Lexus’s NX stays constant in its consolation and general design for 2025
The Lexus NX crossover SUV has remained in style since its 2014 (2015 mannequin yr) launch, with trademark attributes like a compact dimension, snug experience, and diverse powertrains. The 2025 Lexus NX is available in six trims for its inner combustion engine (ICE) mannequin and 5 trims for its hybrid model, which incorporates conventional and plug-in hybrid electrical car (PHEV) powertrains. The 2025 NX ICE variants begin at $42,140 and go as much as a base worth of $50,510, whereas the hybrid choices start at $46,600 and cap their beginning prices at $63,505.
You’ll get 203 horsepower with an NX250, 275 horsepower with the NX350, 240 web mixed horsepower with the NX350h (hybrid), and 304 web mixed horsepower with an NX450h+ PHEV. All-wheel drive (AWD) is commonplace on every trim besides the NX250 and NX250 Premium, and gas financial system is aggressive at between 24 and 39 mixed MPG. New additions for the 2025 mannequin yr encompass minor updates like a Copper Crest end, Macadamia inside shade, wi-fi charging compatibility on any trim, and new commonplace options resembling rain-sensing wipers and an influence liftgate. Whereas the 2025 Lexus NX is extra conservative in its styling than the model’s RX, LX, and RZ, its upscale presence and luxury assist compensate for a considerably vanilla design. Nevertheless, a couple of expert-recommended opponents are value evaluating earlier than scheduling your NX check drive, which we’ll discover beneath.
Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 is a compact SUV rivaling the Lexus NX with snug seats, a easy experience, and a barely bigger superior infotainment system that’s out there at a virtually equal base worth of $43,000. This Mercedes-Benz is much less versatile in its powertrain choices than the NX, with a mild-hybrid system and a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 221 horsepower throughout its two front-wheel drive (FWD) and AWD fashions. Gasoline financial system peaks at 29 mixed MPG, and the AWD model begins at $45,000.
The GLA 250’s exterior styling is extra aggressive than the Lexus NX, which matches its sportier dealing with. You’ll get extra cargo area behind the rear row with the Lexus NX at 22.7 cu. ft. in comparison with the GLA 250’s 19 cu. ft. that grows by 3.6 cu. ft. with the rear seats folded. Concerning warranties, the NX provides drivers 4 years or 50,000 miles of fundamental protection, whichever comes first, and 6 years or 70,000 miles of powertrain safety, simply edging out the GLA 250’s 4-year/50,000-mile fundamental and powertrain warranties.
Each opponents’ seats are well-received relating to consolation, however these prioritizing legroom and hip room for rear passengers will discover barely extra space with the GLA 250. Whereas the 2025 GLA 250’s commonplace infotainment show is 0.45 inches bigger at 10.25 inches, you may go for the NX’s bigger out there 14-inch touchscreen. The IIHS (Insurance coverage Institute for Freeway Security) hasn’t but evaluated the 2025 GLA 250, however they named the 2025 NX a High Security Decide, so consumers specializing in security might really feel safer with the Lexus.
Acura RDX
Acura’s 2025 RDX holds a barely larger base worth than Lexus’ NX at $44,700—with the height trim stage beginning at $54,450. This mannequin additionally doesn’t provide any hybrid powertrains, not like its Lexus NX counterpart, and horsepower is constant throughout the board at 272. Nonetheless, every trim gives commonplace AWD, which is non-obligatory within the NX 250. You’ll worsen gas financial system within the 2025 RDX at a mixed 23 MPG, however this Acura handily beats its Lexus competitor in rear cargo area with 6.8 extra cu. ft. when the rear seats are folded, together with consolation specs like extra entrance headroom, entrance/rear legroom, and entrance/rear shoulder room.
You’ll need to go for a dearer RDX trim just like the Advance Package deal or A-Spec Advance Package deal to get a higher-end cabin, although, as ventilated entrance seats aren’t within the first two trims, and neither are heated rear outboard seats within the first three grades. Each fashions are equally aggressive in security, every incomes an IIHS High Security Decide designation.
Whereas the RDX has a bigger 10.2-inch commonplace infotainment show in comparison with the NX’s 9.8-inch show, it doesn’t provide an non-obligatory improve just like the NX’s out there 14” touchscreen, and its infotainment touchpad could be unreliable—a characteristic that its Lexus rival doesn’t have. You’ll discover extra horsepower within the NX’s peak NX450h+ at 304 mixed, however the RDX is extra of a premium sport crossover than the Lexus with its athletic efficiency. Each opponents provide 4-year/50,000-mile fundamental and 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranties.
Volvo XC40
The 2025 Volvo XC40 is a comparable compact SUV with essentially the most aggressive base worth on this checklist at $40,650, and its peak trim reaching a beginning MSRP of $50,595. The center trim begins at $46,795. Every grade, Core, Plus, and Extremely, is powered by a mild-hybrid system producing 247 horsepower and a mixed gas financial system of as much as 26 MPG, which lags a bit behind the NX, however all XC40 variants include commonplace AWD. The XC40 and the NX are comparatively neck-and-neck relating to inside dimensions, however the XC40 takes a slight lead with higher entrance/rear headroom, entrance/rear shoulder room, and cargo quantity with the seats down. Volvo’s XC40 doesn’t match the NX in central touchscreen sizes with a single 9” show, and it didn’t earn a High Security Decide designation from the IIHS. Its powertrain guarantee can be two years shorter and covers 20,000 fewer miles than the NX’s. You’ll get a extra composed experience with the NX however lighter steering within the XC40.
What’s the ‘finest’ choice amongst these opponents?
Whereas the NX is a decent competitor within the compact SUV phase, its impartial leanings in design and driving dynamics draw extra consideration to opponents. The GLA 250 has a sportier exterior that displays its driving dynamics, however the RDX holds the benefit in curb attraction with its type that’s extra dynamic than the NX with its line placements. The RDX’s powertrain has higher responsiveness, which I prioritize for day by day drives, and its inside affords eye-catching pink/black upholstery patterns just like the NX. I’m considerably ambivalent towards the XC40’s exterior because it’s what I’ve come to count on from Volvo, and also you’ll get extra horsepower and cargo area from an RDX.
Last ideas
The 2025 Lexus NX stays a high quality alternative with its aggressive entry worth and versatile lineup, however I’d choose to purchase an RDX, even when this Acura has downsides like a touchpad recognized for being unreliable and decrease gas financial system. You’ll need to go for a pricier NX350h that’s over $4,000 greater than the bottom mannequin to obtain the height mixed gas financial system score of 38 MPG, and this Lexus’s milquetoast exterior is an correct reflection of its driving dynamics.
You’ll additionally get extra front-seat consolation with an RDX due to the mannequin’s 12- or 16-way power-adjustable seats with lumbar, thigh, and facet bolster adjusters. If you happen to’re prioritizing a extra complete trim lineup and higher-quality inside finishes, the NX might higher fit your driving wants. Regardless, you must test-drive each mannequin from this checklist if potential earlier than committing someway.
