For 2018, the four-year-old Lexus NX faces far stronger competition from new generations of three separate smaller luxury crossover utility vehicles.
The Audi Q5, BMW X3, and Volvo XC60 have all been redesigned this year, with more fuel-efficient powertrains, updated styling, and the latest features.
Only the Acura RDX and recent Mercedes GLC remain from the older generation.
The RDX is a good small SUV with sporty handling and a powerful V-6, though its age now works against it.
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is elegantly styled (in certain colors, at least) and one of the best all-rounders in the category, if far from inexpensive.
But we suspect the NX could struggle in comparison with the three new entries—two German, one Swedish—none of which we’ve fully tested as yet.
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 2018 Lexus NXBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Acura RDXBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Audi Q5Browse Used Listings |  2018 BMW X3Browse Used Listings |  2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC ClassBrowse Used Listings |  2018 Volvo XC60Browse Used Listings |
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| Quick Specs | |||||
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The 2018 Lexus NX is an expressively styled and comfortable compact luxury crossover, but its mix of features faces significant new competitors this year. |
Consider the 2018 Acura RDX if you’re after a budget-conscious crossover that rides and drives well. |
The Audi Q5 is certainly the segment's most modern offering, delivering a high degree of technology, comfort, and conservative style. |
The 2018 BMW X3 ventures into M territory, but doesn’t lose sight of its SUV duties. |
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class captivates crossover types with its lush cabin and its plush ride; there’s AMG power on tap if you must. |
With the new 2018 XC60, Volvo has cached all the XC90’s good data, and trimmed some fat from its code. |
| MSRP From | |||||
| $35,985 | $36,000 | $41,500 | $42,650 | $40,050 | $41,500 |
| Gas Mileage | |||||
| 22 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Hwy | 20 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy | 15 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 28 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 Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 2WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicles 4WD |
| Style Name | |||||
| NX 300 FWD | FWD | 2.0 TFSI Premium | xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicle | GLC 300 SUV | T5 AWD Momentum |
| Drivetrain | |||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | All 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 | Auto-Shift Manual w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD | Automatic w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | |||||
| 2018 Lexus NX vs. 2018 Acura RDX | 2018 Lexus NX vs. 2018 Audi Q5 | 2018 Lexus NX vs. 2018 BMW X3 | 2018 Lexus NX vs. 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC Class | 2018 Lexus NX vs. 2018 Volvo XC60 | |
