Today U.S. News announced the 2016 Best Cars for the Money winners, awarding the 2016 Lexus NX for the Luxury Compact SUV class. Covering 23 automotive categories, these awards highlight a single vehicle in each class that provides consumers with the best combination of quality and value.

“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.”

The 2016 Lexus NX is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick+ and can be equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine or as a hybrid model with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The NX is also available as an F SPORT model, featuring a bolder grille and more aggressive styling, bolstered sport seats, and other upgrades such as drilled non-slip aluminum pedals and Active Sound Control (ASC) to enhance the auditory experience.

The Best Cars for the Money awards will be presented to the winning automakers during press preview days at the Chicago Auto Show,