Launched in 2014, the Lexus NX has become one of the brand’s best sellers. With the watchwords “robustness, luxury and innovation” Lexus defines the model itself, and over 1.5 million NX cars have been sold to date.
NX Overtrail is meant to combine luxury and robustness. (Photo: Lexus)
Lanzarote offers decidedly exotic views. (Photo: Lexus)
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More than just a new look
The Lexus NX Overtrail combines luxury and adventure for those who want to explore more than just asphalt. At first glance it may seem like it’s just an upgraded paint job, but the NX Overtrail actually has 15 millimeters of ground clearance, a stiffer chassis and 18-inch all-terrain tires for better maneuverability.
The model also has a special off-road mode, called Trail Mode. In Sweden, the NX Overtrail comes in two versions: hybrid (NX350h) and plug-in hybrid (NX450e).
Overtrail’s updates extend beyond cosmetics. (Photo: Lexus)
Lexus believes that the NX Overtrail is a real fin beyond the asphalt. (Photo: Lexus) An established strategy
Lexus targets those looking for a luxury SUV with off-road qualities, especially in markets like the US and the Middle East where such vehicles are popular.
Larger Lexus models such as the LX and GX, luxury versions of the Toyota Land Cruiser, are also offered here. NX Overtrail, on the other hand, is a more exclusive version of RAV4 Adventure and has more details to convey an adventurous feeling.
NX Overtrail is not alone in the family, at least if you look around the world. (Photo: Lexus)
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True sense of adventure
Lexus had chosen Lanzarote to show off the NX Overtrail in a nature that offers both sun and unique off-road possibilities. The island, which is of volcanic origin, has a very varied and barren terrain.
Lexus was also given special permission to drive on certain paths and roads. The test drive was divided into two stages which together took around five to six hours, with plenty of time to explore the car’s characteristics on both country roads, sand dunes and rocky roads.
Lanzarote sometimes offered challenging off-road driving. (Photo: Lexus) A quiet and peaceful driving experience
Lexus focuses a lot on offering a sense of calm, and the NX Overtrail is no exception. The test car was an NX 350h with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers 244 horsepower via a CVT transmission and all-wheel drive.
The cabin is extremely quiet, even when the strong Canarian winds gave the feeling of driving at high speed. The all-terrain tires added to the comfort, although their tread made some noise on rough roads.
NX Overtrail is a decidedly sane piece. (Photo: Lexus) No sports car – but that’s not necessary either
Already after a few meters of driving, you realize how Lexus has prioritized comfort and calm over sportiness. Throttle response is smooth, and the CVT box is compliant, but if you press the gas hard, clear revs are heard without particularly explosive acceleration.
The steering is more relaxed than direct, giving a calm driving experience rather than a sporty one. The increased ground clearance causes the car to lean a bit in curves, but it also contributes to improving accessibility.
NX offers more substance than you might expect. (Photo: Lexus) Ready for off-road adventures
The first challenge was a dusty gravel road over the rugged landscape, where the four-wheel drive and off-road tires showed their capabilities.
When the car hit a patch of soft gravel, we put the four-wheel drive to the test, and the NX demonstrated its ability to prioritize the front wheels before engaging the rear axle for extra traction.
This is an electronic system rather than mechanical, but together with the all-terrain tires and higher ground clearance it provided good maneuverability.
Later we drove on sandy roads near the coast and along gravel roads lined with rocks, which really showed the adventurous spirit of the NX Overtrail.
The most challenging part was a steep hill next to a volcano, where the Lexus team guided us down a difficult passage.
NX Overtrail wants to appeal to so-called lifestyle customers. (Photo: Lexus)
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The Lexus NX Overtrail is a luxurious SUV with a robust appearance
The Lexus NX Overtrail is, not unexpectedly, an NX with extra durable features. The higher ground clearance, off-road tires, stiffer chassis and Trail Mode all contribute to creating an SUV that can handle more than you might expect at first glance.
At the same time, it is clear that the NX Overtrail is intended to attract adventurous drivers who are looking for something beyond everyday city traffic rather than a car for extreme off-road adventures.
With its robust aesthetics and comfortable driving characteristics, it definitely appeals to its target audience. A more detailed test will show how it fares on Swedish roads.
NX Overtrail can be ordered now. (Photo: Lexus)First impressions of the Lexus NX Overtrail: 3.5/5
Engine: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder, gasoline, hybrid, 244 horsepower, 239 newton meters
Transmission: E-CVT box, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.7 seconds
Top speed: 200 km/h
Weight: 1,870 kg
Dimensions (length/height/width): 4660/1660/1865 mm
Price: From SEK 631,400