Lexus NX vs. Competitors
Overview
Crossovers are some of the most in-demand vehicles right now, with a special level of competition among the luxury sector. Many buyers are happy to pay more to get the best technology and comfort features the industry has to offer, but they still have to decide which model suits their needs best. Consider the 2020 Lexus NX as an example. With its dramatic and stylish exterior, advanced features, and supreme comfort, it certainly stands out in its segment – and it’s not outlandishly expensive, either. Of course, the 2020 Lexus NX isn’t without its competition. Its close rivals include the Acura RDX, Infinity QX50, and Jaguar E-Pace, but as you’ll see below, it’s able to stand out from those models in more ways than one.
Lexus Safety System+ 2.0
The Lexus brand’s comprehensive and safety system is now standard for the 2020 NX. This suite of active driver aids includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and intelligent high beams.
Although those aforementioned competing manufacturers put standard active driver aids on their base models as well, there are shortcomings among them. The Acura RDX lacks road sign assist, which displays speed limit information in addition to “reading” other signs you might have missed while driving, and there’s no pedestrian detection technology included with its collision mitigation system. The Infiniti QX50 has standard lane departure warning but lacks the prevention component and omits lane tracing assist, road sign assist, and adaptive high beams. The Jaguar E-Pace isn’t off the hook either, as you won’t be able to find steering assist, lane tracing assist, or intelligent high beams on it at any level. Road sign assist, which Jaguar calls traffic sign recognition, is standard on the second trim level, and dynamic radar cruise control is only available through an optional package.
High Performance & Fuel Economy
While the vehicles compared here are all similar in their rated fuel economy, there’s one thing the 2020 Lexus NX offers that the others don’t: an available hybrid powertrain. If you’re looking for a luxury crossover that helps you lower your carbon footprint, the hybrid version of the 2020 Lexus NX is one to strongly consider. With this gas-electric version’s 33 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, it beats the other rivals’ fuel returns with their strictly gas-powered engines, so if your focus is to optimize fuel efficiency, you’ll have that option with the 2020 Lexus NX.
For drivers who truly enjoy driving and want to feel as one with their vehicle, the F Sport version of the 2020 Lexus NX provides that daily experience. Its sport-oriented features include a sport-tuned suspension, sport front seats with enhanced bolsters, G-force and turbo-boost displays, paddle shifters, metallic sport interior trim, aluminum pedals, and F Sport badging. Neither the RDX nor the QX50 offers such a sporty alternative. While the E-Pace provides a strapping R-Dynamic trim level, its starting MSRP is a bit more: $46,600 compared to the F Sport’s $39,110.