2014 Lexus NX200 Review
Lexus is pushing the boundaries of luxury with the NX and it's sparing no effort in its first attempt at the lucrative compact SUV category which it neglected in folly to chase the now declining full-sized category. The NX is fielding some of the latest technologies and finest accessories in the Lexus stable and this gamble is paying off big time going by latest sales numbers. It's directly competing with established luxury brands such as the BMW X3, Mercedes Benz GLC, Audi Q3, VW Tiguan and the Range Rover Evoque. It also competes to a lesser extent with the Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester, Toyota Rav-4, Honda CR-V, and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Detailed Review
2014 Lexus NX200 Review and 2014 Lexus NX300h Review direct here
The Lexus NX is a 5-seater luxury compact SUV that has been in production from 2014 to present and it shares some components with the Toyota RAV4. It’s based on the “Premium Urban Sports Gear” concept which combines the agility of small car and the strength of an SUV. The lineup includes the NX200t which is equipped with a turbo engine and the NX300h hybrid which is equipped with a hybrid system.
The 2014 Lexus NX is offered with 2 engine options, all petrol; these are the 2.0 Litre twin-scroll turbo engine and the 2.5 Litre engine that combines with a high torque electric motor for the hybrid system. These are linked to a 6-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission and available in either 2WD or 4WD.
2014 Lexus NX Grades
- Lexus NX200t I Package – This is the base grade that comes with the 2.0L turbo engine, 2WD or 4WD, 17-Inch alloy rims, Multifunction monitor, touchpad controller(for operating navigation, audio, etc.) automatic tailgate, automatic seats, and many other luxuries
- Lexus NX200t F Sport – This is a sports grade that comes with the 2.0L turbo engine, 2WD or 4WD, 18-Inch alloy rims, NAVI AI-AVS(an advanced Adaptive Variable Suspension System )Multifunction monitor, touchpad controller(for operating navigation, audio, etc.) automatic tailgate, automatic seats, special tuning, mesh grille, front bumper molding with metal coating, black painted door mirrors, sports seats, and many other sports grade accessories.
- Lexus NX200t Version L – This is the top luxury grade that comes with the 2.0L turbo engine, 2WD or 4WD, 17-Inch alloy rims, Multifunction monitor, touchpad controller(for operating navigation, audio, etc.) automatic tailgate, automatic seats, genuine leather and panoramic sunroof.
- Lexus NX300h I Package – This is the base grade that comes with the 2.5L hybrid engine, 2WD or 4WD, 17-Inch alloy rims, Multifunction monitor, touchpad controller(for operating navigation, audio, etc.) automatic tailgate, automatic seats, and many other luxuries
- Lexus NX300h F Sport – This is a sports grade that comes with the 2.5L hybrid engine, 2WD or 4WD, 18-Inch alloy rims, NAVI AI-AVS(an advanced Adaptive Variable Suspension System )Multifunction monitor, touchpad controller(for operating navigation, audio, etc.) automatic tailgate, automatic seats, special tuning, mesh grille, front bumper molding with metal coating, black painted door mirrors, sports seats, and many other sports grade accessories.
- Lexus NX300h Version L – This is the top luxury grade that comes with the 2.5L hybrid engine, 2WD or 4WD, 17-Inch alloy rims, Multifunction monitor, touchpad controller(for operating navigation, audio, etc.) automatic tailgate, automatic seats, genuine leather and panoramic sunroof.
Interior
Legroom & Space
At the first row, the legroom is excellent and the seats can adjust to fit any desirable seating position. At the second row, the legroom is similarly impressive and more so for the 2WD versions that do not have the transmission tunnel intruding into the cabin.
Cabin Storage
There are several storage compartments in the cabin that are useful for storing items such as smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags etc. At the first row there are 4 cup-holders, door panel storage, a glovebox and the center-box. For the second row, there are 4 cupholders, front seat jacket pockets and door pockets.
2014 Lexus NX Boot Space
The boot is big enough to carry luggage for a family of five. When extra space is required, the second row seats can be folded in a split configuration to free up a sizeable amount of boot space.
