Lexus NX 2019 pricing and specs confirmed

Lexus Australia has bolstered the safety systems in its top-selling NX mid-size SUV, expanding the functionality of its advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) for a modest bump in price.

Though the NX’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system can already detect pedestrians during the day, the camera- and radar-based set-up has now been upgraded to also perceive cyclists, as well as foot-travelers at night.

Furthermore, AEB is also functional during parking, which will limit throttle applications and apply the brakes if a low-speed collision is imminent.

New to the NX however, is lane-keep and steering assist that will work in conjunction with the standard adaptive cruise control to allow for Level 2 autonomous driving capabilities.

Another addition to the NX safety specification list is traffic-sign recognition, which displays speed limits on the multi-function display or, in higher grades, the windscreen head-up display.

The new features expand the NX’s already standard blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, high-beam assist, tyre pressure monitoring and reversing camera.

To reflect the increase in equipment however, eight of the 10 variants of the NX creep up $600 in price, while the NX300 F Sport AWD and Sports Luxury AWD versions move up $552 and $229 respectively.

The NX range starts at $55,400 and tops out at $76,900.

Available with two engine choices – a 175kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four cylinder in the NX300 or a 147kW 2.5-litre petrol-electric hybrid of the NX300h – the Lexus mid-sizer is also offered across three distinct grades and either front- or all-wheel-drive form.

Kicking off the range, as before, is the NX300 Luxury FWD, which now costs $55,400 before on-road costs, while the AWD-only NX300h Sports Luxury tops the table at $76,900.

Lexus Australia boss Scott Thompson said the changes to the NX is expected to boost interest in the mid-size crossover.

“These comprehensive updates further enhance the appeal of NX, making it one of the safest as well as sharpest-looking luxury SUVs on the road,” he said.

2019 Lexus NX pricing (before on-road costs):

NX300

NX300h

Do the changes to the Lexus NX make it more appealing to you? Let us know in the comments.