2019 Lexus NX 300 Urban Review

The luxury compact SUV market is becoming increasingly competitive nowadays, with consumers pursuing both brand appeal and practical configurations with balanced performance. The 2019 Lexus NX 300 Urban is catered to meet such demands. As the main model for Lexus in this specific segment, its core selling points lie in its reliable quality control, comprehensive safety configurations, and balanced driving experience. Many are curious whether it can differentiate itself amidst the dominance of German competitors. In this test drive, we’ll comprehensively evaluate it from static design to its dynamic performance to see if it meets the expectations of Malaysian consumers for a luxury family SUV.

In terms of appearance, the 2019 NX 300 Urban continues Lexus's signature spindle-shaped grille, surrounded by chrome trims, giving it a high level of recognition. The dimensions are 4,640mm×1,845mm×1,630mm, with a wheelbase of 2,660mm. The side profile is compact and smooth, with slightly pronounced front and rear fenders adding a touch of strength. At the rear, the L-shaped LED taillights echo the headlamps, providing a distinct visual effect when lit. The silver skid plate below the rear bumper adds a robust SUV feel. The lighting system comes standard across the range with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and automatic headlights, and front fog lights are also included, balancing practicality and aesthetics.

Upon entering the cabin, the interior features Lexus's classic asymmetric central control layout, with a driver-oriented design for ease of operation. The upper part of the dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials and decorated with silver trims, aligning with the luxury brand's positioning. The multifunctional steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters, providing a comfortable grip. The instrument cluster adopts an Electroluminescent Analogue design, offering clear and intuitive display. The central control screen is an 8-inch touchscreen that operates smoothly, with some physical buttons retained below for convenient blind operation. In terms of configuration, the front seats support electric adjustment, the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split. Dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, a 220V/230V power outlet, and keyless entry/start functions all come as standard, ensuring daily convenience.

As for space performance, the 2,660mm wheelbase provides a notable advantage in the rear row. A passenger with a height of 175cm will still have approximately two fists of legroom and sufficient headroom, ensuring no sense of crowding. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 500 liters, which can be further expanded by folding down the rear seats, meeting the needs of family outings or transporting large items. The vehicle’s storage compartments are designed reasonably, with practical space in the front and rear door pockets, central armrest box, and front cup holders. Attention is also paid to the finer details.

For dynamic driving, the 2019 NX 300 Urban is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 238PS and peak torque at 4,000rpm. It is paired with an AT transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. During the initial acceleration phase, power response is keen, delivering a noticeable push-back feeling with a light press on the accelerator. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.1 seconds puts it in the middle to upper range of its class. Switching to Sport mode makes the transmission’s shift logic more aggressive, with faster downshifts, providing strong confidence when overtaking. Daily driving in Comfort mode results in smooth power delivery, which is well-suited for city commuting.

In terms of handling, the steering is precise with minimal play; it feels light at low speeds and stable at high speeds, giving the driver sufficient confidence. The suspension system uses a front MacPherson and rear double-wishbone independent suspension setup, which is tuned for comfort. It effectively filters out vibrations from urban road bumps and speed bumps, ensuring rear passengers do not feel significant jolts. While cornering, the body roll is kept within a reasonable range, and the all-wheel-drive system provides better traction with solid stability. The braking performance is commendable, with linear braking, sufficient braking force, and a stable body posture during emergency braking.

Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.19L/100km. During our actual test drive, urban road fuel consumption was about 9.5L/100km, while highway fuel consumption dropped to around 7.8L/100km. Overall, the performance meets expectations. Noise control is well-handled; under speeds of 100km/h, wind noise and tire noise are not noticeable, and the engine noise during rapid acceleration does enter the cabin but it is not harsh, maintaining a comfortable driving experience.

Safety features are a major highlight of the NX 300 Urban. Apart from 8 airbags (including knee airbags and rear passenger airbags), it comes standard with active safety systems like lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. It also includes front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera, offering comprehensive driving safety. The vehicle comes with a comprehensive 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, which is considered a generous policy for a luxury brand, giving consumers added peace of mind.

In summary, the core strength of the 2019 Lexus NX 300 Urban lies in its balance — reliable performance, comfortable ride, rich features, and comprehensive safety protection. Compared to German competitors in the same segment, it offers more complete configurations, better fuel efficiency, and Lexus's reputation for quality control and after-sales service, making it highly cost-effective.

This car is ideal for consumers who value family practicality and a sense of luxury. Whether for daily urban commuting or weekend getaways, it can easily handle the demands. If you are looking for a compact luxury SUV that is understated yet well-rounded, the 2019 NX 300 Urban is worth considering. It may not be the most aggressive choice, but it is definitely the most stable and considerate companion.