Other Extras: USB Charging Ports, Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System, Colored Heads-up Display
Safety Features: SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beam
Exterior
The Lexus NX looks like a mini version of the Lexus RX(Toyota Harrier) but with some slight variations. The design is modern and fresh with a sporty look that is much better to look at than its conservative German competitors. All grades come with alloy rims, fog lights and chrome trimming.
2014 Lexus NX Fuel Consumption
2014 Lexus NX200t 2.0L turbo fuel consumption: 12.6 km/L
2014 Lexus NX300h 2.5L hybrid fuel consumption: 21.0 km/L
2014 Lexus NX Acceleration
2014 Lexus NX200t 2.0L turbo accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.1 sec.
2014 Lexus NX300h 2.5L hybrid accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 9.2 sec.
2014 Lexus NX Fuel Tank Capacity: 60 Litres
2014 Lexus NX Stability and Handling
The Lexus NX200t is an instrument of perfection. It accelerates so blisteringly fast that you forget its an actual SUV. The newly developed 2.0L turbo engine is in perfect sync with the transmission and the gear shifts are fluid. The twin-scroll turbo spools amazingly well at low revs and there’s no noticeable turbo lag whatsoever. Around corners, there’s minimal body roll and the steering feels reassuringly firm.
Service Intervals
Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil
Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil
Spare Parts Availability, Cost & Where to buy
Service parts are available and fairly priced in Kenya. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and not as easily available. In Nairobi, most spare shops in Industrial Area and Kirinyaga Road stock the service parts. You can get listings for these shops follow this link
2014 Lexus NX Reliability
The driving conditions in Kenya are significantly different from those in Japan and Europe. Reliability reviews done for those markets largely do not apply to the Kenyan market. There are differences in roads, fuel, climate, spares, and technical expertise. To give you accurate and reliable local insights, we interview experts such as mechanics and car dealers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan market. We also test the cars ourselves. Our aim is to give you the right information to enable you make an informed decision when buying a car.
The Lexus NX is an exceptional car that is build with a high level of quality only seen in German cars. It comes with a host of sensors that control virtually everything and as we’ve learnt with German cars, too much technology can be problematic with age or if the car is poorly maintained. The NX should be bought as low mileage as possible and it’s absolutely important to have its sensors checked through a computer by a qualified technician. The 2.0L turbo engine in the NX200t has not had any problems in other markets and we don’t expect any here in Kenya as well. If you own the Lexus NX, please feel free to share your experiences on our comment section at the bottom of the page.
The NX300h employs a hybrid system that combines electric and petrol motors for propulsion. For the most part, the system works just fine and does not need any intervention outside the normal maintenance procedures for petrol cars. However with the passage of time and accumulation of miles, the batteries tend to decline and will need to be replaced usually at around 200,000 miles. The return on investment on a hybrid car is best realized when the car is bought new or low mileage. It’s extremely important to keep this in mind otherwise you’ll find yourself stuck with a dead hybrid.
If you are planning to own or currently own the Lexus NX, it’s vital that you read the Owner’s Manual. To download the Lexus NX Owner’s Manual, Please click here.
Resale Value: Average
2014 Lexus NX Competitors: BMW X3, Mercedes Benz GLC, Audi Q3, VW Tiguan and the Range Rover Evoque.
Cost of Ownership
Purchase Price: from Ksh. 3,000,000
Comprehensive Insurance: Average Ksh. 120,000/ per annum- Or
3rd Party Insurance: Ksh. 7,000/- per annum
Change of Tyres(If neccessary) Ksh. 40,000/- for 4 Tyres
NB: figures as at July 2019
What we like about the 2014 Lexus NX
- Powerful acceleration and handling
- Luxurious interior
- Exceptional build quality
What we don’t
Expensive body parts
Conclusion
If you want to stand out from the crowd of the usual German and European cars, then go for the Lexus NX. It’s an exceptional car that is comparable with the best, if not the best that there is in the market. If you are looking at buying the NX, we are tuned to the market both locally and abroad and we can help you source for the best car.
Where to Buy the 2014 Lexus NX200 in Kenya
If you are looking to either import or buy the Lexus NX200 locally, we can help you with this process. Over the years, we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and Japan who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us or send us a message through our contacts below and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.
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