Coming soon to a Pepperdine parking lot near you: the 2018 Jaguar E-Pace.
Pros Gorgeous exterior True torque vectoring Planted, confident drive Efficient interior space Some bits borrowed from F-Type
Cons the materials don’t scream luxury Priced close to the F-Pace Lagging automatic Gruff-sounding engine
The Jaguar E-Pace brings the British brand’s trademark style to the ever-expanding segment of small luxury crossovers. A turbo 2.0-liter inline-four makes 246 hp and has all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Pros Excellent road manners, comfortable for the driver plus one.
Cons Snug back seat; no, the I-Pace is the electric one.
We recommend the P250 E-Pace SE for its balance between cost and features. This model comes with the base engine, which puts out a respectable 246 horsepower, has standard all-wheel drive, and is packed full of features such as a power tailgate, 14-way power leather seats with memory function, an 11-speaker premium audio system, and a suite of advanced driving and parking aids.
PROS Ample power from turbocharged four-cylinder engines Relatively spacious accommodations Appealing mix of standard and optional luxury features Striking design from the inside out
CONS Highest cost of entry in the luxury compact segment It's the heavyweight of the class at more than 4,000 pounds Ride quality can be harsh in some configurations with bigger wheels
Limited cargo capacity means the 2016 Lexus NX 200t might not be the best choice for family-oriented shoppers, but its aggressive exterior design and high-tech interior will be draws for everybody else.It's hard to stand out when you're in a field as competitive as the compact luxury SUV group, but that's exactly what the 2016 Lexus NX 200t (like its NX 300h hybrid sibling) manages to do. It starts with the NX's in-your-face styling, of course, which is defined by bold angles and slashes that make most rivals look tame. Love it or hate it, the NX's polarizing appearance at least guarantees that owners won't lose their Lexus in a crowded parking lot. That's not something we've always been able to say for this historically conservative brand's offerings.
Pros Impeccable cabin construction Generous backseat room Copious high-tech features Smooth and quiet engine.
Cons Small cargo capacity Potentially distracting Remote Touch interface.
The 2016 Lexus NX lineup enters its second model year mostly unchanged. This entirely new model brought several firsts to the Lexus lineup with its introduction last year—a first compact crossover entry for the brand, the first model for the brand with a turbocharged engine, and the first utility vehicle to be given a new design language, which has since been followed in the larger 2016 RX lineup.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. he NX takes on a crowded field that includes the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Cadillac SRX, and Volvo XC60, and it relies on the outstanding reputation of the brand—as well as a far more aggressive design—to stand out. Keep in mind that the drama is mostly in the sheet metal; the profile isn't all the impractical, and the interior is just a slightly more styled version of what's familiar from the brand's other products.
Likes Hybrid and turbo models Edgy, truly standout styling Lexus reputation and resale value Balances practical with sporty
Dislikes Not as smooth/quiet as the RX Remote Touch, and its mouse controller Road noise with sportier tire/wheel combos
After debuting last year, the 2016 Lexus NX subcompact-luxury- crossover SUV continues on with only a smattering of changes. The 2016 NX is based loosely on the Toyota RAV4, but comes with its own engines: a turbocharged 4-cylinder in the NX 200t, or a hybrid drivetrain in the NX. Both 2016 Lexus NX models are sharp-looking, fun-driving and surprisingly roomy luxury SUVs, especially considering the compact exterior dimensions. The interior design, materials and technology punch its weight, lending an air of sophistication beyond its mid-$30,000 price, which is higher than its Audi A3, BMW X1 and Mercedes GLA-Class rivals. Clever touches include a “kick-down” for better throttle response in the 300h hybrid, which uses an electric motor to power the rear wheels in all-wheel-drive models.
Likes The 2016 Lexus NX is a comfortable, high-tech and sophisticated compact-luxury-crossover SUV, combined with the legendary reliability that made Lexus famous, and all wrapped in cutting-edge styling, Sound good? Then check it out.
Dislikes If you're not into the new styling direction that Lexus is taking with its newer cars like the NX, then it's going to be a tough sell. Similarly, if you need to tow or haul, there's not a lot of either capacity in the NX.
