2017 Lexus Nx 200T Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
What’s New for 2017
This year, the 2017 Lexus NX 200T gets a Scout GPS application as a standard feature. The front-wheel drive option is standard and All-wheel drive is now optional. Purchasers can now opt for 18 inch wheels and a few more exterior colors. Other than these minor things, the base model is basically the same as last year's model.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Lexus Nx 200T – The Pros
1. Quality Cabin Construction
All of the cabin materials look and feel of the highest quality. Lexus is known for luxury designs and it is on full display here. There is a classic, analog clock, wood trim, alternate stitching in the seats and numerous other classy details.
2. Quiet Engine
The standard model comes with a 4-cylinder, 2.0 liter, turbo-charged engine. The engine has a respectable amount of power and feels comparable to a bigger, V-6. The engine is so smooth and quiet, that you can hardly tell when the car is running. This is a testament to Lexus' quality engineering.
3. High-Tech Features
The 2017 Lexus NX 200T has a number of great standard and optional features. You can select a power operated, rear-folding seat. This makes switching the vehicle from a family transporter to cargo hauler, fast and easy. A rear-view camera and sensors are just a few of the safety features. There is even a warning system for when you get outside of your lane. Heated mirrors, seats and steering wheels are also available.
4. Spacious Back Seat Area
The rear of the vehicle is spacious enough to transport your family in comfort. Cargo space is somewhat limited, but the dimensions make riding in the Lexus a pleasure for passengers.
5. Spacious Up Front
The cabin area is just as spacious and comfortable as the rear seats. There is plenty of head and leg room for a comfortable ride. Entering and exiting the vehicle is also natural and comfortable.
6. Hybrid Fuel Economy
One option for the 2017 Lexus NX 200T is an in-line, 4-cylinder, hybrid engine. This is paired with two electric motors for a rating of 33 mpg. This is the best mpg rating of any option or trim level, but it's not the best performer when it comes to acceleration, torque or horse power.
7. Unique Styling
The exterior styling of the 2017 Lexus NX 200T is one thing that really sets it apart from the competition. The exterior has a sharp, sporty design that you normally don't see in this category of vehicles.
8. Turbo Acceleration
Turbo acceleration comes standard with the base-model engine. This is a great feature that provides more pep and power for the 2017 Lexus NX 200T. The engine puts out a respectable 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The car can reach 60 mph in just around 7 seconds.
9. Smooth Handling And Driving
This is another category that puts the 2017 Lexus NX 200T ahead of the pack. The driving performance is just shy of sporty, but it does feel like a luxury vehicle. The suspension system easily takes care of any bumps along the road. Body motions are controlled well. The vehicle always feels stable around tight corners and turns.
10. Good Performance
The 235 hp base engine provides good and reliable performance. The EPA fuel-economy rating is 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 25 mpg. The all-wheel drive model gets slightly less at 24 mpg, while the hybrid gets 33 mpg. All choices are good for an SUV in this category.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Lexus Nx 200T – The Cons
1. Road Noise
The engine is nice and quiet, but the cabin does let in a lot of road noise. This is one area where the 2017 Lexus NX 200T does not do as well as the competition. A quiet ride is something many consumers expect in a luxury-SUV crossover vehicle.
2. Fuel Efficiency
The fuel efficiency is decent, but there are competitive vehicles that do better. This is especially true when one considers the size and weight of the vehicle. With a smaller SUV like the Lexus, one might expect a bit better fuel efficiency.
3. Remote Touch Interface
The infotainment controls are not the best when it comes to function or design. The overall design is not very intuitive or user friendly. Controls are downright fussy and not very enjoyable to use.
How It Stacks Up To The Competition
The main competition for the 2017 Lexus NX 200T is the Audi Q5, the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and the BMW X3. All are comparable in price, but the base Lexus model is a bit cheaper. The Lexus does not have as much cargo space as the competitors, but it does offer just as much space and comfort for passengers. If cargo hauling is what you need, you might want to choose on of these three models. If luxury and sharp looks matter most, then the Lexus wins. The hybrid-engine option on the Lexus makes it the best choice for environmentally-minded consumers.
Conclusion
The 2017 Lexus NX 200T has a great amount of features. It is a quality-built vehicle with comfort and luxury at the forefront of its design. The vehicle is perfect for those who need to transport passengers or large families around on a regular basis. There are a few negatives, but the pros outweigh them, making this an easy recommendation for purchase.
