Used 2019 Lexus NX 300 Luxury for sale 

The engine generates 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque which is not really impressive for the segment it belongs to. The NX 300 is also available in the All-Wheel-Drive variant. Lexus might not have felt the need to alter the NX but the competition did, SUVs like Acura RDX, Volvo XC60, and BMW X3 are the market favorites in this segment.

The 2019 Lexus NX 300 competes in the Compact Luxury segment, a segment largely known for tough bodies, aggressive styling, and a foolproof standard feature list. Though people are always amazed by German auto cosmetics, the Japanese are no joke in the segment. The Lexus NX 300 is a solid offering from the Japanese, Lexus offers two trims for the gas-powered NX, standard NX300, and NX300F Sport. Lexus offers one powertrain and an option for front or all-wheel-drive. Though you have to spend $1,400 more for the All-wheel-drive trim. The standard feature list is not the best in the segment but it packs enough punch to compete in its league. The F sports variant adds more sugar and spice to the standard feature list and tunes the suspension to be more sporty. 

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The standard NX300 is the most rational choice, just make sure to add the Comfort package for the heated and ventilated front seats and blind-spot monitoring. By doing so, you will be making yourself the best offering in the segment.

This year the NX 300 remained unchanged in terms of mechanical tweaks. You get the previous 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission with no other engine or transmission options available.

The powertrain can churn out 235 horsepower and 258-pound feet of torque. The engine can either thrust the front wheels or all the four wheels depending on the choice of the drivetrain, the F-Sport version is mated with the All-Wheel-Drive. The hybrid NX 300 hosts a bigger 2.5 L Inline-4 engine backed by an electric motor and battery.

In the aspect of engine fine-tuning, the Hybrid version is more smooth, the latter offers a decent boost but the power delivery feels disturbed and unrefined. The 6-speed automatic doesn't make anything easy. It feels unrefined with its sluggish shifts, something which Lexus should have paid attention to.

Acceleration

Let's make it clear, performance is not the key factor on the NX 300. Its lack of power makes acceleration slothful. The NX 300 reaches 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. However, it improves on the quarter-mile track. The NX300 accomplishes the quarter mile dash in 14.8 seconds.

The Swedish manufacturer proves its mettle by pacing up to the 60 mph mark in just under 5 seconds, a fantastic achievement indeed. The Lexus only comes in at 7.2 seconds for the same, and hence finds itself in the last position.

Ride and Handling

Lexus haven't filled the gap of power with a V6 engine, however, that is not the case. Apart from the power scarcity the NX 300 has a light steering which gives a certain preciseness but takes away road control. However, this predicament is occured upon only at high speeds.

Cutting corners at a high speed is not the best idea in the NX 300, as the SUV leans a lot but in a way that could be controlled and taken care of. The F Sports trim will spice up your ride with adaptive dampers and better overall driving dynamics. At last, being a crossover helps in better maneuvering in the city's packed roads.

Braking

Lexus was not that ambitious about NX 300's braking. Not that it wanted to cut costs here, however, Lexus took the smallest brake discs that could work on an SUV, resulting in an installation of 11.7 inches front and 11.2 inches rear brakes. The SUV halts from the speed of 60 mph in 138 feet, it's possibly the worst performance in the segment and the small rotors are the one to blame.

The Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum SUV is the heaviest of the lot, weighing 4109 lbs. and this would affect its brake performance. On the other extreme the Acura RDX SUV is the lightest in the segment, weighing 3783 pounds, the benefit of its light weight is shown in the distance it takes to come to a standstill from the 60 mph mark, with a segment leading distance of 121 feet the Acura RDX proves to be the best in break performance. Lexus NX 300 comes closely behind, recording 138 feet for the same.

Lexus worked wonders by its hybrid witchcraft but failed to cast the same spell on the standard NX 300. In the city, it delivers an average mileage of 22 mpg and the mediocrity continuous on the highway through a 28 mpg fuel economy. Hence, you can expect a combined ergonomic number of 25 miles to a gallon. The F Sport package brings in wider types which slash the combined economy by 1 mpg.

All the vehicles in consideration deliver equally in terms of miles to a gallon. Recording 22 miles for a city drive to a gallon. Approximately 28 miles to a gallon for Highway drives and a combined mileage of 24. There seems to be a difference of 1 mpg either way. It is the tank capacity which makes all the difference in this segment and Volvo grabs the first place with the provision of 18.8 gallons as its tank capacity.

As flamboyant and plush the Japanese exterior gets, the interior is set on the simpler side. The best part about the NX is its generous space, there is plenty of legroom and headroom, however, the small windows make the rear cabin a little claustrophobic.

The NX feels a little tall but the door opening is a bit short, this obstructs some individuals. As for the quality, the cabin is at par, though it's simulated-leather upholstery does not meddle with the experience. The rest of the interior feels genuine and well done.

Again, putting the word about the spacious NX's cabin, you will find a decent front cabin space of 38.2 inches headroom and 42.8 inches of legroom. The rear cabin isn't compromising either, the legroom is squeezed to 36.1 inches and the headroom stays the same as its front.

