Verdict
At RM313,888, the Lexus NX 1st Gen Facelift undercuts the RM395,888 NX AZ20 by RM82,000, yet its 235 hp, 350 Nm turbo petrol engine reaches 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds, 0.6 seconds ahead. The AZ20 answers with two electric motors, an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic, a 14-inch touchscreen and a 2,690 mm wheelbase. For a Malaysian buyer, the newer car’s extra safety and cabin technology are tangible, but the older NX is the sharper value call if pace, a 550-litre boot and lower annual road tax matter more.
Pick the Lexus NX 1st Gen Facelift if you want the RM82,000 saving, 235 hp and 350 Nm, quicker 7.1-second acceleration and a 550-litre boot.
Pick the Lexus NX AZ20 if you want hybrid assistance with two motors, a 14-inch infotainment screen, blind-spot monitoring and a panoramic-view camera.
Key differences
- Price: RM313,888 for the Lexus NX 1st Gen Facelift versus RM395,888 for the Lexus NX AZ20.
- Performance: 235 hp, 350 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds versus 184 hp, 221 Nm and 7.7 seconds.
- Powertrain: 1,998 cc turbo petrol with a 6-speed automatic versus 2,487 cc naturally aspirated hybrid with two motors and an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic.
- Wheelbase and boot: 2,660 mm and 550 litres versus 2,690 mm and 520 litres.
- Wheels and tyres: 18-inch alloys with 225/60R18 tyres versus 20-inch alloys with 235/50R20 run-flat tyres.
- Road tax: RM439 per year versus RM830 per year.
1st Gen Facelift
- RM82,000 less to buy
- 235 hp and 350 Nm; 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds
- 550-litre boot and RM439 annual road tax
- No hybrid motors
- No blind-spot information system, rear cross traffic alert or TPMS
- 8-inch screen and eight speakers versus a 14-inch screen and 10 speakers
AZ20
- Two-motor hybrid assistance and 8-speed Direct Shift automatic
- Blind-spot information system, rear cross traffic alert and panoramic-view camera
- 14-inch touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 10 speakers
- RM82,000 higher purchase price
- Slower 0-100 km/h time of 7.7 seconds versus 7.1 seconds
- 520-litre boot and RM830 annual road tax
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM313,888✓ | RM395,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439✓ | RM830 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 2,487 cc |
| Horsepower | 235 hp✓ | 184 hp |
| Torque | 350 Nm✓ | 221 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 86 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 14 |
| Number of Motors | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 133 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | — | 208 Nm✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 6-Speed AT | 8-Speed Direct Shift |
| Gears | 6 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | Aisin |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.1 seconds✓ | 7.7 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 7.9 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Co2 | 183 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,630 mm | 4,660 mm |
| Width | 1,870 mm | 1,865 mm |
| Height | 1,630 mm | 1,670 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | 2,690 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,765 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 55 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 550 litres✓ | 520 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/60R18 | 235/50R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/60R18 | 235/50R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Yokohama BlueEarth E51 | Bridgestone Alenza 001 Run-flats |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbone |
| Front Wheels | 18" 5-spoke Alloy | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" 5-spoke Alloy | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Passenger Cushion, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | — | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), TPMS |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | 3 LED Projectors | 3 LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats, Memory Function for Driver, Heated and Ventilated | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | Manual recline, 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System with Lexus Climate Concierge |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 1 Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (Touch Controls) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 8" Lexus Display Audio CD/MP3 Player with Bluetooth and 8 Speakers | 14" Lexus Premium Audio Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 10 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with Panoramic View Camera |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Qi Wireless Charger, Smart Card Key |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
1st Gen Facelift vs AZ20 FAQ
Is the Lexus NX 1st Gen Facelift or Lexus NX AZ20 better?
The NX AZ20 is better equipped, with hybrid assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a panoramic-view camera and a 14-inch touchscreen. The 1st Gen Facelift is the better value choice, with more power, quicker acceleration and a larger boot.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus NX AZ20 costs RM82,000 more: RM395,888 against RM313,888 for the Lexus NX 1st Gen Facelift.
Which Lexus NX is quicker and more practical?
The 1st Gen Facelift is quicker, reaching 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds against 7.7 seconds. It also has a 550-litre boot, 30 litres more than the AZ20’s 520 litres, though the newer car has a 30 mm longer wheelbase.
