What is the difference between Lexus NX luxury and premium?
In short, the NX Luxury is the higher-end trim, offering more premium materials, comfort, and technology than the NX Premium. The Premium trim provides a solid, well-equipped package at a lower price, but with fewer upscale touches. This article breaks down what each trim typically includes, how they differ in features and price, and what to consider when shopping across markets and model years.
NX Premium: Standard features
Interior and comfort
Premium focuses on comfort and everyday usability with quality materials and seating, but it does not include the top-level leather or cabin refinements found on Luxury.
- Comfortable seating with power adjustment for the driver (and manual or limited adjustment for the front passenger, depending on year and market)
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Standard fabric or synthetic leather seating surfaces
- Rear-seat folding capability for practical cargo flexibility
The Premium interior strikes a balance between value and comfort, providing the essentials without the premium-grade materials or ambiance of the Luxury trim.
Technology and safety
Technology and safety features on Premium cover core connectivity and driver-assistance basics, offering a competent daily-driving setup.
- Infotainment with smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto) and Bluetooth
- Standard driver-assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision systems
- Multi-information display and basic navigation options (varies by year)
Premium provides strong safety and usability, but it does not include the higher-end audio, navigation polish, or expanded driver-assist packages that come with Luxury.
NX Luxury: Upgrades and added value
Materials and comfort
Luxury builds on Premium with more luxurious materials and enhanced seating comfort, creating a noticeably more premium cabin feel.
- Leather seating surfaces and upgraded interior trim (often wood or metal accents)
- Power-adjustable front seats with memory settings
- Heated front seats and often a heated steering wheel; ventilation may be included
- A more refined ambiance, including enhanced ambient lighting
These upgrades elevate everyday comfort and cabin quality, making longer trips more relaxing and the interior feel more premium.
Technology and safety enhancements
In Luxury, the technology suite is expanded for better convenience, navigation, and audio, along with additional or enhanced driver-assistance options in many markets.
- Upgraded or premium audio system (often a higher-end brand or Mark Levinson option on select markets)
- Navigation system with a larger or more advanced display
- Wireless charging and extra USB ports for devices
- Expanded safety and driver-assistance features where available (varies by year/region)
The Luxury trim therefore adds more advanced entertainment, connectivity, and safety capabilities beyond the Premium package.
Bottom line for buyers
The choice between Premium and Luxury typically comes down to budget and priorities. If value and practicality are paramount, Premium delivers solid features at a lower price. If you want a noticeably more refined cabin, stronger materials, and enhanced tech and safety options, Luxury is the more compelling choice. Note that exact feature availability and pricing can vary by model year and market, so it's important to verify specifications with a local dealer or build sheet.
Summary
In essence, the Lexus NX Premium focuses on delivering essential luxury, comfort, and safety at a more accessible price, while the NX Luxury adds premium materials, seating comfort, with more advanced audio, navigation, interior ambiance, and sometimes enhanced safety tech. Buyers should compare the precise equipment lists for their year and region, as Lexus periodically updates trims and option packages.
