A wide range of available powertrains and a new cabin with more luxurious and splendid standard safety assistance features make the Lexus NX a practical crossover.
Its durable design acts as the icing on the cake.
However, it’s not an on-the-mark powertrain that does not have thrilling handling.
It also holds a high cost which makes it quite a disappointment for people on a tight budget.
So, if you have been looking for cars and you are unsure whether you like the Lexus NX, then I have a few options for you.
They have a similar price and speed but a better powertrain.
12 Cars Similar to Lexus NX
Here are the 12 cars that are similar to the Lexus NX.
1. Cadillac XT4
Crossovers like Cadillac XT4 are America’s take on a luxury SUV.
It has muscular styling, a big cabin, and a fabulous interior.
Not to forget its excellent road presence.
With its lively and well-performing engine, this beast delivers more driving thrills than its rivals in this segment, including Lexus NX
Under the hood, the XT4 has a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque.
Paired with an automatic nine-speed transmission and all-wheel drive setup, it takes only 7.8 seconds to move from 0 to 60 mph.
Despite its fuel-saving engine, the average EPA estimates reach 30 mpg for highway drive.
The cabin is spacious and comfortable, but it is not as top-class as expected in this premium class.
Space is excellent for front-seat passengers and, honestly, pretty good for the rear seats.
As with its cabin, the cargo area is spacious. Behind the back seat, you can fit six suitcases and 18 with seats folded flat.
Unlike most cars in this category, both cars have similar infotainment system features.
An 8.0-inch touchscreen that looks uncluttered and has an easy-to-use interface paired with a 13-speaker Bose audio system.
Apple CarPlay, navigation, Android Auto, a wireless smartphone-charging pad, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are integrated.
2. Genesis GEV70
Genesis has taken another step towards electrification with its EV model, GEV70, which looks fabulous and operates well with its new powertrain.
Two electric motors mounted on the front and rear axle are available to achieve an all-wheel drive.
Maximum horsepower is declared 483 for it to move from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
This is the quickest version of a compact SUV. Its battery pack has a driving range of about 300 miles for a full charge.
A high-speed onboard charger is also made available with a total charging capacity of 350 kW.
Less than 20 minutes are required for the battery to recharge from 10 to 80 percent.
The interior has an impressive design with an upscale ambiance. Space in the cabin is reasonable for the compact-SUV category.
Matching the interior, its infotainment system has a large widescreen display.
The latest version of Genesis’s interface makes the multimedia system very easy to use.
Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are offered as standard.
A Lexicon sound system is present on the options sheet.
3. Mazda CX5
All-new, the Mazda CX-5 is out with its upgraded cabin and clever new design.
Mazda has done fantastic work maintaining the CX-5 budget-friendly while delivering features comparable to the cars beyond its price range.
A standard 256-horsepower and 320 lb-ft torque turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has a great response are present.
Engine is mated with a quick automatic six-speed transmission and four-wheel drive setup.
Fuel economy ratings are 24 mpg for city drive and 30 mpg for highway drive. So, no issues here.
On the inside, the highest-tier CX-5 trims are done with top-rate materials and a fantastic layout that makes it feel highly upscale.
The floor-hooked accelerator pedal feels better than the version hovering above the floor.
Sacrifices come in the package; the cargo can carry only nine suitcases. The storage area does help from a fully flat load floor.
Several nooks and crannies are available in the cabin to keep smartphones and small items.
The center console contains a deep tray and a suitable bin with a removable frame.
Every trim has a 10.3-inch display that is managed using the rotary control and volume knob.
Voice commands and buttons on the steering wheel can be used to operate the interface.
The towing capability is about 2,000 pounds, which sets it closer to the top of this list.
4. Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60 has a contemporary design, neat body lines, and an extravagant interior.
Making it better than the Lexus NX in terms of styling and design.
Three various powertrains are offered in the XC60 trims, namely the B5, B6, and T8.
All the powertrains are combined with an automatic eight-speed transmission and four-wheel drive setup.
Under the hood, T8-XC60s has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a set of electric motors.
Together they make 247 horsepower and 523 lb-ft torque.
XC60 handles the corners very well, feels hooked to the road when moving, and switches paths with confidence.
The driver can sense a hint of harshness when moving over rough stretches, but it’s nice and calm on smooth areas.
Going with the T8 model, a plug-in hybrid powertrain is common, maintaining a 32-mile electric-only driving mileage.
It can be charged at home using a 110-volt or 220-volt outlet or a public charging station.
On the inside, the interior styling is done with rich, quiet materials and furnishing adult-sized accommodations.
