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2020 Lexus NX 300 F Sport AWD: ‘Experience amazing’
Published 1:30 am Friday, October 11, 2019
When it comes to upscale compact SUVs, it’s hard to do better than the 2020 Lexus NX 300 F Sport AWD.
There are not many changes for this model year, but that’s no cause for disappointment. The Lexus marketing slogan is “Experience amazing,” and that’s exactly what this intrepid reviewer did.
The NX 300 F Sport is powered by a 2.0-liter, turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. This dynamic duo generates 235 horsepower, and accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds. It also manages to eke out 28 miles per gallon down the highway fuel efficiency, as estimated by the EPA.
All-wheel drive provides the versatility Northwesterners look for – especially when the weather takes a turn for the worse – which has happened with more frequency as of late. The NX monitors vehicle and road conditions and can deliver up to 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels when needed.
It even came with a new Cadmium Orange coat of enamel, which reminded me of autumn.
F Sport ups the ante, providing gearheads with exclusive performance data including a G-force meter and turbo-boost gauge. The display in the gauge cluster also offers multimedia linkage so the driver can view incoming calls, current song titles and more at a glance.
Other F Sport features include a sport-tuned suspension, sport S+ driving mode, metallic sport trim, heated steering wheel, cornering front fog and driving headlights, black heated outside mirrors, aluminum pedals and 18-inch F Sport wheels.
The NX 300 F Sport accommodates up to five adults in abject comfort, and the cargo area is generous enough to hold golf clubs and other assorted gear. And it can be quickly and easily expanded by lowering the split/fold rear seats.
When it comes to technology, this Lexus is virtually impossible to beat. A 10.3-inch, high-resolution multimedia screen displays the navigation system that includes up-to-date traffic and weather. There’s Apple CarPlay, Lexus Enform Wi-Fi, a 10-speaker premium audio system, and apps like Amazon Alexa that allow you to listen to audiobooks, stream music, make lists, get news briefings and more.
Other goodies include Bluetooth, dynamic voice command, HomeLink, and a SmartAccess key fob that lets you lock and unlock your doors and start the pushbutton ignition – all without taking the keys out of your pocket – or purse.
Creature comforts included heated and ventilated power leather front seats, power folding and reclining rear seats, power rear door with kick sensor, electrochromic auto dimming rear view mirror, dynamic radar cruise control and an expansive moon roof.
Safety features are normally taken for granted – they shouldn’t. Lexus provides a suite that includes lane-tracing assist, road-sign assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, steering-wheel assist and intelligent high-beam headlights.
I’m telling you, Lexus makes it virtually impossible to screw up.
Base Price: $41,385
Price As Driven: $52,217
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.