DRIVEN: Lexus NX200t Delivers On Looks, But Trips On Dynamics

The new Lexus NX is that rare, maybe even unique thing: a production car that looks better than the concept that inspired it.

The new NX was born out of last September’s LF-NX concept, a BMW X3-sized compact SUV that looked like Edward Scissorhands had led the exterior design team.

Pretty it was not, but no one questioned the idea of Lexus making a premium compact SUV. After all, Toyota’s luxury arm is still looking to gain real traction in Europe after more than two decades of competing against increasingly bigger and stronger German opposition.

Indeed, if the NX ticks enough boxes, it could even prove a breakthrough model for the firm, such is the growing size and significance of compact SUVs in the premium market. Lexus already expects it to add a third to its European sales and become its best-selling model in Europe.
 

TomM - 7/16/2014 1:49:38 PM

+7 Boost

Gee - Imagine taking an incredibly Horrible looking vehicle - and making it less horrible! Now - it is only slightly worse than a Pontiac Aztec.

I still don't see the merit in a cow catcher grill - on a car. I thought the point was NOT to actually hit the cow with the vehicle.

jeffgall - 7/16/2014 4:42:38 PM

+5 Boost

Delivers on looks? Are you kidding me? Looks like it is tripping on that heavy nose.

MattDarringer - 7/16/2014 6:59:16 PM

+3 Boost

RAV4 + Edward Scissorhands = NX

USNA1999 - 7/16/2014 7:14:35 PM

+3 Boost

Personally, I think it looks like a cross between a Mazda CX5 and an RX but people that buy these vehicles don't care about the way it drives, it might look odd but it will sell like hotcakes.

skytop - 7/16/2014 8:17:25 PM

+3 Boost

The Lexless grille is hideous and laughable in person. Good luck parallel parking in any urban city street.

Dexter1 - 7/16/2014 11:03:18 PM

+2 Boost

My favorite part of this incredible NX200t design is how the door panel beneath the side mirror looks dented in. An example of automotive art at its best!

40flash - 7/17/2014 10:32:43 PM

+2 Boost

Did Renault loan Lexus a handful of designers? That thing is definitely ugly enough to be French!

iamdabest1 - 7/17/2014 11:54:39 PM

+1 Boost

its the lexus you buy for the wife/gf/ daughter.. guys lighten up ! this isnt for us ! its for the women !!

carloslassiter - 7/20/2014 7:46:38 AM

+1 Boost

How can the designers be this far off the mark?