Let's dive into the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport, a ride that blends luxury with a sporty edge. For those eyeing a compact SUV that doesn’t skimp on style or performance, the NX 300 F Sport is definitely worth a look. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from its engine specs to its interior features, making sure you’re well-informed before making any decisions.

    Engine and Performance

    The heart of the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport is its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This powerplant is designed to deliver a smooth yet responsive driving experience, making it perfect for both city commutes and weekend getaways. Generating around 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, this engine ensures that you have enough pep to merge onto highways or overtake slower traffic without a second thought. The turbocharger kicks in seamlessly, providing a boost of power when you need it most.

    Mated to this engine is a six-speed automatic transmission, which offers smooth and precise gear changes. While some might argue that more gears could improve fuel economy, the current setup is well-tuned to the engine's characteristics, providing a balanced performance. The transmission also features paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel, allowing you to take manual control of the gears for a more engaging driving experience. This is especially handy when tackling winding roads or when you simply want to have a bit more fun behind the wheel.

    The 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport comes standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), but you can opt for all-wheel drive (AWD) for added traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. The AWD system intelligently distributes power between the front and rear axles, optimizing grip and control. This is a significant advantage for those living in areas with frequent rain, snow, or ice. The F Sport trim also includes a sport-tuned suspension, which enhances the vehicle's handling capabilities. Stiffer springs and dampers reduce body roll in corners, providing a more confident and planted feel.

    In terms of fuel economy, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport achieves respectable numbers for its class. Expect to see around 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with the FWD model. The AWD variant sees a slight dip, with 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. While these figures aren't class-leading, they are competitive and should be reasonable for most drivers. Factors such as driving style, traffic conditions, and vehicle load can all affect real-world fuel economy, so keep that in mind.

    Overall, the engine and performance of the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport strike a good balance between power, efficiency, and driving dynamics. The turbocharged engine provides ample thrust, while the sport-tuned suspension and available AWD system enhance handling and stability. Whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the open road, the NX 300 F Sport offers a refined and enjoyable driving experience.

    Interior and Features

    Stepping inside the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport, you're greeted with a cabin that's both stylish and functional. The F Sport trim adds unique touches that elevate the interior ambiance, making it feel more premium and sporty. From the bolstered seats to the aluminum pedals, every detail is designed to enhance the driving experience. Let's delve into the specifics.

    The seats in the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport are designed to provide excellent support and comfort, even on long drives. The F Sport-exclusive seats feature enhanced bolsters that hug your body, keeping you firmly in place during spirited driving. These seats are typically wrapped in high-quality leather or a synthetic leather alternative, depending on the options you choose. The stitching and design patterns are also unique to the F Sport trim, adding a touch of visual flair to the cabin. Both the driver and front passenger seats are power-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position with ease. Lumbar support is also included, which is a welcome feature for those with back issues.

    The dashboard and center console of the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport are thoughtfully laid out, with controls that are easy to reach and intuitive to use. The centerpiece of the dashboard is the infotainment display, which is typically an 8-inch or 10.3-inch screen, depending on the options package. This display houses the navigation system, audio controls, and various vehicle settings. The infotainment system is controlled via a touchpad interface located on the center console. While some users find the touchpad a bit finicky to use at first, it becomes more natural with practice. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation services.

    The 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport comes with a host of standard features that enhance comfort, convenience, and connectivity. Some notable features include a premium audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and keyless entry with push-button start. The premium audio system delivers crisp and clear sound, making your favorite music sound even better. Dual-zone climate control allows the driver and front passenger to set their preferred temperatures independently, ensuring everyone stays comfortable. The power moonroof lets in natural light and fresh air, while the keyless entry system adds a touch of convenience to your daily routine.

    Storage space is adequate in the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport, with a decent-sized cargo area behind the rear seats. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more space, allowing you to haul larger items with ease. There are also numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, including door pockets, a glovebox, and a center console storage bin. These compartments are perfect for stashing your personal belongings and keeping the cabin clutter-free.

    Overall, the interior of the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport is a pleasant place to be. The design is modern and stylish, the materials are high-quality, and the features are plentiful. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the NX 300 F Sport provides a comfortable and refined driving experience.

    Technology and Safety

    When it comes to technology and safety, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport doesn't hold back. It's packed with features designed to keep you connected, entertained, and, most importantly, safe on the road. From advanced driver-assistance systems to cutting-edge infotainment, the NX 300 F Sport offers a comprehensive suite of technologies.

