Lexus NX review - Practicality & boot space

The NX is Lexus’ mid-size offering, sitting between the UX and RX in terms of size. Like the BMW X3 and Audi Q5, it will likely be bought by families looking for an SUV with enough space for daily life. With more space for both passengers and luggage, the new NX looks to fill that brief well.

Interior space and storage

Thanks to its new underpinnings, the NX has grown slightly in size, and this translates to a more spacious interior that gives you the sense that the car has grown more than it actually has. There's plenty of room in the front and rear seats for average-sized adults, and the driver should find plenty of adjustment to get their ideal position behind the steering wheel.

Boot space

Boot size has increased to 521 litres, and impressively this is the same for both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, unlike most rivals. It's more space than either the plug-in BMW X3 or Mercedes GLC 300 e can offer. Folding the rear seats down in the Lexus increases space to 1,436 litres.

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The seats don’t fold down completely flat but at least the main boot area is useful. A wide opening unveils a boot floor that’s nearly at the same height, so there’s barely any load lip to haul heavy items over.

Towing

Owners who need to tow a braked caravan or trailer will also be able to consider the NX, because both versions can tow up to 1,500kg. That should be enough for a medium-sized caravan, but for those who need to haul a car trailer or horsebox, a diesel SUV is still a better bet as most can tow around two tonnes or more. All versions of the NX can tow 750kg unbraked, which is at the legal limit for an unbraked trailer.