“Since its launch in 2015, the NX has helped broaden the appeal of the Lexus brand,†said Jeff Bracken, group vice president and general manager, Lexus. “It was important the NX go beyond utility with striking design and exciting performance. Beyond awards, the customer reaction to this vehicle is helping cement its reputation while enhancing the brand’s desirability for the next generation of luxury consumers.â€
In November 2016, we had the opportunity to test the 2016 Lexus NX 200t. We drove the car for one week along the roads of Virginia while we were trying to find a good place for its photo shoot and the truth is that we were really impressed with its performance, fuel efficiency and interior design.
As you will see in the pictures, this SUV is epitomized by small but important details substantially influenced by the LF-NX concept vehicles that were introduced in hybrid form at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, and later at the Tokyo Motor Show, powered by an all-new turbo drivetrain.
Outside, the 2016 Lexus NX 200t shows a very aggressive and sporty design. The front fascia integrates Lexus’ signature “spindle†grille, LED headlamps, fog lamps, and daytime running lamps. It embraces a sculpted look with bold front and rear wheel arches that house standard 18-inch wheels.
An innovative, Lexus-first door handle with a hidden key barrel and integrated lighting provides the subtle attention to detail that meet the definition of luxury.
Lexus’ signature ‘L’ shaped combination tail lamps, each with seamless LED lighting, and bodywork that reflects the spindle grille complete the rear design.
Under the hood you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The abundant torque will impress you and the sounds when you switch the mode to Sport will have you eager to continue spirited driving along back roads. The 4-cylinder produces 235 hp, and its maximum 258 lb-ft of torque comes in at just 1,650 RPM. Lexus worked hard to reduce turbo lag and make the engine as responsive as possible, and it feels that way when driving around town. The 6-speed automatic transmission can be manually shifted with the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and the NX is available in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). These improvements and technology are key factor when it comes to the fuel efficiency of this vehicle offering 22-mpg city/28 highway/25 combined. AWD models lose 1 mpg off their combined rating, and Lexus recommends premium fuel for all NX 200t trims.
It’s hard combine sophistication, comfort and a sport look in the same place but Lexus did a great job to accommodate all of these characteristics in the 2016 Lexus NX 200t.
The 2016 Lexus NX 200t has been designed for agile driving, handling stability, turning posture and ride comfort, including yaw-rate response to steering input and stability on uneven road surfaces.
The foundation for the vehicle’s sophisticated suspension is a highly rigid body with extensive underbody reinforcement. The new body has a comprehensive package of reinforcements, additional bulkheads and spot welding, suspension braces, and the strategic use of body adhesive, laser-screw welding and high-rigidity glass adhesive.
We definitely won’t forget the feeling and the driving experience on board this sporty crossover.
Stepping into the NX feels like stepping into a sports car. The cabin design combines structural elements with luxurious yet functional materials and textures. The center console is the focal point, framed by bold silver-colored architectural elements and featuring kneepads on both sides. Leather-wrapped metal over high contrast metallic colors provides visual depth. The NX dashboard and console continue the Lexus concept of display and operational zones.
The multimedia system, accessed through a high-resolution seven-inch screen, also offers a Navigation upgrade.
The optional Navigation system can help guide you to your destination more efficiently with up to date and predictive traffic information, including detour preview, ETA calculation and low-fuel coordination with nearby fuel stations. Navigation also includes the subscription-free Lexus Enform App Suite and features 3D map views. The available Navigation also adds a second USB outlet.
Siri “Eyes Free†Mode is compatible with theiPhone and puts Apple’s Siri technology at your service. Siri lets you call contacts, select and play music from iTunes, get turn-by-turn navigation through Siri and Apple maps, and much more.
The seats, inspired by sports car design, coddle the driver and passenger, as you’d expect from a Lexus.
All-season comfort and viewing pleasure are a given in a Lexus luxury utility vehicle. The NX offers available heated or unheated and ventilated front seats. Standard dual-zone automatic climate control offers an available fuel-saving S-Flow mode that detects a front passenger and directs airflow only to the occupied front seat or seats.
Seating played a significant role in the cabin design. A quilted pattern in the seats and varied cushion thickness provide both support and style. The NX possesses a low hip point that helps optimize driver position and adds to the connection between the driver and the vehicle while increasing overall head room.
When it comes to technology and safety, the 2016 Lexus NX 200t has an array of innovative on-board technology, including an available Wireless Charging Tray, which enables Qi compatible phones to be charged. Other available technology includes the first application of a new Lexus Remote Touch Interface with a touch pad; Pre-Collision System with All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert; power folding rear seat and Lane Departure Alert.
The Lexus NX 200t is a Top Safety Pick Plus-rated vehicle by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It aced every crash test, and its advanced forward-collision prevention system is available at the lowest price for its segment.
Conclusion: Power, stellar design, and fuel efficiency with a touch of luxury and excellent performance are the hallmarks of this exciting vehicle. The 2016 Lexus NX 200t will not disappoint you. Pricing starts at about $35K and rises to $44K when fully equipped. , this could be a great pick for you. Go to your closest Lexus dealership and schedule a test drive now.
The all-electric Kia EV3 won Green Car of the Year, while the Carnival Hybrid was named Green Minivan of the Year by Green Car Journal.
Kia has collected two major environmental honors from Green Car Journal.
The all-new 2027 Kia EV3 was named Green Car of the Year, while the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid received the Green Minivan of the Year award.
EV3 Wins Green Car of the Year
The Kia EV3 is the brand’s most attainable fully electric vehicle and is designed to make EV ownership more accessible.
