Finally, Lexus prices a sport utility vehicle under $40,000.
The new-for-2015 Lexus NX is a compact crossover SUV, so it provides a car-like ride and is smaller than Lexus' top-selling RX 350 mid-size SUV.
The NX is the first Lexus with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which in this case produces 235 horsepower.
But a big appeal for shoppers has to be the $35,405 starting retail price for a base NX 200t, or $6,490 less than the previous lowest-priced Lexus SUV — the RX 350, which starts at $41,715 for a base 2015 model with a 279-horsepower V-6.
Lighter than the RX, the NX tops all other non-plug-in, gasoline-electric hybrid SUVs sold in the country with ratings of 35 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway.
Best of all, the NX earned five out of five stars, overall, in federal crash testing.
The $35,405 starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including the destination charge, is for a base, 2015 NX 200t with front-wheel drive, a turbo four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission.
Lexus is years behind some of its European competitors in entering the luxury compact crossover SUV market. But only the NX has the accoutrements and silky smooth and quieter-than-expected ride that are the hallmark of a Lexus. Roughness seems to be polished away, whether it's the ride or the shifting of gears.
These qualities are mixed with some verve and sass in the NX, which is designed to attract young buyers. The NX 300h hybrid, for example, has a kickdown feature in the transmission that allows even hybrid drivers to get strong get-up-and-go when they need it, no matter what speed they are traveling.
The NX comes with decent standard equipment, including dual-zone climate control, SmartAccess and push-button start, exterior door handles that illuminate, eight air bags, rearview camera, traction control and electronic stability control, three 12-volt power outlets and three drive modes — Eco, Normal and Sport.
The tester was the 300h hybrid, and with optional moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, navigation system, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, power liftgate, leather-covered seats and other items, it topped out at $49,195.
The NX handles nimbly, slips easily into smaller parking spaces and feels light.
The NX's five seats are positioned higher than a sedan's and afford better views of traffic ahead, but not so high that they are hard to get into. Cargo space is also better than a sedan's, with a maximum 54.6 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded down.
Ann M. Job writes about cars for The Associated Press.
