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" /> Lexus NX Scores High in Motor Trend SUV of the Year Award Rankings – Lexus Enthusiast | Lexus Enthusiast

Lexus NX Scores High in Motor Trend SUV of the Year Award Rankings

Posted by Kevin on October 22nd, 2014

The Lexus NX was a finalist in the Motor Trend SUV of the Year award rankings — here’s a quote from Jonny Lieberman’s write-up:

The looks were obviously polarizing, and that’s exactly the point. You don’t make your mini-ute look like a mashup of a Cylon and Predator because you want a wallflower. [Editor Angus] MacKenzie was the NX’s biggest aesthetic detractor. I wish we had room to publish everything he wrote, but this is the highlight, “Here’s a direct appeal to Akio Toyoda: Tell the guys enough with the spindle grille, already. It just doesn’t work, no matter how much your designers tweak it.” Ouch.

I’ll be the nice guy and state that this is by far the best-looking spindle grille on the market. The interior is the latest interpretation of the LFA’s fighter jet cockpit. We dig it.

The NX was joined by seven other SUVs in the finalist category: the Subaru Outback, Porsche Macan, Nissan Rogue, Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, Lincoln MKC, Jeep Cherokee and Chevrolet Suburban all lost out to the eventual winner — the Honda CR-V.

Read the full Motor Trend SUV of the Year article

AwardsLexus NX: First Generation
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Comments
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    RAL
  • October 22, 2014
Despite the polarizing effect of the spindle grille, it is meant to be Lexus' brand trademark. I think it will be around for a long time despite those of us who don't care for it. The sales numbers are certainly going up and you can't argue with that, although I wonder how much the spindle grille has been a factor in those increases. Yes it has been tweaked to distinguish between models. The more aggressive and sportier the designers want the model, the more obtuse the bottom of the spindle becomes. I wonder how the spindle can be tweaked . . . not back towards wallflower bland, but to give it a more refined look while retaining the sporty appeal to younger buyers. I wish there were some designers/artists out there who would offer visual suggestions. And word is that coming model refreshments will incorporate spindle grilles even more daring. Cheers to all those who love the spindle grille . . . the more obtuse the better! But then there are the rest of us Lexus brand loyalists . . . I've been sharing my thoughts on the Lexus Advisory Board but I have a feeling my words are being politely ignored.
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    Mike DeLorca
  • October 22, 2014
I personally think the Spindle grill look is the best decision of the LEXUS brand in decades. This mark on design was devised to set LEXUS apart and compete with no other identification on the road...it is truly working with sales and volume increasing daily. Sad that the Journalist and panelist voters don't have the Kahounas to admit that LEXUS is finally not the bland wall-flower look it criticized for years....now that it looks like no other vehicle on the road....it is now being critiqued for looking too Polarizing....go figure. LEXUS will prevail and be the winner it is destined to be....when Global sales increase and numbers start to really blow up with all the new direction, models and technology....some other excuse will surface....Go for it LEXUS and don't stop !!! More to come that will shock the market....competitors and detractors are not ready for it. I say.....AKIO IS THE BEST !
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    Levi
  • October 22, 2014
All spindle grill haters don't really hate the grill, but just hate Lexus, and use the grill as a "strong" argument. Funny they don't use that argument against Audi's "waffle maker" grill, BMW's "pig nose" or many other really bad grills in the automotive industry, Ferrari included IMO. No matter what grill Lexus designs, they will always hate it because it is a Lexus. Hate comes from fear: they all fear in the next 7-14 years Lexus will be No. 1 Premium Car Manufacturer, and indeed they have to, because now Lexus builds damn good cars.
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      Thomas
    • October 23, 2014
    What you are saying is just plain wrong. Extremely wrong. Like, 14-years old in mind wrong. People who arent happy With the change to the spindle grill, is People who f.ex. loves the original Lexus LS etc. You know; People who where interested in Lexus before you even started first grade. The 3. gen GS was the best looking Lexus so far followed by the LS before the spindle-facelift.
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      Levi
    • October 23, 2014
    Fair enough. I maybe did not express myself in a clearly. Indeed the Lexus spindle grill is polarising, so some will love it and others will hate it. I'm in the camp of those who like its. You are in the other camp, and I understand and respect that. What I meant was the use of spindle grill as an argument, which in your case (Lexus loyal) is valid, but in other cases ("Lexus haters") is not valid. I don't like Audi, but would be wrong heavily criticising the size or the design of the grill, to "prove" my opinion about why Audi is "bad".
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    JohnG
  • October 22, 2014
I bought a new IS350 F Sport a while back, and definitely part of the appeal of the car is the exterior design. But that's in spite of the spindle grill, not because of it.