Clean lines and top-quality materials make the cabin feel nothing less than a contemporary Volvo.
Decent cargo-carrying capacity sets the XC60 mid-pack among its competitors.
With its back seats folded down, 20 suitcases can be accommodated. Interior cubbies storage is restricted, and the only cargo-area trunk is the smallest of its class.
Technology is prioritized, too; Volvo includes a 9.0-inch touchscreen with the latest Google-based interface.
Several personalization options are provided with voice controls.
5. Infiniti QX30
Infiniti QX30 is an admiringly stylized and detailed hatchback from the design studio.
But, its powertrain is a polish of the Mercedes-Benz GLA Class. Its 2.0-liter inline-four turbocharged engine makes 208 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
A dual-clutch seven-speed automated transmission and all-wheel drive setup come mated to the engine.
The fuel consumption of the QX30 is not that great, but it relies on how you drive it.
You can anticipate about 30 mpg combined and 22 mpg for city driving. This luxury crossover has a firm ride that shatters the expected comfort.
In terms of design, the QX30 is identical to the NX but has no competitors in this class of cars yet.
Just like its design, its interior is unique and is made with premium materials.
However, it is not that spacious as rear-seat passengers might feel a little cramped.
Leather seating, natural wood touches, and heated and power-adjustable front bucket seats are featured in higher trims.
Like most competitors, relatively low cargo space and little storage interior cubbies are available.
The infotainment system features a 7.0-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly interface that various input sources can handle.
However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are inaccessible.
Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, and two USB ports are available only for higher trims.
Navigation is provided only in an optional package.
This little luxury car is limited in features compared to its closest rival – Lexus NX.
6. Jeep Compass
Jeep Compass is a compact crossover that relishes the brand’s powerful cachet and can be equipped to excel off-road.
It is slightly larger and powerful, thus making it better than its alternative Lexus NX.
A four-cylinder engine that makes 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft torque.
The nine-speed automatic transmission is relatively slow to perform shifts.
All models are equipped with a four-wheel drive setup. An automatic setting lets the car’s torque directly to the wheels.
Despite driving in a category with many smaller cars, Compass is not as efficient as many competitors.
Fuel economy estimates up to 22 mpg for city drive and 31 for highway drive.
With an appealing dashboard and improved components, the latest Compass looks to be an advancement versus the earlier models.
Plus, its cabin is comfortable, practical, and has sufficient room for four adults.
Rear seats are neither the biggest nor the smallest in the crossover class.
Its high seat bases indicate that passengers’ legs are entirely supported.
Despite its boxy body and what at foremost seems to be an aggressive cargo area, it is not the biggest of its group.
It has adequate luggage room for an airport run, whereas it could be packed for a long journey.
The back seats bend a little upward when tucked down, and it can fit only 17 suitcases with the seats kept.
With the latest Uconnect software and a 10.1-inch touchscreen, the infotainment system has voice recognition, navigation, and smartphone integration.
Advance Safety and Security packages include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.
7. BMW X1
BMW X1 is a practical SUV with excellent handling and attractive styling.
There is only a single 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and an automatic 8-speed manual shifting mode transmission pairing.
It makes a total power of 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque.
With its four-wheel drive setup, it takes only 6.3-seconds to move from 0 to 60 mph.
Fuel economy ratings for its class are high. 22 mpg for city drive and 32 mpg for highway drive is achievable.
X1’s interior is well appointed with premium materials, and the Cockpit has a driver-focused design with a sporty nature.
The cargo room is carpeted, decorated in chrome, and large. Seven cases and 19 in total with back seats folded flat can be accommodated.
The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use when on the go.
An 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth phone, in-dash navigation, a USB port, and SiriusXM satellite radio are integrated.
Basic driver-assistance features are delivered at no cost, but more advanced safety features will require alternative packages.
Forward-collision warning, automatic high-beam headlamps, and lane-departure warning systems are standard in their safety features.
8. Jaguar F-Pace
Some SUVs are functional, and some are fun to ride, but the Jaguar F-Pace tends to thrive at delivering both traits.
Thus making F-Pace stand out from its rival group of Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Lexus NX compact SUVs.
A turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six powertrain that produces 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft torque.
An eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are featured. It races from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds.
Fuel economy achieved is 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.
In keeping with Jaguar’s minimalist and aesthetic cabin, F-Pace’s interior has simple working, easy-to-reach controls and many window areas for improved visibility.
Both front and rear seats offer a perfect seating position, with this class’s highest legroom and headroom measurements.