    Let's start with the safety features. The 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport comes standard with Lexus Safety System+, a suite of active safety technologies designed to help prevent accidents. This system includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. The pre-collision system uses radar and cameras to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians. If a collision is imminent, the system will automatically apply the brakes to help mitigate or avoid the impact. Lane departure alert warns you if you start to drift out of your lane and can even provide gentle steering assistance to help you stay centered. Adaptive cruise control maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting your speed to match the flow of traffic. Automatic high beams automatically switch between high and low beams depending on the presence of other vehicles, ensuring optimal visibility at night.

    In addition to these active safety features, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport also comes with a range of passive safety features, including eight airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. These features work together to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision. The NX 300 F Sport has also earned excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further attesting to its safety credentials.

    On the technology front, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport is equipped with a user-friendly infotainment system that offers a range of connectivity options. The system includes an 8-inch or 10.3-inch display, depending on the options package, and is controlled via a touchpad interface on the center console. As mentioned earlier, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and navigation services. The system also includes Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, ensuring you stay connected on the go.

    The 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport also offers a range of optional technology features, such as a premium Mark Levinson audio system, a panoramic view monitor, and a wireless charging pad. The Mark Levinson audio system delivers exceptional sound quality, while the panoramic view monitor provides a 360-degree view of your surroundings, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. The wireless charging pad allows you to charge your smartphone without the need for cables, adding a touch of convenience to your daily routine.

    Overall, the technology and safety features of the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport are comprehensive and impressive. Whether you're looking for advanced driver-assistance systems or cutting-edge infotainment, the NX 300 F Sport has you covered. With its focus on safety and connectivity, this SUV provides peace of mind and a seamless driving experience.

    Pricing and Value

    When considering the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport, it's essential to look at its pricing and overall value proposition. The NX 300 F Sport typically commands a slightly higher price tag compared to the base NX 300 model, but it justifies the premium with its sporty styling, enhanced features, and improved handling. Let's break down the costs and see what you get for your money.

    The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport typically starts in the mid-$40,000 range. However, the final price can vary depending on the options and packages you choose. Adding features like all-wheel drive, a premium audio system, or advanced safety technologies can push the price higher. It's always a good idea to check with your local Lexus dealer for the most up-to-date pricing information and any available incentives or discounts.

    Compared to other compact luxury SUVs in its class, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport offers a competitive value proposition. It stacks up well against rivals like the Acura RDX, BMW X3, and Audi Q5. While some competitors may offer slightly more performance or cargo space, the NX 300 F Sport stands out with its distinctive styling, comfortable interior, and reputation for reliability. Lexus is known for its high-quality vehicles and excellent customer service, which adds to the overall ownership experience.

    One of the key factors that contribute to the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport's value is its long list of standard features. Even in its base configuration, the NX 300 F Sport comes well-equipped with features like LED headlights, a power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. These features provide a high level of comfort, convenience, and safety, making the NX 300 F Sport a compelling choice for many buyers.

    The 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport also holds its value well over time, thanks to Lexus's strong reputation for reliability and durability. This means that you can expect to get a good return on your investment when you eventually decide to sell or trade-in your NX 300 F Sport. This is an important consideration for many buyers, as it can significantly impact the overall cost of ownership.

    Overall, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport offers a solid value proposition in the compact luxury SUV segment. While it may not be the cheapest option, it provides a compelling blend of style, features, performance, and reliability. If you're looking for a well-rounded SUV that's both fun to drive and practical, the NX 300 F Sport is definitely worth considering. Be sure to compare it to its competitors and weigh your priorities to make the best decision for your needs and budget.

    Conclusion

    Wrapping things up, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport is a compelling choice in the compact luxury SUV market. It successfully combines Lexus's renowned luxury and reliability with a sporty edge that appeals to those seeking a more engaging driving experience. From its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension to its stylish interior and advanced technology features, the NX 300 F Sport offers a well-rounded package that's hard to ignore.

    If you're in the market for a compact luxury SUV, the 2019 Lexus NX 300 F Sport should definitely be on your shortlist. It's a vehicle that not only looks good but also delivers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. Just be sure to do your research, compare it to its competitors, and consider your own needs and priorities before making a final decision. Happy driving, folks!