How does the 2018 Lexus NX compare to last year’s model? A closer look at the latest version will identify notable updates to the crossover’s design and specification.
2018 Lexus NX: exterior – front
The purpose of the exterior refresh was to create a more powerful visual impression without sacrificing any of the model’s strengths and popular features.
Beginning at the front, the headlamps on SE and Luxury models now feature LEDs for both high and low beam for an improved spread of light, while F Sport and Premier models feature a new design that adopts the distinctive three-beam LED cluster of the Lexus LC.
The side ducts are now separated from the lower bumper and the spindle grille has been subtly altered. Previously, the chrome framework tapered out in the lower half of the grille but now it is satin-plated and follows the entire spindle shape, even extending at the bottom of the bumper to form a stylised under-guard. The number of lateral bars has increased continuity from the curving bonnet line, while the spindle shape is enhanced with seven vertical bars that also converge toward the pinch-point.
As always, the F Sport model has a more aggressive grille design. The jet black colouring is taken from the latest RC F and the new mesh design contracts at the spindle pinch-point to offer greater variation in form. At the bottom of the bumper is a bright silver ornamentation that extends the width of the car and gives the front a more assertive chin.
2018 Lexus NX: exterior – rear
The rear surface treatment of the 2018 Lexus NX has been tightened to enhance the impression of width and solidity while subtly echoing the spindle motif.
In that respect, the pinch point either side of the Lexus emblem has been narrowed with 70mm wider combination lamps, while its proportionally higher position compared to the front increases the length of the lower trapezoid shape as it angles towards the wheels. New satin-plated L-shape bezels either side of the lower bumper are positioned in the path of these angles to reinforce the impression of continuity and width.
Irrespective of model, 18-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard. SE and Luxury models retain the same split five-spoke silver wheel design as before, while for the 2018 model year F Sport and Premier (see below) grades each feature unique designs with a two-tone graphite and machined alloy finish.
2018 Lexus NX: technology
Leading the technological improvements in the 2018 Lexus NX is the enlarged and higher resolution 10.3-inch multimedia display, which is operated by a larger (65mm) Remote Touch Interface. The multimedia platform behind it is the same as that fitted to the LC, and all models are now equipped with Lexus Premium Navigation as standard.
It creates a more powerful visual impression without sacrificing any of the model’s strengths and popular features
Sound quality has been improved by the use of high-resolution audio processing, which has a bitrate that allows the sound system to produce music quality similar to that recorded in the original studio – even from compressed files. A new DAB phase driver has also been adopted to expand the reception range of digital broadcasts, and a new link system is used to seamlessly switch between DAB transmitters for optimal signal strength.
The new widescreen display has allowed Lexus to widen the field of vision available from the reversing camera, now covering up to 180-degrees around the back of the car. This is further assisted by intelligent parking sensors that can activate the brakes to mitigate contact with static obstacles when manoeuvring at speeds less than 10mph. Similarly, all new NX models are now equipped with the full suite of Lexus Safety System + features.
Within the central console, individual buttons for the air conditioning system have been consolidated into smart alloy toggles engraved with L-shape serrations, and the distinctive analogue clock has been enlarged and now responds to GPS signals to automatically correct the time. Meanwhile, the wireless charging tray in the lower console has been modified to accept larger smartphones.
2018 Lexus NX: performance
Also enhanced are the ways in which the new NX responds to driver input. The torsional rigidity of the rear anti-roll bar has increased by 22% to enhance the car’s posture around corners, while its stiffer connecting bushes mean the car feels more instantly reactive.
Retuning the shock absorber specifications has effectively eliminated fine vibrations
Retuning the shock absorber specifications for all models has effectively eliminated fine vibrations from the road surface. But in F Sport models equipped with the Premier Pack option the number of damping force control levels within the Adaptable Variable Suspension set-up has been increased from 30 to a continuously variable system that can select from 650 levels.
Driving response is further enhanced with revised shift patterns programmed into the continuously variable transmission. In Drive mode, the range of lock-up control within the torque converter has been widened to deliver a more linear relationship between vehicle speed and accelerator travel. Sport mode has been modified so that when the driver releases the accelerator, a lower gear ratio is selected for engine braking and to support vehicle posture during corner entry and provide drive force when exiting.
2018 Lexus NX: grades
The UK grade structure for NX has been simplified and consolidated from seven to five separate models: SE, Luxury, F Sport, F Sport with Premier Pack, and Premier. Lexus believes this change gives customers a more straightforward, easy-to-understand hierarchy and improved specification levels across the range.
