2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport: Specs & Performance

Hey guys! Are you curious about the 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport? You've come to the right place! This article dives deep into the specifications and performance of this stylish and sporty compact SUV. We'll cover everything from engine details and dimensions to fuel economy and interior features. So, buckle up and let's explore what makes the 2018 NX 300 F Sport a compelling choice for drivers looking for a blend of luxury and athleticism.

Engine and Performance

Let's kick things off under the hood! The 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This isn't your grandpa's four-banger; it delivers a punchy 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That's plenty of power to get you moving, whether you're navigating city streets or cruising on the highway. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission, offering a refined driving experience. The F Sport trim also boasts a sport-tuned suspension, giving it a more responsive and engaging feel on the road. You'll definitely notice the difference when you take it around a corner!

But what does all this mean for real-world performance? The 2018 NX 300 F Sport can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 7 seconds, which is pretty respectable for a compact SUV. More importantly, the engine provides strong mid-range power, making it easy to pass other cars or merge onto the freeway. The sport-tuned suspension helps to minimize body roll in corners, giving you a confident and planted feel behind the wheel. Overall, the performance of the NX 300 F Sport is a major highlight, making it a fun and engaging vehicle to drive. You'll find yourself looking for excuses to take it for a spin! And speaking of real-world performance, the responsiveness of the engine is truly something to appreciate. It's not just about raw power; it's about how that power is delivered. The NX 300 F Sport has a very linear power curve, meaning that the engine pulls strongly throughout the rev range. This makes it very predictable and easy to drive in a variety of situations. Whether you're accelerating from a stoplight or climbing a steep hill, you'll always have plenty of power on tap.

The six-speed automatic transmission also deserves a shout-out. It shifts smoothly and seamlessly, providing a refined driving experience. But it's not just about smoothness; the transmission is also very responsive. It's quick to downshift when you need extra power, and it holds gears nicely when you're driving aggressively. If you want even more control, you can use the paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. These allow you to manually select gears, giving you a more engaging driving experience. The paddle shifters are especially useful when you're driving on twisty roads, as they allow you to keep the engine in its sweet spot. Plus, they just add to the sporty feel of the NX 300 F Sport.

The sport-tuned suspension is another key ingredient in the NX 300 F Sport's performance recipe. It's stiffer than the suspension on the standard NX 300, which helps to reduce body roll in corners. This means that the NX 300 F Sport feels more planted and stable when you're driving aggressively. The sport-tuned suspension also provides a more direct connection to the road, giving you a better sense of what the car is doing. Of course, a stiffer suspension can sometimes translate to a harsher ride, but Lexus has done a good job of striking a balance between sporty handling and everyday comfort. The NX 300 F Sport still rides relatively smoothly, even on rough roads. It's a testament to Lexus's engineering prowess that they've been able to create a vehicle that's both fun to drive and comfortable to live with. And let's not forget about the all-wheel-drive system that's available on the NX 300 F Sport. This system provides extra traction and stability, especially in slippery conditions. If you live in an area with snow or rain, all-wheel drive is definitely something to consider. It will give you added peace of mind knowing that you have extra grip when you need it most. The all-wheel-drive system also helps to improve the NX 300 F Sport's handling in dry conditions. By distributing power to all four wheels, it can help to reduce understeer and improve cornering performance. So, whether you're driving in the snow or on a sunny day, the all-wheel-drive system is a valuable asset.

Fuel Economy

Okay, so the 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport is fun to drive, but what about fuel economy? Nobody wants to spend all their time and money at the gas station, right? Well, the good news is that the NX 300 F Sport offers respectable fuel economy for its class. The EPA estimates are around 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Of course, your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving style and conditions. But overall, the NX 300 F Sport is a reasonably fuel-efficient choice. You can enjoy the sporty performance without completely emptying your wallet at the pump.

