Sweet Spot In A Hot Segment: The 2017 Lexus NX 200t F SPORT

2017 Lexus NX 200t F SPORT.

In this third model year of the Lexus NX series, it is without question a success.  Sales are good, outpacing those of direct competitors like the BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA-Class.   In fact, the NX has sold nearly as many copies this year as BMW has the midsize X3.  It is only a couple of thousand sales away from the bread-and-butter BMW 3-series.

2017 Lexus NX 200t.

Wisely, Lexus has left well enough alone this year, the changes limited to a few new colors, a tire and wheel option and an upgrade to the navigation system.  There's also been a $220 boost to the base price of the NX 200t F SPORT compared to the one we drove and loved in 2016.  It is now $37,185.

As before, the NX 200t F SPORT has a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 235 horsepower.  Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the EPA fuel economy average is 22 city/28 highway.  17-inch aluminum wheels are standard, as is drive mode select, a location-specific tire pressure monitoring system (pressures can vary by altitude---Ed.), anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, LED low-beam headlamps with halogen high beams, door handle courtesy lamps, a backup camera, smart stop technology, a theft-deterrent system, hill-start assist control, smart access with pushbutton start, the Lexus Enform infotainment app suite, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, an eight-speaker Lexus audio system with HD Radio, iTunes tagging, real-time traffic and weather, a ten-way power driver's seat, an eight-way power front passenger seat, manual tilt/telescoping steering column, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a sport-tuned suspension, F SPORT NuLuxe seats, metallic sport trim, perforated leather-trimmed F SPORT steering wheel and paddle shifters, cornering front fog and driving lamps, LED daytime running lights, F SPORT door scuff plates, active sound control and, because it's an F SPORT, an automatic upgrade to 18-inch F SPORT wheels.

2017 Lexus NX 200t F SPORT interior.

It's absolutely a complete package, but our test vehicle came with another $7,500 plus worth of options:

• Qi-compatible wireless charger (iPhones are not Qi-compatible---Ed.). $220.
• F SPORT Comfort Package (Memory, a power tilt/telescoping steering column, a power ten-way driver's seat, manual folding heated outside mirrors with reverse tilt). $565.
• Electrochromic inside rearview mirror and Homelink garage door opener. $125.
• 18-inch F SPORT wheels with summer tires. $75.
• Heated front seats. $440.
• LED headlamps without auto high beams. $1,160.
• Navigation package including remote touch interface and a 10-speaker premium sound system. $500.
• Intuitive parking assist. $500.
• Power back door. $400.
• Premium paint (Ultrasonic Blue Mica) $595.
• Power tilt and slide moonroof. $1,100.
• Mudguards. $155.
• Illuminated door sills. $459.
• Cargo mat. $99.

With $975 delivery processing and handling fee, the as-tested price came to $45,718.   More lavishly equipped than the 2016 we drove, it also came to a couple of thousand dollars more.  But the price is in range for well-equipped luxury small SUVs.  And Lexus has a winner here.