Shopping for a 2025 Lexus NX? Here's What Experts Say You Should Look at Too

Miami Herald

26-04-2025

The Lexus NX crossover SUV has remained popular since its 2014 (2015 model year) launch, with trademark attributes like a compact size, comfortable ride, and varied powertrains. The 2025 Lexus NX comes in six trims for its internal combustion engine (ICE) model and five trims for its hybrid version, which includes traditional and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrains. The 2025 NX ICE variants start at $42,140 and go up to a base price of $50,510, while the hybrid options begin at $46,600 and cap their starting costs at $63,505.
You'll get 203 horsepower with an NX250, 275 horsepower with the NX350, 240 net combined horsepower with the NX350h (hybrid), and 304 net combined horsepower with an NX450h+ PHEV. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on each trim except the NX250 and NX250 Premium, and fuel economy is competitive at between 24 and 39 combined MPG. New additions for the 2025 model year consist of minor updates like a Copper Crest finish, Macadamia interior color, wireless charging compatibility on any trim, and new standard features such as rain-sensing wipers and a power liftgate. While the 2025 Lexus NX is more conservative in its styling than the brand's RX, LX, and RZ, its upscale presence and comfort help compensate for a somewhat vanilla design. However, a few expert-recommended competitors are worth evaluating before scheduling your NX test drive, which we'll explore below.
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is a compact SUV rivaling the Lexus NX with comfortable seats, a smooth ride, and a slightly larger advanced infotainment system that's available at a nearly equivalent base price of $43,000. This Mercedes-Benz is less versatile in its powertrain offerings than the NX, with a mild-hybrid system and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 221 horsepower across its two front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD models. Fuel economy peaks at 29 combined MPG, and the AWD version starts at $45,000.
The GLA 250's exterior styling is more aggressive than the Lexus NX, which matches its sportier handling. You'll get more cargo space behind the rear row with the Lexus NX at 22.7 cu. ft. compared to the GLA 250's 19 cu. ft. that grows by 3.6 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded. Regarding warranties, the NX gives drivers 4 years or 50,000 miles of basic coverage, whichever comes first, and 6 years or 70,000 miles of powertrain protection, just edging out the GLA 250's 4-year/50,000-mile basic and powertrain warranties.
Both competitors' seats are well-received regarding comfort, but those prioritizing legroom and hip room for rear passengers will find slightly more space with the GLA 250. While the 2025 GLA 250's standard infotainment display is 0.45 inches larger at 10.25 inches, you can opt for the NX's larger available 14-inch touchscreen. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) hasn't yet evaluated the 2025 GLA 250, but they named the 2025 NX a Top Safety Pick, so buyers focusing on safety may feel more secure with the Lexus.
Acura's 2025 RDX holds a slightly higher base price than Lexus' NX at $44,700-with the peak trim level starting at $54,450. This model also doesn't offer any hybrid powertrains, unlike its Lexus NX counterpart, and horsepower is consistent across the board at 272. Still, each trim provides standard AWD, which is optional in the NX 250. You'll get worse fuel economy in the 2025 RDX at a combined 23 MPG, but this Acura handily beats its Lexus competitor in rear cargo space with 6.8 additional cu. ft. when the rear seats are folded, along with comfort specs like more front headroom, front/rear legroom, and front/rear shoulder room.
You'll have to opt for a more expensive RDX trim like the Advance Package or A-Spec Advance Package to get a higher-end cabin, though, as ventilated front seats aren't in the first two trims, and neither are heated rear outboard seats in the first three grades. Both models are equally competitive in safety, each earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.
While the RDX has a larger 10.2-inch standard infotainment display compared to the NX's 9.8-inch display, it doesn't offer an optional upgrade like the NX's available 14" touchscreen, and its infotainment touchpad can be unreliable-a feature that its Lexus rival doesn't have. You'll find more horsepower in the NX's peak NX450h+ at 304 combined, but the RDX is more of a premium sport crossover than the Lexus with its athletic performance. Both competitors offer 4-year/50,000-mile basic and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranties.
The 2025 Volvo XC40 is a comparable compact SUV with the most competitive base price on this list at $40,650, and its peak trim reaching a starting MSRP of $50,595. The middle trim starts at $46,795. Each grade, Core, Plus, and Ultra, is powered by a mild-hybrid system producing 247 horsepower and a combined fuel economy of up to 26 MPG, which lags a bit behind the NX, but all XC40 variants come with standard AWD. The XC40 and the NX are relatively neck-and-neck regarding interior dimensions, but the XC40 takes a slight lead with better front/rear headroom, front/rear shoulder room, and cargo volume with the seats down. Volvo's XC40 doesn't match the NX in central touchscreen sizes with a single 9" display, and it didn't earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. Its powertrain warranty is also two years shorter and covers 20,000 fewer miles than the NX's. You'll get a more composed ride with the NX but lighter steering in the XC40.
While the NX is a respectable competitor in the compact SUV segment, its neutral leanings in design and driving dynamics draw more attention to competitors. The GLA 250 has a sportier exterior that reflects its driving dynamics, but the RDX holds the advantage in curb appeal with its style that's more dynamic than the NX with its line placements. The RDX's powertrain has greater responsiveness, which I prioritize for daily drives, and its interior offers eye-catching red/black upholstery patterns like the NX. I'm somewhat ambivalent toward the XC40's exterior since it's what I've come to expect from Volvo, and you'll get more horsepower and cargo space from an RDX.
The 2025 Lexus NX remains a quality choice with its competitive entry price and versatile lineup, but I'd prefer to buy an RDX, even if this Acura has downsides like a touchpad known for being unreliable and lower fuel economy. You'll have to opt for a pricier NX350h that's over $4,000 more than the base model to receive the peak combined fuel economy rating of 38 MPG, and this Lexus's milquetoast exterior is an accurate reflection of its driving dynamics.
You'll also get more front-seat comfort with an RDX thanks to the model's 12- or 16-way power-adjustable seats with lumbar, thigh, and side bolster adjusters. If you're prioritizing a more comprehensive trim lineup and higher-quality interior finishes, the NX may better suit your driving needs. Regardless, you should test-drive every model from this list if possible before committing one way or the other.
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