[...] there's a Lexus sport utility vehicle that's priced under $40,000. [...] the NX tops all other non-plug-in, gasoline-electric hybrid SUVs sold in the country with its government ratings of 35 mpg in city driving and 31 mpg on the highway. The $35,405 starting manufacturer's suggested retail price, including the destination charge, is for a base, 2015 NX 200t with front-wheel drive, a turbo four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Competitors include other luxury compact crossover SUVs such as the 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA, which starts at $32,225 and comes with a 208-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed automatic transmission. The NX comes with decent standard equipment, including dual-zone climate control, SmartAccess and push-button start, exterior door handles that illuminate, eight air bags, rearview camera, traction control and electronic stability control, three 12-volt power outlets and three drive modes — Eco, Normal and Sport. The hybrid tester with 194 horsepower from the combined engine and onboard electrical hybrid system averaged an impressive 30 mpg in travel that was 60 percent at highway speeds, and the driver didn't try to maximize fuel economy.