2019 Lexus NX 300 Premium Review

In recent years, the luxury compact SUV market in Malaysia has been heating up, with consumers pursuing both the sense of quality brought by brand ethos and practicality alongside rich configurations. The 2019 Lexus NX 300 Premium, as a popular option in this segment, focuses on balanced power performance, comprehensive safety features across all trims, and Lexus' iconic comfort-oriented tuning. The goal of this test drive is to verify whether it can meet the needs of users who value both sophistication and practicality in real-world scenarios.

First, let’s look at the exterior. The NX 300 Premium continues Lexus' family design language, with a style that balances sportiness and distinctiveness. The signature spindle-shaped grille at the front, paired with chrome trim, exudes presence without being overbearing. The sharply designed LED headlights on both sides naturally connect to the edges of the grille, and the automatic headlight feature responds promptly when entering or exiting tunnels. The side profile features smooth lines, with 18-inch tires paired with multi-spoke wheels, achieving a proportional balance. The chrome trim on the lower doors enhances the sense of refinement, and the keyless entry feature adds convenience to daily use. At the rear, the layered taillights adopt LED light sources, offering high visibility when lit at night. The hidden exhaust design under the rear bumper maintains the simplicity of the rear end, aligning with the aesthetics of a luxury brand.

Stepping inside, the interior materials and craftsmanship meet Lexus standards. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials and accented with wood-grain trim, offering a delicate texture. The 8-inch touchscreen atop the center console has a clear operational logic and responsive controls, while the physical buttons below are neatly arranged, allowing one-touch operation of air conditioning, audio, and other commonly used functions, avoiding the hassle of frequent touchscreen interactions. In terms of configurations, both the driver and front passenger seats are power-adjustable, providing moderate support and cushioning for long drives without fatigue. The rear seats support a 60:40 split fold, expanding the trunk space from 500 liters to an even larger capacity, making it easy to accommodate strollers or luggage. The rear is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and a 220V power outlet, meeting passengers’ charging needs on long trips. Standard ISO FIX child seat anchors also cater to the needs of families.

In terms of performance, the 2019 NX 300 Premium is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 238 PS and peak torque at 4000 rpm. It is paired with an AT transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During actual driving, the power response at start-up is brisk, with sufficient low-end torque, making it effortless to follow traffic in city congestion. When the accelerator is pressed harder, mid-to-high range acceleration remains strong, and gear shifts are smooth without noticeable jerks. Switching to sport mode enhances throttle sensitivity, keeps the revs in a higher range, and delivers more direct power output, ideal for scenarios where drivers want to enjoy a bit of driving excitement.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the steering wheel offers precise control with minimal play, feeling light at low speeds and stable at high speeds, in line with typical SUV tuning characteristics. The combination of MacPherson struts at the front and double-wishbone independent suspension at the rear provides comprehensive absorption of road bumps. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the body movement remains minimal, ensuring comfort. Entering corners, the suspension offers sufficient support, controlling body roll within a reasonable range. With the added assistance of the all-wheel-drive system, cornering stability is commendable. Daily drives prioritize comfort, but the car can also handle occasional spirited driving.

The fuel consumption performance meets expectations, with a city congested section fuel consumption of about 10L per 100 km, dropping to about 7.5L per 100 km during highway cruising. The combined fuel consumption can basically be controlled around the official figure of 8.19L/100km. For a 2.0T all-wheel-drive model, this result is above average within the same class. In terms of safety configurations, the vehicle comes standard with 8 airbags, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, active braking, and other functions. During the test drive, the lane departure warning system provided timely alerts when changing lanes without signaling, and the active braking system responded sensitively when encountering obstacles ahead, further improving driving safety.

Looking into driving and riding comfort, the cabin noise control was well-executed. Wind and tire noise were barely noticeable during high-speed driving, and engine noise only slightly transmitted into the cabin when the accelerator was deeply pressed. The seat padding is soft yet provides sufficient support, preventing fatigue during long trips. The rain-sensing wipers can automatically adjust their speed according to the amount of rainfall, making them highly convenient to use. The trunk offers a regular capacity of 500L, which is sufficient for daily home use, with the rear seats foldable to create more space when needed, maximizing practicality.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2019 Lexus NX 300 Premium lies in its balance — its power is adequate for daily usage, safety features are standard across the range, its comfort aligns with a luxury brand positioning, and its space practicality meets family needs. Compared to competitors in the same class, its safety features stand out as a highlight, with almost no significant shortcomings. Although the 8-inch center screen is not large by today's standards, its clear operation logic makes daily use stress-free. It is suitable for users who value brand quality, prioritize safety and comfort, and also need a vehicle that caters to family practicality, such as professionals aged 30-45 or families with a certain level of purchasing power.

In summary, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 Premium is a luxury compact SUV with "no obvious weaknesses." It may not have a particularly outstanding single advantage, but its balanced performance is sufficient to meet the needs of most users, making it a solid choice for those seeking "stability" and "quality."