and as such the ride is fairly stiff on these optional 18" wheels. These incredibly comfortable and supportive seats help take the edge off though. Sized just right with a gotta’ go nature and attractive cabin, driving the NX is definitely not just another trip to the grocery store.For those in search of greater performance, an F SPORT model adds a host of mechanical and aesthetic upgrades to satisfy. Acceleration is lively here, particularly in Sport mode, producing a 0-to-60mph time of 7.2 seconds. Eco and normal mode can also be dialed in.This NX is a prototype so production models may vary slightly, but this interior really speaks to me in terms of its comfort, modern style and richness of features. Optional equipment on this NX includes navigation, a pre-collision system, blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, intuitive parking assist and the Premium Package with heated and ventilated front seats and moon roof. Lexus has replaced the old mouse system with something they're calling the Remote Touch Interface or RTI. It certainly has a more modern appearance but that doesn't make it any easier to use.Shockingly, Lexus didn’t take this opportunity to replace the 80s era sound effects used in this system. A host of free and subscription-based apps and services is available.There are currently over 600 Xi compatible devices that you could wirelessly charge right here in the NX. The iPhone isn't one of them so I can't comment on its effectiveness. If you add a special case, you can use this cord-free system with iPhone. On the other hand, Siri Eyes Free Mode is here allowing drivers to safely connect with their iPhone 4S or later.Rear seat room with reclining seatbacks is almost as generous as that in the RX, just don’t forget to duck your head with the low roofline while cargo space fits the bill. The NX doesn’t provide remote levers for dropping the seats and has the slowest power hatch ever but there is some underfloor storage. Though exact pricing on this model isn’t available at press time, I’d guess you’re looking at an NX priced in the low $40ks ; destined to be a bona fide hit for Lexus.

My first go around in the all-new Lexus NX made me a believer in both its daring styling and its excellent small SUV drivability. And because this is Lexus we're talking about there just had to be a hybrid variant, right?  Well here it is, with over 30mpg, all-wheel drive and luxury to the nines.Let’s get the bad news out of the way first. If you build a Lexus NX 200t AWD – the one with just the gas engine – exactly as this 300h AWD is configured, it’ll cost $5,300 less. Based on EPA estimates, this hybrid saves the average driver $600/year in fuel costs or $3,000 over 5 years. Though very good, the hybrid isn’t as smooth or nearly as fast and loses a tiny bit of cargo room. Its only real advantages are the extended driving range of 474 miles and its reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. All that being said, if a hybrid SUV is what you want the NX will delight.The NX is one of if not my very favorite Lexus model. Why?  Because it does exactly what a small luxury ‘ute should...it's fun to drive, nimble, styled aggressively and wraps you in Lexus level comfort. Eco, normal and sport modes give you flexibility, the ride quality exudes sophistication and even this hybrid brings an athletic nature with well-honed driver controls. If you're interested in the hybrid, know that it stays very true to the original.A 2.5-liter 4-cylinder running on the hybrid-friendly Atkinson cycle, which delays the closing of the intake valves, works in conjunction with a trifecta of electric motor generators, one of which is dedicated to turning the rear wheels, to produce 194 total system horsepower. Lexus still uses nickel metal hydride batteries, not lithium-ion, and splits the pack into 2 and places them under the outboard rear seats. This impinges less on cargo room and lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity.Lexus worked hard at bypassing the unpleasant sounds and sensations of the electronic CVT by engineering a new transmission that includes a kick-down mode attempting to mimic a traditional automatic providing a power surge from the hybrid system for a sportier feel.It still moans a bit on its way to a 0-to-60mph time of 9.1-seconds, but it’s one of those cars that always feels quicker than it really is. I never complained about a lack of oomph. And when all was said and done with a fair amount of Sport mode driving mixed in, I averaged 30mpg on regular gas.Sized just right with living room comfy front seats, the NX Hybrid provides the same quiet and luxurious space that makes you want to go for a drive as in the 200t. It's full of today's tech too, but this mouse like control for the big screen is a not so likable distraction. And if I have but one complaint about the NX is general, it is this. There are so many ways this could be made easier to use plus I hate that bonging sound. It’s a cumbersome system aggravating enough to make me think long and hard about whether or not I could deal with it as an owner. Otherwise, the $4,665 Luxury Package invites in supple leather seats, attractive black shadow wood trim, these sweet looking LED daytime running lights and LED low beam, headlights and plenty of other luxury goodies that make the cabin such a comfortable, quiet and accommodating place. This Qi wireless phone charger is optional too but doesn’t work with my iPhone. Duck your head when getting in because the roofline is low, but the rear seats recline to bring adult-friendly seating for an additional 2. In this obsidian paint, the NX is particularly handsome and it always drew very favorable reviews from onlookers and passengers alike. The $50,803 MSRP always caused eyebrows to rise but there’s no doubting that Lexus has done the NX right and though I can’t really make a case for the hybrid, if it’s a hybrid you’re after, you won’t be disappointed with the 300h.