Lexus NX Review
2017-2023
The Lexus NX (AZ10 Facelift & AZ20 2nd Gen: 2017–2023) is Kenya's benchmark compact luxury crossover. Celebrated for its bold spindle grille, Mark Levinson premium audio, ultra-quiet acoustic glass, Takumi leather stitching, and legendary Toyota hybrid reliability, the NX caters to executives and luxury family buyers across Nairobi and Mombasa. Available in 2.0L Turbo (NX 200t / NX 300), 2.5L Hybrid (NX 300h / NX 350h), 2.5L NA Petrol (NX 250), and 304 hp Plug-In Hybrid (NX 450h+), all mainstream models remain at or below 2,493 cc to qualify for Kenya's standard 25% excise duty tax bracket.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
What’s not so good
Most popular: NX 300h F Sport / NX 200t Luxury / NX 350h Version L
5 doorsPetrol, Hybrid, Plug-in hybridAutomatic, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Lexus NX (AZ10 Facelift & AZ20 Series)
- Production years
- 2017–2023
- Body type
- 5-Door Executive Compact Crossover
- Seating capacity
- 5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Full Hybrid (THS II), Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)
- Engine sizes
- 1,998 cc (2.0T 8AR-FTS) / 2,487 cc (2.5L A25A) / 2,493 cc (2.5L 2AR-FXE)
- Transmission
- 6-Speed Auto / 8-Speed Direct Shift / e-CVT
- Drivetrain
- FWD, AWD, or E-Four Electric All-Wheel Drive
- Ground clearance
- 175 mm – 190 mm
- Source market
- Japan (JDM RHD Spec) / UK
Trims & variants
Base / Luxury / F Sport / Version L
- Setup
2.5L 4-cylinder petrol + electric motor (197 hp combined / 270 Nm), e-CVT, FWD or E-Four AWD, tank size 56 L, returning 18.5 km/L combined (WLTP).
- Why it gets shipped
The core volume seller in Kenya; balances prestige Lexus cabin appointments with 18.5 km/L economy, bulletproof Toyota hybrid durability, and sub-2.5L tax savings.
Fuel consumption
Figures for the Lexus NX 300h (2,493 cc 2AR-FXE THS II Hybrid). Tank: 60 L (about 1110 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,297 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,164 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 12,268
- Full tank (60 L)
- KES 13,618
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Package tiers
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| Base / Executive | Luxury Base | NuLuxe synthetic leather, 8-inch/9.8-inch display, 18-inch alloys, LED headlights, Lexus Safety System+. |
| Luxury / Version L | Executive Comfort | Semi-aniline leather seats, 10.3-inch/14-inch screen, heated/ventilated front & rear seats, power folding 2nd row, wood trim. |
| F Sport | Sport Luxury | F Sport mesh spindle grille, F Sport adaptive variable suspension (AVS), sport seats, 19/20-inch dark alloys, G-meter. |
About the Lexus NX
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2018 to 2023 AZ10 facelift and AZ20 Lexus NX models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window.
Because all volume 2.0L Turbo (1,998 cc) and 2.5L Hybrid (2,487–2,493 cc) engines remain strictly at or under 2,500 cc, the Lexus NX qualifies for KRA's 25% excise duty tax bracket—saving over KSh 1,800,000 in import duty compared to 3.0L+ luxury crossovers like the Porsche Macan or BMW X5.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