Cargo-carrying capacities have 40/20/40 split-folding to a completely flat position. Doing so made room for 22 suitcases.
Jaguar’s latest software, Pivi, is integrated into the 11.4-inch curved-glass touchscreen.
Apple CarPlay, built-in navigation, hotspot, and Android Auto are integrated. A 14-speaker Meridian sound system is also available.
9. Volkswagen T-Roc
With the demand for compact SUVs picking up in recent years, the T-Roc pits it against the Lexus NX in its pricing and features.
It gets a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder engine coupled to a 7-speed transmission—total power of 147 horsepower and 184 lb-ft with a front-wheel drive setup.
An all-black design on the center console and the dashboard are used with hard plastic covers. However, in terms of build quality, it is not a letdown.
The front seats are comfortable, and the driver’s seat provides an excellent broad front view.
Rear seats, the two regular-sized adults can fit comfortably with an adjustable cup holder and an armrest.
At the back, the boot space has a total volume of 445 liters. The area can be increased by folding the back seats in the 60:40 ratio.
An 8-inch touchscreen unit featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration is available.
The interface is awesome, and the infotainment system has a premium touch.
10. Audi Q3
If you want something more reasonable and comparable to the Lexus UX in design, then you should head for the Audi Q3.
A four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft torque.
With it comes a standard automatic eight-speed transmission and four-wheel drive setup.
Its transmission shifts smoothly during normal operation and delivers a sportier reaction when moved into S mode.
Fuel economy delivers up to 23 mpg for city drive and 30 mpg for highway drive. These numbers are comparable to its rival, Lexus.
The cabin has a much-enhanced driving position, a friendly design of its buttons, and better materials.
A panoramic sunroof, heated front seats with eight-way power adjustments, leather upholstery, and lumbar support for the driver are its standard features.
More luxurious features included ambient interior lighting, contrasting microsuede on doors, and a fully digital gauge cluster.
Despite its spacious cabin, its back seat still lacks legroom for adults. Just like the interior, the cargo area is also tiny.
Only six suitcases and 12 bags with folded back seats can be fitted.
Regarding the infotainment system, it features a 10.1-inch touchscreen that has an attractive interface with large icons.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
However, SiriusXM satellite radio, a 15-speaker Sonos stereo system, and a wireless charging pad are included only in its top trim.
11. Volvo XC40
Among the stylish lineup of SUVs, the Volvo XC40 is mounted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces about 248 horsepower.
This makes the car race from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
For quick movement, automatic eight-speed transmission and a four-wheel drive setup are fitted.
Not just a fast movement, but a towing capacity of 3500 pounds is also achievable.
Regarding fuel efficiency, 22 mpg for the city and 30 mpg for the highway are possible.
T5 trim, which is the most potent version, comes with a four-wheel drive setup and is combined with an automatic 8-speed transmission.
Towing capability is around 3,500 pounds, which is considerably better than the Lexus NX.
On the inside, it has an airy and premier vibe, with ample passenger space for the front and back seats.
Apart from a functional and nicely made cabin, the trunk is vast enough to fit 23 suitcases with the back seats tucked.
A panoramic roof, a power-folding rear seat, leather seats, and a crystal gear shifter are a few interior features available.
Regarding the infotainment system, it has a 9.0-inch touchscreen with a few buttons to adjust the settings to avoid system lag.
The standard safety features are automated emergency braking, semi-autonomous driving mode, and adaptive cruise control.
The advanced safety package gives you automated emergency braking, semi-autonomous driving, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.
12. Mercedes Benz GLA-class
Regarding design and amenities, it isn’t easy to compete with Mercedes.
The GLA proposes all the features you might anticipate discovering on bigger Mercedes SUVs.
Also, compared to the Lexus UX, it may be the ideal fit for your lifestyle.
With its higher style outcome, the Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 SUV offers a few practicalities in turn of a descended roofline and adds curb appeal.
This compact luxury SUV provides room for up to 5 passengers.
A turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine produces a lively performance.
An output of 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque are produced, which makes it pretty fast when it requires to be.
The GLA also has standard all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
You can expect fuel economy numbers close to 30 mpg in combined driving situations — great numbers for an SUV this size!
Inside the GLA 250, you will discover luxurious and convenient features offered mostly on Mercedes-Benz’s larger SUVs.
Plenty of premium elements like leather seats, steering wheel controls, and heated front seats are standard features on all the trims.
Conclusion
So, here is the list of all the cars that are similar to the Lexus NX but with better powertrain, handling, and performance.
And of course, you can get any of these without spending a fortune.
