The Lexus NX 250, introduced for the 2022 model year as part of the NX II (AZ20) generation, represents Lexus’s entry point into the compact luxury crossover segment in North America. Replacing the NX 200t, the NX 250 offers a balance of fuel efficiency, comfort, and Lexus’s renowned build quality. Positioned below the NX 350 and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, the NX 250 caters to buyers prioritizing a smooth driving experience and a more accessible price point within the NX lineup. Production began in 2021, and the vehicle is built primarily for the North American market, though it is also available in select other regions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lexus |
| Model | NX |
| Generation | NX II (AZ20) |
| Type (Engine) | 250 (203 Hp) ECT-i |
| Start of production | 2021 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV, Crossover |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9 l/100 km (26.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 200 km/h (124.27 mph) |
| Emission standard | ULEV III |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 203 Hp |
| Torque | 249 Nm @ 5000 rpm (183.65 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | A25A-FKS |
| Engine displacement | 2487 cm3 (151.77 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Compression ratio | 13:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.5 l (4.76 US qt | 3.96 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 7 l (7.4 US qt | 6.16 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1660 kg (3659.67 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 643 l (22.71 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1328 l (46.9 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4661 mm (183.5 in.) |
| Width | 1864 mm (73.39 in.) |
| Height | 1661 mm (65.39 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2690 mm (105.91 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.35 |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission ECT-i |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Lexus NX 250 is powered by the A25A-FKS 2.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine utilizes a combination of direct injection and multi-port fuel injection, a system known as D-4S, to optimize both power and fuel efficiency. The engine features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) on both intake and exhaust camshafts. This allows for precise control of valve timing, improving engine responsiveness and reducing emissions. The engine produces 203 horsepower and 183 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, marketed by Lexus as ECT-i (Electronically Controlled Transmission – intelligent). This transmission is designed for smooth and efficient shifting, contributing to the NX 250’s comfortable driving experience. The transmission lacks a manual shift mode, prioritizing ease of use over driver engagement.
Driving Characteristics
The NX 250’s 8-speed automatic transmission is tuned for comfort and fuel economy rather than outright performance. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes approximately 8.2 seconds. While adequate for daily driving, it’s noticeably slower than the NX 350. The transmission’s gear ratios are optimized for relaxed cruising, with taller gearing in higher gears to reduce engine speed at highway speeds. The engine delivers a linear power delivery, lacking the strong low-end torque of turbocharged competitors. The front-wheel-drive configuration contributes to a slight understeer during cornering, but the vehicle remains stable and predictable. Compared to the more powerful NX 350, the NX 250 feels less urgent in its responses, but offers a more refined and less stressed driving experience.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The NX 250 is typically offered in a single, well-equipped trim level in the US market. Standard features include Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which encompasses a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems such as pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with intelligent steering assist, and dynamic radar cruise control. Interior features typically include a 9.8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and synthetic leather upholstery. Optional extras often include a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, premium audio system, and wireless charging pad. The interior design emphasizes a minimalist aesthetic with high-quality materials and a focus on user-friendliness.
Chassis & Braking
The NX 250 utilizes a front-wheel-drive platform with independent MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a double-wishbone suspension in the rear. This suspension setup is tuned for a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road effectively. The vehicle is equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for its weight class. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) are standard features. The NX 250’s chassis is designed to prioritize ride comfort and noise isolation over sporty handling. Stabilizer bars are present on both axles to reduce body roll during cornering, but the overall handling characteristics are geared towards a relaxed and refined driving experience.
Market Reception & Comparison
The NX 250 has been generally well-received by automotive critics as a comfortable and fuel-efficient entry point into the Lexus NX lineup. However, some reviewers have noted its relatively modest performance compared to competitors and the lack of a manual shift mode in the transmission. Fuel economy is rated at 28 mpg combined, which is competitive within its class. Compared to the NX 350, the NX 250 offers a lower price of entry but sacrifices performance. Compared to other compact luxury crossovers, such as the Acura RDX and BMW X3, the NX 250 offers a strong value proposition with its standard features and Lexus’s reputation for reliability.
Legacy
The A25A-FKS engine, while not known for groundbreaking performance, has proven to be a reliable and durable powerplant in other Toyota and Lexus applications. The 8-speed automatic transmission has also demonstrated good long-term reliability. As a result, the NX 250 is expected to hold its value reasonably well in the used car market. The vehicle’s focus on comfort, fuel efficiency, and Lexus’s renowned build quality should ensure its continued appeal to buyers seeking a practical and reliable luxury crossover for years to come. Early reports suggest minimal widespread mechanical issues, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for dependability.