Cargo

The NX's cargo volume offering is disheartening, you only get 17.2 cubic feet of cargo volume. Though you can expand the cargo area by folding the rear seats to get 53.6 cubic feet. However, the standard cargo bay is half of what the RDX Acura offers, which is quite a factoring point. Furthermore, the tailgate is not that wide, courtesy of the sloping roofline.

Acura RDX offers a generous space of 31.1 cubic feet as it's basic offering. Ranking closely behind, in second place is the Volvo XC60 with an offering of 28.7 cubic feet. Finally, Lexus ranks last with 17.2 cubic feet.

Infotainment

The NX's cabin is pretty driver-oriented except for the 8-inch infotainment screen which is a bit distracting and complicated. You need to carefully look for all the buttons which create a mess while you are driving.

The Screen is governed by the Remote Touch interface which was updated last year to simplify its jargons to a certain point, but the remaining problems are stuck like a gum. Also, the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto further discourages the buyer. The Lexus NX also has a list of interior features at your disposal, given below is the same:

• Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
• Front Seatback Storage
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Keyless Ignition
• Climate Control
• Turn Signal In Mirrors
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
• Front And Rear Cupholders
• Front And Rear Door Pockets
• Electric Power Steering
• Rear View Camera
• Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Interior Air Filtration
• Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel

Lexus has always been flaunting their designs and the tradition continues with the NX. The redesigned spindle-shaped grill is simply stunning plus the new headlights and taillights add more character to the simple SUV design.

Although, all these touches were made in the yesteryear and there is no significant change that makes this year's NX special. The F sport trim adds a bigger grill and larger set of wheels to create a firm stance. Though for some people Lexus feels over styled, for others it's something to break the monotony from the regular SUV styling.

Dimensions and Weight

The NX 300 makes quite a visual impact, there are fine character-defining lines that describe the plush offering of the Japanese. However, the gigantic grill makes the compact SUV look big but actually, the dimensions speak otherwise. The length is rated at 182 inches while the width and height are set at 73 and 64 inches. The ground clearance is pretty low at 7 inches and so is the wheelbase.

In terms of exterior dimensions, the Volvo XC60 clearly leads the contingent with some staggering numbers. In terms of wheelbase, ground clearance, height, width and more, it is the Volvo that stands out. The Lexus has the smallest dimensions of all, probably toyota took the “compact” terms of the genre too seriously.

Exterior Features

The 2019 Lexus NX 300 packs a lot of exterior features in its offering. The features are not restricted to the dimensions of the car, they extend to the various features the car has to offer externally, given below is the list of the same:

• Power Tilt And Slide Moonroof
• Alloy Wheel Locks
• Door Edge Guards
• Power Rear Door W/Kick Sensor
• Mudguards
• Roof Rack Cross Bars
• F SPORT 19-In Split-Six-Spoke Forged Alloy Wheels
• Paint Protection Film By 3M
• Panoramic View Backup Monitor
• Door Edge Film By 3M
• Premium Triple-Beam LED Headlamps

You might have to compromise on one or two things in the NX though safety is not compromised. NHTSA rated the NX 300 with four-star frontal crash test ratings and an all-star rating for the side crash test. NX 300 has not yet been tested by the IIHS, however, it's been carried forward from last year with no changes and last year it successfully made it through all its critiques. IIHS gave the NX with its Top Safety Pick+ award, so the safety offering of this SUV is certified and good. After all, this testing comes with a rich safety feature list.

• Rear Door Child Safety Locks
• Turn Signal Mirrors
• Daytime Running Lights
• Engine Immobilizer
• Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
• Stability Control
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Child Seat Anchors
• Lane Departure Warning Accident Avoidance System
• Front And Rear Head Airbags
• Emergency Braking Assist
• Dusk Sensing Headlamps
• LED Headlamp
• Ventilated Front Disc / Solid Rear Disc Brakes
• Cornering Lights

Lexus NX 300 vs Acura RDX

Unlike Lexus, Acura has something coming for the RDX, they revamped the RDX to be more sporty and comfortable. The all-new RDX not only packs more power but also has a bigger cargo bay with a competitive economy.

The extra horsepower generated gives Acura a significant edge in acceleration plus it is a smooth ride compared to the NX300. As for practicality, Acura offers much more than the Lexus. With a similar price tag, the Acura RDX is the better deal amongst the two.

Lexus NX 300 vs Volvo XC60

Volvo XC60 is a premium SUV which competes in the big leagues. Fine interiors, capable engine, and traces of impeccable luxury are what you get with the XC60. Comparing this SUV with the NX 300 might not be a fair fight but it's one we need to have.

Volvo is a little over 40 grand but it makes up for it with more power and better cargo volume. The NX 300's interior is finely done, it looks luxurious, however, you won't find anything mildly similar to Volvo's quality.

On choosing the Lexus you get extroverted styling, well-crafted interior and decent driving dynamics. Power is not the best but enough to combat tricky roads and cruise around the highway comfortably. However, the NX isn't the best offering in its segment. Navigating through the infotainment system in this vehicle is no easy feat. Also, the low cargo volume is a bit disheartening for the segment it belongs to. Though the LX 300 is a solid deal it's not the most lucrative, the lapse of cargo and technology can be easily improved by going with a different brand.