
The 2016 Lexus NX lineup lands at the sporty end of the luxury compact crossover segment, although with a hybrid model on offer.
Look for the NX lineup to match up solidly, in turbo guise, against the V-6 and turbo-four versions of these rivals.
The BMW X3 is a competitive vehicle in every respect, although the current generation is lacking some of the verve that otherwise usually distinguishes BMW vehicles.
The Volvo XC60 is yet another great alternative; its interior is very well laid-out and comfortable; it's great for safety; and with the introduction of a new, more economical turbo four-cylinder engine this year, it's a stronger entry than before.
The Audi Q5 has a combination of excellent interior appointments and versatility, as well as a good compromise of handling and ride comfort, make it one of the better bets here.
Otherwise the Acura RDX is a head-scratcher, offering only one engine—a V-6—at a time when all of its peers have moved to more economical engines.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a brilliant new entry in this class, and it competes solidly against both the NX and the larger RX—with a stunning interior and, we think, a bit more refinement.
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Quick Specs | |||||
Striking styling and a turbocharged engine are only the opening acts for a remarkably well-rounded family of 2016 Lexus NX compact luxury crossover models. |
The 2016 Acura RDX is a smooth and responsive crossover SUV; it’s easy to live with, as long as the back seat fits your passengers. |
The 2016 Audi Q5 offers one of the greatest range of powertrain choices in its class, ensuring that almost anyone can find a version of this handsome small crossover to fit their tastes. |
The stylish 2016 BMW X3 skips the ruggedness thing entirely and instead succeeds in being one of the sportiest and tech-loaded yet fuel-efficient compact crossovers. |
As a tangential—and far more sophisticated—replacement for the GLK, the savvy 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC is a far better match for American wants and needs. |
The 2016 Volvo XC60 remains a luxury-SUV contender, though a plethora of powertrains and options can take the $36,000 base price well over $50,000. |
MSRP From | |||||
$34,965 | $35,370 | $40,900 | $38,950 | $38,950 | $36,600 |
Gas Mileage | |||||
22 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 17 MPG City / 31 MPG Hwy |
Engine | |||||
Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded V-6 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 |
EPA Class | |||||
Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 4WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD | Small SUV 2WD |
Style Name | |||||
FWD 4-Door | FWD 4-Door | quattro 4-Door 2.0T Premium | RWD 4-Door sDrive28i | RWD 4-Door GLC 300 | FWD 4-Door T5 Drive-E |
Drivetrain | |||||
Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
Passenger Capacity | |||||
5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Passenger Doors | |||||
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Body Style | |||||
Sport Utility | Sport Utility | quattro Sport Utility | Sports Activity Vehicle | Sport Utility | Sport Utility |
Transmission | |||||
Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
2016 Lexus NX vs. 2016 Acura RDX | 2016 Lexus NX vs. 2016 Audi Q5 | 2016 Lexus NX vs. 2016 BMW X3 | 2016 Lexus NX vs. 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class | 2016 Lexus NX vs. 2016 Volvo XC60 |