2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport Review

The luxury compact SUV market in Malaysia has always been competitive, especially among middle-class families and young buyers who value design, features, and brand appeal. With its sporty tuning and Lexus’s signature sense of luxury, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport has become a solid option for many consumers. As an editor who has followed this niche market for a long time, my main objective during this test drive was to determine whether its sporty performance lives up to the name, as well as to see if its luxury features and interior space meet the needs of local users in daily use.

At first glance, the NX 300 F Sport immediately distinguishes itself from the standard version. The front fascia adopts Lexus’s signature spindle-shaped grille, with the F Sport version incorporating a blacked-out honeycomb mesh. Paired with the sharp LED headlights on either side, the overall visual impact is significantly stronger. The body profile features smooth lines, with a waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, preventing the side view from appearing bulky. The 18-inch alloy wheels with a multi-spoke design further enhance its sporty atmosphere. At the rear, the blacked-out LED taillights echo the front design, while the dual exhaust outlets clearly highlight its performance-oriented nature. These details combine to give the vehicle not only the refinement of a luxury SUV but also an added touch of dynamism compared to competitors in the same segment.

Inside, the exclusive features of the F Sport version are equally apparent. The steering wheel adopts a sporty design, with well-positioned multifunction buttons on both sides, providing a solid grip, and comes standard with paddle shifters. The seats are exclusive to the F Sport version, featuring a mix of leather and Alcantara materials with good wrap-around support. Both front seats are electrically adjustable, allowing drivers to quickly find a comfortable driving position. The center console is neatly and cleanly arranged, with an 8-inch touchscreen that responds smoothly; while not particularly large, it is sufficient for everyday operations. In terms of materials, most surfaces in the cabin are wrapped in soft-touch materials, complemented by metal trim, providing a level of luxury that aligns with Lexus's brand positioning. As for features, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, and a 220V power outlet are included, while the rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split manner. The trunk offers a capacity of 500 liters, which is adequate for accommodating several suitcases or a baby stroller, making it practical enough for family users.

Under the hood, the NX 300 F Sport is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged engine that delivers a maximum of 238PS and peaks at 4000rpm – placing it among the upper-middle range of 2.0T models in its segment. During actual driving, the power response in the initial acceleration phase is quite lively. A light press on the accelerator can produce a noticeable surge, especially in Sport mode. In this mode, the transmission's shift logic becomes more aggressive, with faster downshifts, making overtaking feel very confident. For daily commuting, the standard mode is sufficient, as the power output remains smooth without abrupt jolts. In terms of handling, the steering feels precise with minimal play. The vehicle controls body roll well during cornering, thanks to the firmer suspension tuning on the F Sport version. However, this stiffer suspension comes at a cost, as vibrations are more directly felt when going over speed bumps or uneven roads. While it does not significantly compromise comfort, it is indeed sportier compared to the standard version.

During the test drive, I focused on evaluating its fuel consumption performance. The official combined fuel consumption is 8.19L/100km. In actual urban congested road conditions, the fuel consumption is around 9.5L, while on highways it can drop to about 7.8L. For a vehicle weighing 1.86 tons, this performance is considered average. The performance of the all-wheel-drive system is also worth mentioning. Although the NX 300 F Sport is not a model primarily designed for off-road, when encountering slippery roads or light off-road conditions, the AWD system can quickly distribute power to ensure vehicle stability. In terms of noise control, wind noise and tire noise are not significant during high-speed driving. Engine noise becomes slightly noticeable during sudden accelerations, but overall, it remains within an acceptable range.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport are very clear: First, its sporty appearance and tuning provide more driving pleasure compared to compact SUVs in the same segment from BBA. Second, it comes fully equipped with features like lane departure warning, active braking, and 8 airbags as standard safety features, along with well-maintained luxury configurations. Third, Lexus’s brand reputation and 5-year unlimited mileage warranty are very appealing to users who emphasize reliability. Compared with same-segment models like the Mercedes GLC 200 or BMW X3 25i, the NX 300 F Sport offers better power parameters, more comprehensive configurations, and a relatively more affordable price.

The target audience for this vehicle is likely to be family users who want both the prestige of a luxury brand and enjoy occasional driving fun. For daily commuting, it is sufficiently comfortable and practical, while on weekend hill drives or short trips, its sporty tuning can bring some delightful surprises. If you are completely focused on comfort, the standard NX 300 might be more suitable. However, if you’re looking for a "luxury sport SUV that can be used for both family needs and fun driving," then the NX 300 F Sport is indeed a good choice.

In conclusion, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport is a "balanced yet sporty" luxury compact SUV. It has no significant shortcomings, and the combination of sporty performance and luxurious features is handled very well. Coupled with Lexus’s reliability assurance, it is a highly competitive contender in the Malaysian market.