Those fuel economy numbers are particularly impressive when you consider the performance that the NX 300 F Sport delivers. It's not easy to build a vehicle that's both fun to drive and fuel-efficient, but Lexus has managed to pull it off. The turbocharged engine plays a key role in this achievement. It provides plenty of power when you need it, but it's also relatively efficient when you're cruising on the highway. The six-speed automatic transmission also helps to optimize fuel economy. It's programmed to shift smoothly and efficiently, keeping the engine in its most efficient operating range. And if you want to maximize fuel economy, you can select the "Eco" driving mode. This mode adjusts the engine and transmission settings to prioritize fuel efficiency. It will make the throttle response a bit less aggressive, but it can help you save some gas on long trips. Conversely, if you're feeling sporty, you can select the "Sport" driving mode. This mode sharpens the throttle response and changes the transmission's shift points, giving you a more engaging driving experience. It will also probably decrease your fuel economy, but hey, sometimes you just have to have fun! The NX 300 F Sport offers a nice balance between fuel economy and performance, allowing you to choose the driving mode that best suits your needs.

Dimensions and Exterior

Now, let's talk about the dimensions of the 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport. It's a compact SUV, so it's relatively easy to maneuver in tight spaces and park in the city. The overall length is around 182 inches, and the width is about 74 inches. The height is roughly 65 inches. These dimensions make the NX 300 F Sport a good choice for urban dwellers or anyone who wants a vehicle that's easy to live with.

But don't let the "compact" designation fool you; the NX 300 F Sport still offers a decent amount of interior space. There's plenty of room for passengers in both the front and rear seats, and the cargo area is surprisingly spacious. You can easily fit luggage, groceries, or other gear in the back. And if you need even more space, the rear seats can be folded down to create a larger cargo area. The versatility of the NX 300 F Sport is one of its strong suits. It's a vehicle that can handle a variety of tasks, from daily commuting to weekend adventures.

Moving on to the exterior, the 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport has a bold and distinctive design. The F Sport trim gets a unique mesh grille, which gives it a more aggressive look. It also has sporty front and rear bumpers, as well as exclusive alloy wheels. These design elements help to set the NX 300 F Sport apart from the standard NX 300. The overall styling of the NX 300 F Sport is very eye-catching. It has a sharp, angular design that's sure to turn heads. The Lexus spindle grille is a prominent feature, and it gives the vehicle a very distinctive look. Some people love it, and some people hate it, but there's no denying that it's a bold design choice. The LED headlights and taillights add to the modern and sophisticated look of the NX 300 F Sport. They provide excellent illumination, and they also look very stylish. The overall impression is of a vehicle that's both sporty and luxurious.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside, the 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport offers a premium and well-appointed interior. The F Sport trim comes with unique sport seats that provide excellent support and comfort. The cabin is filled with high-quality materials, and the fit and finish are top-notch. You'll find soft-touch surfaces, leather accents, and elegant stitching throughout the interior. It's a very pleasant place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or taking a long road trip. The design of the dashboard and center console is also very modern and stylish. Everything is logically laid out and easy to reach. The infotainment system is controlled by a touchpad interface, which takes some getting used to, but it's fairly intuitive once you get the hang of it.

In terms of features, the 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport comes loaded with a wide range of standard equipment. This includes things like a sunroof, power-adjustable front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. You also get a suite of advanced safety features, such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to keep you safe on the road and provide added peace of mind. The infotainment system includes a large touchscreen display, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the vehicle's system. You can use your phone's navigation apps, stream music, and make hands-free calls. The sound system is also very impressive, delivering clear and powerful audio. Overall, the NX 300 F Sport is packed with features that enhance both comfort and convenience. You'll appreciate the attention to detail that Lexus has put into this vehicle. It's clear that they've tried to create a truly premium driving experience. And let's not forget about the available options. You can further customize your NX 300 F Sport with features like a premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display. These options allow you to tailor the vehicle to your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport is a compelling compact SUV that offers a blend of sporty performance, luxurious features, and distinctive styling. It's a great choice for drivers who want a vehicle that's both fun to drive and practical for everyday use. The turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and premium interior make it a standout in its class. If you're in the market for a compact SUV, the NX 300 F Sport is definitely worth checking out. You might just find that it's the perfect vehicle for you!

I hope this deep dive into the specs and performance of the 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport has been helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy driving, guys! And remember, always drive safely and responsibly. The road is a shared space, and we all need to do our part to keep it safe for everyone. So, buckle up, pay attention, and enjoy the ride! The 2018 Lexus NX 300 F Sport is a vehicle that's designed to be enjoyed, so make the most of it! Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or taking a road trip, this SUV will provide a comfortable and engaging driving experience. It's a vehicle that you can be proud to own, and it's sure to turn heads wherever you go.