Some minor problems of 2022 Lexus NX, According to Consumer Reports

The redesigned NX looks similar to the previous model, but beneath the surface, there’s a quicker, more fuel-efficient, and swankier vehicle. It’s a pleasant all-around small luxury SUV, even though Lexus still hasn’t managed to capture the engaging driving experience nor the strong road-test scores of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, two main rivals.

We tested both a conventional gas-only NX350 AWD with a turbocharged four-cylinder mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the NX350h AWD, which combines a four-cylinder engine with electric drive matched to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT).

Not only does the hybrid deliver a dramatic improvement in fuel economy—38 mpg overall vs. 25 mpg overall—but it feels more refined during normal, non-sporty driving. On balance, the NX hybrid is the better choice.

Visibility problems due to small windows in the Lexus NX

Another big issue with the NX has to do with its visibility. In this regard, frontal visibility is fine, but rear and side visibility are not fine due to how the SUV was designed. This mostly has to do with the small windows that Lexus gave the NX. There are also thick roof pillars that create blind spots regarding rearview visibility.

Long stopping distance for the hybrid Lexus NX models

One of the Lexus SUV’s most significant issues is its brakes. That said, this is only true for the hybrid options of the luxury SUV. The gas-powered options outperform the hybrids in this regard, which is backed up by the test results. 

According to Consumer Reports, a gas-powered NX needs 127 feet to come to a complete stop on dry roads when travelling at 60 mph and 138 feet when on a wet road. The hybrid NX, meanwhile, needs 138 feet on a dry road and 152 feet on a wet road. That’s a difference of 11 feet and 14 feet, respectively. 

Touchy and spongy brake pedal for the hybrid models

Another issue with the hybrid NX’s brakes is how it feels to use. The brakes did not feel good to use at low and high speeds. The brakes feel touchy to use at low speeds, even in parking lots. 

On the other hand, the brakes feel spongy to use at high speeds. It delivers what Consumer Reports called a “non-linear” sensation. This means that when drivers first put their foot down on the brakes, it feels as if the brakes are hardly doing anything. This may cause drivers to push their foot down further, and the Lexus delivers much more braking force than the driver expected. 

Annoying to use and find electronic door releases

According to Consumer Reports, one of the big problems with the NX has to do with its electronic door releases. On the outside, there’s a button behind the door handle that opens the door, and there’s a slight and mildly annoying delay between pressing the button and when you can open the door.

The interior electronic door releases can also be hard to find at night. These issues are annoying, and owners will eventually get used to them. However, they can still be problematic for anyone who gets into the Lexus SUV for the first time.