Flash Drive

2016 Lexus NX 200t

June 22, 2016 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2016 Lexis NX 200t F Sport

The 2016 Lexus NX 200t F Sport is well-equipped to hand rugged mountain roads as well as the urban jungle.
The 2016 Lexus NX 200t F Sport is well-equipped to hand rugged mountain roads as well as the urban jungle.

Engines: 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 gas, 235 horsepower 258 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 22/City—27/Highway—24/Combined

Base Price: $38,365

As Tested: $44,605

Performance:

Enjoyable to drive

Sport tuned suspension

Sharp 18-inch F Sport alloy wheels

F Sport is sporty

Nice size for urban commuting

The turbocharged 2.0L I-4 produces 235 hp and is capable of exceeding 30 mpg.
The turbocharged 2.0L I-4 produces 235 hp and is capable of exceeding 30 mpg.

Strong turbocharged engine

Excellent fuel economy: our best was 30.5 mpg

Console selector for Normal, Eco, and Sport driving modes

Dashboard button for 4×4 locking differential

Comfort:

Excellent F Sport leather-wrapped steering wheel

Wheel is thick and contoured

Paddle shifters

Power tilt/telescopic steering column (part of F Sport package)

OK auxiliary controls

Sharp interior styling: contrast stitching, brushed aluminum accents

F Sport seats are great for long drives as is the thick leather steering wheel. Note the perforated pedals.
F Sport seats are great for long drives as is the thick leather steering wheel. Note the perforated pedals.

Soft, wide center armrest

Great driver legroom, just short of stretch-out

Medium sunroof

Ample headroom

Driver power lumbar support

Soft, tall headrests

Heated front seats

Good back seat space if fronts aren’t all back

Adjustable rear seatback angles

Ample rear headroom

Barely noticeable rear floor hump

Soft, wide rear armrest with concealed cupholders

Rear seat room is very good. The split folding seats have an upward slope.
Rear seat room is very good. The split folding seats have an upward slope.

Solid door shut; quality fit and finish

Utility:

Unique computer style touch pad with wrist rest on console

Used to control entertainment, navigation, information functions

Smart phone charging pad in center console

Large, locking glovebox

Medium front door bins

Small rear door bins

Large rear doors for easy in/out

Split folding rear seats have noticeable slope

Quality seatback storage pouches

Medium size cargo area affected by sloped rear window

Total cargo area is OK given the sedan-like styling of the NX 200t.
Total cargo area is OK given the sedan-like styling of the NX 200t.

Flat floor

Nice under-floor storage bins

Power liftgate with ample headroom

Perforated pedal covers and dead pedal

WOW Factors:

Computer style infotainment controls

Wireless smart phone charging station

Active Sound Control modulates engine noise

Cornering driving lamps

Whines:

Not a fan of current Lexus grille design

Bottom Line:

The 2016 Lexus NX 200t F Sport is essentially unchanged from the 2015 iteration, but that doesn’t stop it

The Lexus NX 200t F Sport is handsomely styled especially the rear 3/4 view.
The Lexus NX 200t F Sport is handsomely styled especially the rear 3/4 view.

from being a fine crossover SUV. It’s far more fun to drive than older, larger truck-based SUVs. It behaves more like a sport wagon. Comfort and quality materials define the interior, which has many high-tech features. It also gets excellent fuel economy even when driven with gusto.