LOOKS

As per usual with Lexus vehicles, the NX200t scores high both on the interior and exterior in my book. The sharp exterior look features a slighly bowed-in design on side doors; and there are some attractive colors offered -- including the bright blue paint scheme of my test ride. Compared to many of its in-segment opponents, it grabs the eye more effectively.

Inside the vehicle, the head space is impressive for a car in the compact crossover category, and even more importantly the back seat has an adequate amount of leg room (something that can’t always be said in this segment -- as some vehicles have back rows best fit for children). One downside of the large backseat area is you won’t be able to store much in the trunk, but that’s a tradeoff I think they chose the right side of.

If you opt for the F Sport version of the NX200t, you’ll get a more sporty look and feel to the vehicle -- including a sport-tuned suspension, NuLuxe seats, metallic sport trim, paddle shifters, LED daytime running lights and 18-inch F Sport wheels with all-season tires.

ENGINE, HORSEPOWER

The NX200t features a 2.0-liter turbo, four-cylinder engine that boasts 235 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. It features a 6-speed automatic transmission, plus optional all-wheel drive (front-wheel drive is standard).

These aren’t overpowering numbers, so don’t expect miracles, but you have an adequate amount of get-up-and-go as compared to other vehicles in the segment. Road noise is kept out, as this is a super quiet vehicle.

The F Sport suspension makes a big difference in the feel of the drive in an NX, but those who don’t choose this version of the NX will still find themselves enjoying the ride.

TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY
The NX is chock full of safety features -- from its eight airbags to its tire pressure monitoring system to ABS and brake assist. Lexus Enform Safety Connect offers automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle location, SOS button and enhanced roadside assistance (this is free for a year, followed by fees to keep it).

The backup camera is helpful, as always regardless of vehicle (I wouldn’t want to drive a car without one).

The one big stumble in the NX is the tech interface, a recurring problem with many Lexus vehicles in my view. The “Remote Touch” interface -- with its small controller that is overly touchy -- again disappoints. And you can’t even fall back to touching the actual screen, as it’s not set to function as a touchscreen. There’s also a bit of a muddled setup on the buttons in the car, though I suppose with time you would get used to the buttons you use regularly.

On the plus side, voice commands were responsive and accurate for both navigation and audio.

MPG
Official numbers on the Lexus NX 200t F Sport model are 22 city/27 highway/24 combined. These are middle-of-the-road numbers for the segment, beating out Audi’s Q3, Lincoln’s MKC and Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque, but losing to Mercedes-Benz’s GLA and BMW’s X1. Those vehicles are among the competition it faces in this luxury compact crossover segment, so fuel mileage may be among the factors eyed by potential customers as a differentiator.

PRICE
The 2015 Lexus NX 200t F Sport has a base price just a tick under $38K. Once features such as the Navigation package, 10-speaker premium sound system, heated front seats and Intuitive Parking Assist were added, the total came to $45,214. Not cheap, but standard fare for the luxury segments.

BOTTOM LINE

Lexus has a solid entry with its first compact crossover, but with this segment being more and more competitive every year and more new entries coming from all sides, I don’t see enough here for the NX200t to be a breakaway star, at least not right out of the gate. It’s roomy for the segment, and has a sharp look, so some luxury buyers might downgrade from a Lexus RX to this model, but in the end it will come down to how potential buyers view the look and styling on this compact SUV vs. its competitors.

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Matt Myftiu can be reached via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., found and can be found on Twitter @MattMyftiu