In a world where compact luxury SUV’s are familiar and competition is stiff, it is hard to stand out among the crowd. The five passenger 2016 Lexus NX200t does just that. It has not changed in appearance, it still looks aggressive and is still one of the top choices for family SUVs.
If you can overlook cargo capacity which is slightly lacking (54.6 cubic feet of total volume) you will love the rest of the interior of the NX200t. The interior isn’t as dramatic as the exterior but it cannot be overlooked. There is bountiful room in the backseat. It is a combination of sporty and comfortable with deluxe materials throughout.
Lexus paid attention to details with wood trim, the ever sophisticated analog clock and stitching that is elegant and artistic.Standard technology features include a 7-inch display, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, Siri Eyes Free voice controls for iPhones, eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio, a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack. Lexus Enform Service Connect is also standard. This is a service that you can use through your smartphone to provide maintenance alerts and status reports.
There are several packages to choose from: The NX200t F Sport, the Comfort package, the Premium package, or the Navigation package. Let’s begin with standard equipment: 17-inch alloy wheels, LED foglight and running lights, automatic LED headlights, LED brake lights, cruise control, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather wrapped tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, eight-way power front seats, “NuLuxe” premium vinyl upholstery, a 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seat, auto-dimming mirror and a cargo cover.
The NX200t F Sport package that I was fortunate enough to drive around this past week included 18-inch wheels and a sport-tuned suspension, paddle shifters, and a unique interior trim. The Navigation package includes the navi system, two additional speakers, voice controls, smartphone integrated apps, and adds a Remote Touch electronics interface. The Comfort package adds a power-adjustable steering wheel, and driver memory functions while the Premium package includes the Comfort items plus 18-inch wheels, auto-dimming exterior mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats and a sunroof.
Now if you want real luxury, opt for the Luxury package and receive a power liftgate, leather upholstery, automatic wipers, wood trim and a heated steering wheel. There are stand alone options as well, such as a towing package, advanced safety systems, and front and rear parking sensors.
I rode around in the comfortable “Mommy Package” this week. No zero to sixty, though I am told that it goes from zero-60 in 7 seconds. Just in case you needed to know. That being said, the Lexus NX200t is quiet and enjoyable, riding flawlessly through bumps and bends. I did love the sport-tuned suspension on the F Sport package.
Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine the Lexus NX200t produces 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Front wheel drive is standard but All-wheel drive is an option. Fuel economy is 22/city and 28/highway. Though compact, the Lexus NX200t is mighty and powerful.
As for “Mommy Features,” that we consider of utmost importance, the NX has these optional features: blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-departure warning system and a frontal collision mitigation system that warns of a possible collision. Standard safety features includes antilock brakes, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag and a front passenger cushion airbag, traction and stability control, a rearview camera and the Lexus Enform Safety Connect telematics which include automatic crash notifications, emergency assist button and stolen-vehicle location.
The 2016 Lexus NX200t has a lot to offer at a beginning price of $34,965.