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    Lexus Cohen
  • October 22, 2014
I love the new Lexus look and others do too. Look at the sales figures for the GX, doubled, IS, doubled and the NX has so many preorders. Lexus is going in the right direction, don't like it, buy something else and stop complaining! Complaints about their cars being dull and boring, now they add aggression and what they get for it?
    R
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      RAL
    • October 22, 2014
    Can we not express our personal opinion about our likes or dislikes for Lexus styling without being told to "stop complaining" and "buy something else"? In no way do I associate myself with Angus MacKenzie's comments. He is just too pompous to be taken seriously. I do wonder why those who like the spindle grille styling become so vociferous when simple personal distaste about it is expressed. Not unlike JohnG above we bought a new Lexus RX that has a spindle grille, not because of the spindle styling but because we feel the benefits of owning a Lexus far outweigh anything we might not like about the styling. I am a Lexus loyalist not a Lexus hater like someone claimed above. But I am also not a spindle grille fan. No big deal. I am glad for Lexus' success and I hope it continues. Maybe I am being defensive for even writing this reply. Maybe . . . I just wish we could share our opinions respectfully, that's all.
    K
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      krew
    • October 22, 2014
    Of course you can share your opinions on the site! Just don't be surprised if people disagree (though from this thread, I'd say most people agree with you.) :-)
    R
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      RAL
    • October 22, 2014
    Disagreement is a given. Respect should be too.
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      William A
    • October 22, 2014
    There was no "disrespect" shown here. You just happen to disagree with someone on the internet. It happens every millisecond of every day.
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      RAL
    • October 22, 2014
    We'll have to agree to disagree . . .
    T
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      Thomas
    • October 23, 2014
    Lexus Cohen just wrote pointed at RAL, that if you dont like the spindle-grille, you should buy something else than Lexus.
    L
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      Lexus Cohen
    • October 23, 2014
    I'm sorry if I offended you in any way, but in all honest my comment was not directed at you or anyone in this forum. The spindle grille issue has become a cliche.
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      RAL
    • October 23, 2014
    Thanks, I accept and appreciate your apology. I am usually not thin-skinned, but I think I was in this instance. I do admire your enthusiasm for Lexus. I must not dislike the spindle grille too much; I'm dying to buy a new GS in 'atomic silver' . . . but my wife isn't :-(( Congratulations and enjoy your new one!
    L
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      Lexus Cohen
    • October 23, 2014
    No problem mon! At times I'm an ignorant and selfish bastard...lol.The GS is an amazing car, my wife convinced me to trade my 07 IS 250 MT for a 13 and I can say this, when I'm in a better position I will definitely buy another GS. I traded it for the IS F :-)
    R
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      RAL
    • October 23, 2014
    I remember this is not the first occasion you've stepped up and proven yourself to be a class act . . . in my humble opinion. :-)
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      Thomas
    • October 24, 2014
    You have set up some great car-wash service there, sir. I like it!
    L
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      Lexus Cohen
    • October 24, 2014
    I know right, I do bicycles too, so come on by....lol
    T
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      Thomas
    • October 23, 2014
    I never complained at Lexus for being to bland or not "aggressive" enough. I dont like the spindle-grille, but I can live With it. Your so-called arguments could have been interesting if they were pointed at someone who demanded "bold" design, but they are not. So stop Your ignorant hating, please! Your comment is plain unintelligent.
    K
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      krew
    • October 23, 2014
    As always, Thomas, you have to cross the line. Do we seriously have to talk about you attacking other commenters again?! Just about done. ONE more time and you're banned.
    L
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      Lexus Cohen
    • October 23, 2014
    Take it easy on him krew, he doesn't mean what he said.
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    corradoMR2
  • October 22, 2014
I LOVE the spindle grill and the latest interpretation on the NX. It is a positive contributing reason why I've purchased two late model Lexus's and now the upcoming NX. For those automotive journalists who keep stressing how bad it is, stop and take a look around as people are obviously not hating it that much to have record Lexus sales, and focus on an objective review.
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The CRV is such a weak choice. It didn't even meet it's EPA estimates. They really couldn't come up with an excuse for that award. The just "spit the bit"! BD

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