The Lexus NX compact luxury SUV has arrived to shake up any perceptions of staid luxury, and pave the way toward a younger demographic for Lexus. The NX enters a ever-more crowded field of compact SUV offerings, especially among luxury brands, but should find its niche with its sportier driving feel and aggressive styling.

Lexus is offering three versions of the NX, including the NX200t, NX200t F Sport, and 300h gasoline-electric hybrid. All are available in front- or all-wheel drive.

The NX is a larger compact SUV, and Lexus itself readily compares it with the Audi Q5. Both vehicles are nearly the same length with the NX measuring 182.3 inches and the Q5 measuring 182.6 inches. That's about 10 inches longer than the Audi Q3, which we tested earlier this year.

We tested the NX 200t F Sport model, which provides enough power with a new 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The engine makes 235 hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, which is plenty of power to tackle hill ascents or help merge into southern California freeway traffic. The F Sport model adds sport-tuned suspension.

The NX 200t F Sport offers the comfort you'd expect from a Lexus interior with a 10-way power driver seat, including two-way lumbar. The NX provides drivers a haptic touchpad to control infotainment options on a 7-inch center console screen that offers a more smartphone-style approach.

Lexus optioned our test vehicle with a few other features, including Qi wireless charging, LED headlamps, navigation, parking assist, and a power cargo door revealing 54.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The NX 200t starts at $37,980, while our model would retail for $46,380.