Click here to configure a new 2018 Lexus NX to your specifications
Hi, can you confirm if the MY2018 NX Premier has an adaptive lighting system with its new lights (i.e. the lights move with the cars steering inputs) or that the new lights are adaptive bulbs (i.e. light pattern changes based on road type, oncoming cars, etc? I know the NX Premier has cornering lights and AHB but cannot find specific info re the main lights.
Hi Peter,
Thank you for getting in touch.
Unfortunately, none of our current Lexus range have active lights.
The high grade lights on the RX 450h Premier grade are LED with Auto High-beam System, this means that the LED lights are adaptive and can be individually turned off when oncoming traffic is detected.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for your reply. I understand AHB but I understand the triple beam arrangement on the 2018 NX has AHS. Can you please explain what AHS is. I’m guessing it’s the movement of the lights based on steering inputs.
Thanks
Hi Peter,
AHS is the adaptive high-bream system. Essentially the system has various different controls:
High Beam Light Distribution Control Function
In high beam light distribution control function, the headlight light control ECU sub-assemblies control the brightness and illumination area of the high beam.
The high beam light distribution control function, changes the intensity and illumination area according to 3 vehicle speed ranges:
• Light Disable Control Function
The light disable control function dims LEDs in the high beam headlight accordingly when the forward recognition camera assembly detects a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle.
The LED light control ECU and LED unit enable the LEDs of the headlight assembly to be dimmed independently as necessary.
• Headlight Swivel Control Function
The headlight swivel control function adjusts the brightness of headlights while turning a corner to ensure excellent visibility.
• Cut-off Line Tilt Control Function
The cut-off line tilt function controls the levelling motor built into the headlight assembly to optimize the illumination area of the low beams in accordance with the distance to the preceding vehicle detected by the forward recognition camera.
Hope this helps.
Many thanks for the reply.
Hi I also have an 2018 NX 300h Premier can anyone tell me the conditions under which the auto high beam becomes active and when high beam is disabled please
Hi Thomas,
Thank you for getting in touch.
You can find this information in the online Owner’s Manual, found at the following link: https://www.lexus.co.uk/forms/manuals/owners-manual.
However, if you would prefer to give us your registration number we can check for you, we need your registration number so we can check the production date.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
Auto high beam on Lexus with adaptive lights only becomes operative above 65km/h (41mph) on my NX premier (2018 model)
Hi, can anyone help me? I’m ready to buy my first Lexus ever?. I’ve two in my price range but don’t now which is the better buy. 2017 nx300h premium with 8800mls or nx300h luxury with 17000mls which one???.
Hi Carl,
Thanks for your interest in the NX. The Luxury model sits just above the entry level model in the NX range whilst the Premier model sits at the top. As a result, you get more equipment with the Premier model. As it is a Lexus, reliability shouldn’t be an issue, so you need to decide if you want more features, or prefer a car with lower mileage.
Thanks
I have a Lexus NX300h, registration number YE68 NWJ.. I was shocked to find that this vehicle doesn’t have parking sensors on the front or the rear, just reverse camera… considering the size I’d have thought this would be a standard thing on newer Lexus cars considering my 2007 IS250 had front and rear sensors and reverse camera … are parking sensors an upgrade that I can have fitted by a Lexus dealer? What sort of cost would I be looking at to have this done?
Hello Simon,
Your Lexus Centre would be best placed to advise on the options available.
We hope this helps.
Thanks.
My 2018 NX300h (Right-hand drive for UK) shows a warning light for tire pressure, but doesn’t seem to show Tire Pressures in its Multi-information Display. Is that situation correct – or am I looking for it in the wrong place? Thank you for our advice.
Hi Carl, thanks for your comment.
It is likely that your NX has the Tyre Pressure Warning system, hence the dashboard notification, but not the full Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Your local Lexus Centre will happily check everything over for you, likely the pressure has just dropped slightly due to the drop in temperatures.
Thanks,
Lexus UK
Hi, struggling to decide which of the versions to buy of the 2018 NX 300h…In terms of hierarchy, will this be correct please (from more features to lesser features):
Premium > Premier > Luxury > F-sport >SE right?
I have checked your website for this info and still cannot find a comprehensive comparison of their features, thanks.
Hi Steve, thanks for getting in touch.
Yes, this is correct in terms of costings. However, each grade will have different specifications. One feature present on grade, may not necessarily be available on the next grade up.
Thanks,
Lexus UK