The compact SUV combines styling inspired by the EV9 with a focus on technology, practicality, and range.
The 2027 Kia EV3 was named Green Car of the Year by Green Car Journal.
The EV3 uses Kia’s 400-volt E-GMP platform and can deliver up to 321 miles of range on select versions.
It can also charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 31 minutes using a 350-kW DC fast charger, with NACS compatibility available without an adapter.
Kia says the EV3 will arrive at U.S. dealerships nationwide in late 2026.
Carnival Hybrid Wins Green Minivan Award
The 2026 Carnival Hybrid was named Green Minivan of the Year, giving Kia recognition in both electric and hybrid segments.
The turbocharged hybrid system produces 242 horsepower and delivers an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.
The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid combines 242 horsepower with an EPA-estimated 33 mpg combined.
The Carnival Hybrid can accommodate up to eight passengers and offers up to 145.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row.
That makes it a practical option for families looking to improve efficiency without giving up interior space.
Kia Highlights Its Electrified Lineup
Kia says the two awards demonstrate the breadth of its electrified vehicle strategy.
The EV3 targets customers looking for an affordable all-electric SUV, while the Carnival Hybrid provides another path to improved efficiency for larger families.
Kia says the EV3 and Carnival Hybrid demonstrate the breadth of its electrified lineup.
The Green Car Awards are presented annually by Green Car Journal, which has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and the environment since 1992.
For Kia EV3, winning the overall Green Car of the Year award adds another major recognition ahead of its U.S. launch.
Toyota has donated the final fifth-generation GR Supra to Reach Out WorldWide, with the one-off sports car set to support disaster relief efforts.
Toyota is giving the GR Supra MkV a meaningful final chapter.
The automaker has donated the very last fifth-generation GR Supra produced to Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), with the one-of-one sports car intended to help support the organization’s disaster relief mission.
The Last MkV Supra
The donated Supra is a highly collectible Final Edition featuring a six-speed manual transmission and 382 horsepower.
It also includes commemorative details and factory-exclusive specifications that distinguish it from other fifth-generation Supras.
Toyota donated the final GR Supra MkV ever produced to Reach Out WorldWide.
The vehicle represents the end of the MkV Supra’s production story and gives collectors and enthusiasts an opportunity to contribute to a charitable cause.
Turning a Collector Car Into Relief
ROWW will use the historic vehicle to support its disaster relief efforts.
Toyota and the organization described the donation as a full-circle moment that connects the Supra’s legacy with efforts to help communities affected by disasters.
The one-of-one GR Supra MkV Final Edition combines Toyota’s sports-car heritage with a charitable mission.
The car’s rarity and special specifications are expected to make it particularly attractive to collectors, potentially helping generate significant support for ROWW.
A Special Ending for the Supra
The fifth-generation GR Supra became one of Toyota’s most recognizable performance models, and its final example now has a purpose beyond simply ending production.
The final fifth-generation Supra features a six-speed manual transmission and commemorative Final Edition details.
For the Toyota GR Supra MkV, the donation provides a fitting conclusion to the generation’s production run while giving enthusiasts an opportunity to turn an important piece of Toyota history into meaningful support for disaster relief.
The Heart of Racing Team delivered Aston Martin’s first 2026 WEC victory with the Vantage GT3, while the Valkyrie finished fourth in the Hypercar class.
Aston Martin enjoyed a huge weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, with the Vantage GT3 claiming its first FIA World Endurance Championship victory of 2026 and the Valkyrie scoring its best Hypercar result of the season.
The Heart of Racing Team took the LMGT3 victory with Ian James, Mattia Drudi, and Zach Robichon, while its sister Vantage finished third.
Vantage Finally Takes Its First WEC Win
The #27 Vantage GT3 started second and remained near the front through the opening stages.
Robichon moved into the class lead during the second hour before handing the car to Drudi.
The sister #23 Vantage GT3, driven by Gray Newell, Dudu Barrichello, and Jonny Adam, completed the podium.
The car remained inside the top six for much of the race before Barrichello fought for third place after the final Safety Car period.
The #23 Heart of Racing Vantage GT3 finished third for Aston Martin’s first WEC double podium.
The result gives Heart of Racing its first WEC double podium.
It also moves both crews closer to the LMGT3 championship leaders with three rounds still remaining.
Valkyrie Comes Within Three Seconds of a Podium
Aston Martin’s Hypercar program also delivered a strong result.
The #007 Valkyrie, driven by Tom Gamble and Harry Tincknell, finished fourth at COTA, less than three seconds behind the final podium position.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie finished fourth at COTA, its best WEC result of the 2026 season.
The result extended Valkyrie’s points-scoring streak to eight consecutive WEC races.
The car has now scored points in every WEC round of 2026, showing significant progress only 18 months into the program.
Aston Martin remains in a close battle with Alpine for fifth in the Hypercar manufacturers’ championship, with Fuji, Barcelona, and Monza still to come.
More Success for Vantage in British GT4
The Vantage also secured another championship elsewhere.
Grange Racing by FSR’s Daniel Lavery and Darren Turner clinched the British GT4 Pro-Am title with one race remaining after taking their fifth consecutive class victory.
Turner collected his third GT4 Pro-Am championship, while Lavery completed an impressive debut season.
For Aston Martin Vantage WEC, the COTA weekend represented a major breakthrough: the Vantage finally delivered its first 2026 WEC victory, the sister car joined it on the podium, and the Valkyrie came within seconds of another top-three finish.
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