They Grow Up So Fast: The 2018 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT

The 2018 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT.

Three model years ago, when Lexus rolled out the NX series, I remember thinking that it was awfully small.  That came from a quick comparison with the familiar RX, which had been the only Lexus crossover for literally decades.

Now, there's a thoroughly refreshed NX and after a week with it, the NX seems exactly right.

2018 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT.

Sporting aggressive styling that puts it right in line with the rest of the Lexus family, the 2018 NX is now the NX 300, NX 300h hybrid and NX 300 F SPORT.    All but the hybrid are powered by a 2.0-liter turbo four making 235 horsepower.  Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the EPA estimates 22 city/27 highway.

Our tester was the NX 300 F SPORT.  Base price $39,775, which brings standard goodies like 17-inch aluminum wheels, drive mode select (ECO, Normal and Sport), tire pressure monitoring, Lexus Safety System Plus with pre-collision, pedestrian detection, all-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, intelligent high-beam headlamps, anti-lock braking with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, smart-stop technology, bi-LED headlamps, daytime running lights, a backup camera with dynamic gridlines, a theft-deterrent system, the Lexus Enform Safety Connect, Service Connect and Enform Remote services, an eight-speaker audio system with HD Radio, iTunes tagging, real-time traffic and weather and SiriusXM Satellite Radio, eight-way power front seats (with a two-way lumbar adjustment for the driver), power folding outside mirrors, a manual tilt-telescoping steering column, a manual reclining and folding 60/40 split rear seat, automatic dual-zone climate control with rear vents, a first aid kit and floor mats.

But wait! There's more!  The F SPORT standard features include a sport-tuned suspension, F SPORT NuLuxe seats, metallic sport trim, perforated leather-trimmed F SPORT heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, cornering front fog and driving lamps, premium LED daytime running lights, F SPORT door scuff plates, active sound control, and 18-inch F SPORT wheels with all-season tires.

2018 Lexus NX 300 interior.

Our tester also had extra-cost options:

• Adaptive variable suspension ($770)
• Panoramic view backup monitor ($800)
• Electrochromic (auto-dimming) inside rear-view mirror with Homelink ($125)
• LED headlamps with auto high-beam and lane-departure mirror ($1,515)
• Navigation package including upgraded 10-speaker Lexus Premium sound system ($1,800)
• Intuitive parking assist with auto brake ($535)
• Power rear door with kick sensor ($550)
• Premium paint (ours was Ultrasonic Blue Mica) ($595)
• Premium F SPORT Package ($2,865)

With $995 delivery processing and handling fee, the bottom line was $50,325.  And well worth it.  The changes to the NX make it a logical alternative to the RX, not a lesser vehicle.  Now, you choose based on size and capacity.  The 2018 NX 300 is ready for a seat at the grownups' table.