With stocks still in short supply, it’s understandable that Lexus Philippines has been on the down-low with this piece of news. That being said, the second-generation premium compact SUV really is in the country, and it comes in three variants for 2022.

To recap, the all-new Lexus NX ushers in a new chapter for the luxury brand. At the front, it features a larger (but more integrated) spindle grille with U-shaped blocks for a three-dimensional effect. These are then framed by L-shaped DRLs. At the back, it comes with full-width “blade” taillights and a “LEXUS” rear badging.

For the Philippine market, the entry-level Lexus NX 350h Executive comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, growing to 20 inches on the mid-grade NX 350h Premier and top-of-the-line NX 350 F Sport. Other notable features include a power tailgate with kick sensor (manual for the NX 350h Executive) and an auto-dimming and heated driver’s side view mirror (NX 350h Premier and NX 350 F Sport).

Inside, the 2022 Lexus NX has a meticulously redesigned cabin. It has a 7-inch multi-instrument display and a 10-inch heads-up display (NX 350h Premier and NX 350 F Sport). At the center stack, a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen (14 inches on the NX 350h Premier and NX 350 F Sport) delivers an immersive multimedia experience backed up by a 17-speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound System (exclusive to the NX 350h Premier). Other niceties found in the mid- and top-grade variants include a power tilt/telescopic steering column, ventilated front seats with memory for the driver, wireless charging, and a panoramic sunroof. The NX 350h Premier also adds a power folding rear bench.

Under the hood, the 2022 Lexus NX comes with two engine choices. The NX 350h is powered by a direct-injected 2.5-liter 4-cylinder backed up by two high-torque electric motors. Instead of transfer gears and a driveshaft to the rear wheels, the AWD system employs a second, independent electric motor to drive the rear wheels when it detects it is needed to help maintain optimal traction. This variant is good for a combined 239 horsepower and 239 Nm of torque enabling it to reach 100 km/h from zero in just 7.4 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Lexus NX 350 F Sport packs a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine. This variant offers 279 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque enabling it to reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just 7 seconds. This variant uses an electronically controlled full-time AWD that constantly varies the front/rear driving force distribution from 75:25 to 50:50 (depending on situation), and uses unique technology to achieve both an optimal contact patch and linear steering feel.

In terms of safety, the 2022 Lexus NX comes with Lexus Safety Sense as standard equipment. This suite of advanced driver assist technology is backed up by a standard blind spot monitoring system and a 360-degree camera (rear only for the 350h Executive).

Prices for the 2022 Lexus NX is as follows: