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.
The 2017 Jaguar F-Pace ranks 2 out of 14 Luxury Compact SUVs. Very few rivals can match the brand-new Jaguar F-Pace when it comes to space, dynamic driving performance, and the prestige that comes with a Jaguar badge. Although Jaguar doesn't like to call it an SUV – they call it a practical sports car and performance crossover – the F-Pace is the first SUV for the luxury brand. The British carmaker says the F-Pace was built to be functional enough as a daily driver, but fun to drive on the weekend. It is spectacularly successful in both arenas. The F-Pace also has one of the largest cargo holds in the class. Additionally, its Land Rover parentage (Jaguar and Land Rover are owned by the same company and share some components) helps its off-road cred, making the F-Pace surprisingly practical for a little trail-riding. Overall, the F-Pace is an excellent SUV.
Pros Sports-car-like performance Excellent traction on slippery or gravel roads Spacious interior and cargo room
Cons Subpar acceleration with diesel engine
The 2017 Jaguar F-Pace does an excellent job of putting just as much emphasis on sport as on utility. Jaguar Land Rover is in the business of building excellent SUVs, but until now, those SUVs were the exclusive province of Land Rover. Even with Range Rovers and Discoverys sitting across the showroom, there's plenty of room for more vehicles in the broad spectrum that grabs everything from the Buick Encore to the Benz G-Class. And if a sort of automotive purity test is invoked, well, Porsche's proven that no brand can really thrive in the U.S. without some kind of crossover SUV in its lineup. This is all a convoluted way of explaining how we got to the first Jaguar crossover SUV in history, and as luck would have it, one of the most satisfying luxury utility vehicles of all.
Pros The SUV Jaguar's always wanted Sleek aluminum body Wide-screen InControl Touch Pro Turbodiesel or supercharged six Nimble, skillful handling
Cons Firm ride degrades on 22s Rearview camera a $400 option on base model Cockpit can be a subdued, dark affair
If you're looking for a luxury SUV that stands out in a crowd, the striking new 2017 Jaguar F-Pace is hard to ignore. It's more than just a pretty face as it's also great to drive, surprisingly practical, competitively priced and can even venture off road. It's a new SUV you don't want to overlook.
pros Spacious backseat and cargo area for the segment Sharper and more engaging to drive than most Supercharged V6 power at a four-cylinder price Fuel-efficient diesel engine option Higher-than-usual ground clearance and surprising off-road capability.
cons Gasoline engine is considerably less efficient than similarly priced rivals You might find the ride too firm over broken pavement V6's boisterous exhaust may get tiresome in day-to-day driving.
