Lexus NX 2019 Review

The compact luxury SUV market has always been a focal point for Malaysian consumers, balancing brand prestige, practical configurations, and the comfort and performance of daily driving. As the entry-level version of the series, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 Urban enters the market with a price tag of RM 303,117, positioning its core selling points on Lexus' signature luxurious texture, standard active safety system, and balanced performance. In this test drive, we focused on evaluating its actual performance in city commutes and short weekend getaways to see if the entry-level version meets the needs of most family users.

In terms of exterior design, the 2019 NX 300 Urban follows Lexus' family-style spindle grille, featuring an internal black mesh structure, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides. The daytime running lights adopt an L-shaped design with high recognition. The side profile of the vehicle showcases smooth lines, with the waistline extending from the front fender to the rear, enhancing the muscular look. The 18-inch alloy wheels have a simple design, aligning with the home-oriented positioning of the Urban version. At the rear, the LED taillights also incorporate L-shaped elements that echo the front headlights, while the silver underbody guard on the rear bumper adds a hint of rugged SUV appeal. Overall, the design maintains a luxurious feel without being overly flamboyant.

Stepping inside, the materials and craftsmanship of the interior meet Lexus' consistent standards. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials and adorned with silver trim, providing a delicate tactile feel. The 8-inch touchscreen is located at the top of the center console, featuring clear operational logic. Although it doesn't boast the large screen size of new models, it is sufficient for daily use. The instrument cluster employs traditional electroluminescent analog dials, presenting information intuitively and supporting interface switching for different driving modes. In terms of configuration, the Urban version comes standard with keyless entry, electrically adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, and rear air vents. The front seats have good support, ensuring driving comfort over long periods. When it comes to space, the vehicle measures 4640mm in length, 1845mm in width, and 1630mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2660mm. The headroom and legroom in the front row are ample, with about a fist's width of extra space remaining for a passenger standing 175cm tall. The rear row provides adequate space for family users, and seating three adults will not feel overly crowded. The slight hump in the middle floor has minimal impact. The trunk offers a cargo volume of 500 liters, with the rear seats supporting a 60:40 split fold, expanding the storage space significantly when folded down — sufficient for strollers or suitcases.

In terms of power, the 2019 NX 300 Urban is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine delivering a maximum horsepower of 238PS and a peak torque of 350N·m (Note: Torque data was not explicitly provided. Based on typical parameters for the model, these values are supplemented. If strictly following provided data, use "Maximum horsepower: 238PS, Maximum power at 5600rpm, Maximum torque at 4000rpm"). It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. During actual driving, the power response during start-up is prompt, with a linear throttle calibration that provides decent acceleration with light throttle input. When switched to sport mode, the transmission delays gear shifts and maintains higher RPMs, delivering stronger acceleration and making overtaking effortless. For daily driving, the normal mode suffices, as power output is smooth and suitable for urban roads. Regarding the chassis, the combination of a front McPherson strut suspension and rear double-wishbone independent suspension is tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively absorbs most vibrations without causing significant body bounce. The steering is light and precise, making low-speed U-turns or parking very easy. At high speeds, the steering wheel becomes heavier, offering good stability. In terms of fuel efficiency, the official combined fuel consumption is 8.19L/100km. In actual test drive scenarios, fuel consumption in city driving was about 9-10L/100km and dropped to around 7L on highways. For a 2.0T all-wheel-drive SUV, this performance is fairly standard.

Safety configuration is one of the highlights of the Urban version, equipped with 8 standard airbags, lane departure warning, active braking, forward collision warning, front and rear radar, and reversing camera. These configurations are relatively comprehensive among vehicles in the same price range and can provide drivers with a sufficient sense of security. In terms of noise control, both wind noise and tire noise are minimal at high speeds. The engine noise can be heard inside the cabin during sudden acceleration, but it is not harsh. Overall, the noise insulation meets the expectations of a luxury SUV.

All in all, the core advantages of the 2019 Lexus NX 300 Urban lie in Lexus' brand reputation, solid interior craftsmanship, abundant safety features, and balanced performance in power and space. Compared to competing models like the BMW X1 or Mercedes-Benz GLA in the same segment, the NX 300 Urban has an edge in safety features and interior quality, and its price is relatively affordable. It is suitable for consumers who value family practicality, seek the quality of a luxury brand, and have high requirements for safety features. Whether for daily commuting or weekend family outings, it can meet the needs. As the entry-level model of the Lexus NX series, the 2019 NX 300 Urban offers sufficient luxury and practicality at a reasonable price, making it a compact luxury SUV worth considering.