Facelifted Lexus NX 300h Is A More Refined Compact SUV

After unveiling the 2018 NX 300h in Shanghai earlier this year, Lexus brought their tweaked SUV to Frankfurt as well, looking to show visitors what appears to be an overall improved product.

Unlike the 2018 CT 200h, which is hard to differentiate from the previous version, the facelifted NX 300h received more visible tweaks, both outside and in.

For starters, it’s got a new spindle grille out front, reshaped headlights, modified air intakes and fog lights. At the back, there are larger exhaust tips, elongated taillights, a new underbody spoiler and chrome L-shaped elements – the latter only on the hybrid, not the F Sport.

While performance remains largely the same as before, Lexus did make improvements to the SUV’s suspension, stating that the NX now rides and handles better than before. As far as we’re concerned, with rivals such as the Audi Q5, Volvo XC60 and Mercedes GLC, the Lexus definitely needs to impress on the road.

Inside, there’s a larger 10.3″ infotainment display, and a new layout for the HVAC controls, which now feature four toggle switches instead of buttons. Other changes include a slightly larger analog clock and better stitching, which is said to be perfectly straight thanks to a hand-operated tool with special needles.

Overall, these changes should help the NX do a better job at chasing after its competitors, although catching up to them is a completely different story.