Used 2020 Lexus NX 300 for sale 

The 2020 Lexus NX 300, comes in just 3 trims but can be embedded with 4 optional packages. In terms of drive train, the NX 300, can be opted for either in an AWD configuration or an AWD configuration. Customers who aspire for a sportier version of the NX, can any time opt for the F-Sport trim.

Which trim to go for?

The Luxury trim bundles plenty of premium features without much price hike over the base trim. Hence, going with the same will be the most sensible option.

With not a lot of changes being done by Lexus for 2020, the Motor in 2020 NX 300 remains the same as the 2019 unit. That means, under the hood, you still get the same 2.0L Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded Inline- 4 motor as last year. The Power and Torque figures come rated at 235hp and 258lbs.-ft. Respectively. These figures are mediocre, to say the least, and are a tad low than what the other rivals offer.

Speaking of the transmission unit, you get a 6 Speed Automatic Unit with multiple driving modes. While this may not be the best unit in the business, it certainly isn’t the worst. The Unit does feel jittery at low speeds but makes up for the same at motorway speeds. You do however feel that the Transmission has been tuned more for efficiency rather than performance in terms of its responsiveness.

*2019 Figures used for reference purposes only

The Acura RDX manages to top the list as far as power and torque are concerned. The Bimmer and the Volvo are tied at dead heat on the same front. The MKX comes in next and the NX rounds off the table.

Is it a Fast Crossover?

With Lexus gunning in for MPG figures rather than performance, the acceleration figures of the Lexus have to be on the slower side as compared to its rivals. The Lexus is the slowest to do the 60MPH run but fares better, in the quarter-mile run.

On the Streets though, the NX feels decently powerful to perform that overtake but seems to run out of juice, on the highway.

A quick glance over the acceleration table and you will find that the Lexus, takes its own sweet time in getting things done. In the acceleration runs, it's the Volvo that comes out on top, owing to its scalable architecture and efficient powertrain. All other crossovers in this segment, manage to complete the performance runs at similar times.

How composed is the Ride?

Lexus should have filled in the gap of power with a V6 engine, however, it's not the case. Apart from the power scarcity the NX 300 has a light steering that gives you preciseness but takes away road communication. However, the backlash will only surface at high speed. Taking corners is not the best idea in the NX 300, as the SUV leans a lot but in a way that could be controlled and minimized. At last, being a crossover helps in better maneuvering in the city’s packed roads.

However, if you take into account its people-carrying capacity, you won't be left disappointed. Overall, the Lexus excels in moving people around the city in the most comfortable manner. The plush interiors and the composed ride with superior noise insulation, adds to the pleasure of being inside the Lexus' cabin.

How well does it Brake?

Lexus was not that ambitious about NX 300’s braking, also it was the only way to keep the cost low. So, Lexus took the smallest brake discs that could work on an SUV, resulting in an 11.7 inches front and 11.2 inches rear brakes were installed in the NX 300.

The SUV halts from the speed of 60 mph in 138 feet. Nosedive is pretty evident and tire squeals are prominent as well, under heavy braking.

If you look from the braking perspective, the Acura RDX stays true to its dynamic quotient and comes out as the best performer in the braking department. The Bimmer, also fares pretty well in this aspect, owing to its well-optimized chassis and brake setup. The Lexus continues with its laid back approach and comes out as the least impressive performer in this comparison.

Lexus worked wonders by its hybrid witchcraft but failed to cast the same spell on the standard NX 300. In the city, you can expect an average mileage for 22 mpg and the mediocrity continuous on the highway through a 28 mpg fuel economy. The average figures stand at a respectable 25MPG. The overall range is about 350 miles on the city and 445 on the highway and is at par with the Lexus’ other adversaries.

Volvo's lightweight aluminum-based architecture, not only helps it to shed weight but also helps it to achieve superior MPG figures. The X3 surprisingly takes the top crown in individual figures but loses out to the Volvo's range. The MKC, courtesy of its big naturally-aspirated motor, loses out on the MPG department owing to the same fact.

As flamboyant and eccentric the Japanese exterior gets the interior is rather on the simpler side. The best part about the NX is its spaciousness, there is plenty of legroom and headroom, though the small windows make the rear cabin a little claustrophobic. The NX feels a little tall but the door opening is a bit short which can be obstructing for some.

As for the quality, the cabin quality is on par though it’s simulated-leather upholstery it does not meddle with the experience. The rest of the interior feels genuine and well rounded.

Again putting the word about the spacious NX’s cabin, you will have a decent front cabin space of 38.2 inches headroom and 42.8 inches of legroom. The rear cabin is not that bad either the legroom is squeezed to 36.1 inches and the headroom stays the same.

How much Cargo can you carry in the NX 300?

The NX’s cargo volume is disappointing, you only get 17.2 cubic feet of cargo volume. Though you can expand this space by using the foldable rear seats to 53.6 inches. The tailgate is not that wide, courtesy of the sloping roofline and makes loading wide stuff, a bit cumbersome.

Lexus has also added split-folding seats in the NX 300 that adds to the overall cargo space of this SUV. The seats can be easily folded and don't require much effort as well.

When you look at the rivals of the Lexus, you will find that it offers the least cargo space among all its adversaries. The Acura beats all its rivals in the cargo carrying capacity area. The Volvo and the BMW are locked at dead heat in this respect. The Lincoln, despite its dimensions, allows for a decent amount of cargo to be hauled with itself.

How good is the Infotainment system?

Lexus has been quick to respond to the needs of the modern-day car buyer. Keeping in mind the needs of the tech-savvy millennials, Lexus has incorporated a lot of friendly features in the infotainment system of the NX 300. The interface, however, isn't the slickest to respond and navigating through the menus can be a tedious task. The display is easily legible in bright sunlight and you will not have any problems reading through the same. The other highlights of the Infotainment system includes

• Lexus Multimedia System with 8.0-in color display and compatible Scout GPS Link with MapStream and TurnStream modes
• Lexus Enform App Suite 2.0
• Lexus Enform Remote app with Amazon Alexa 3, Apple Car Play and Google Assistant compatibility
• Voice Command
• Bluetooth and USB smartphone connectivity
• Eight-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System
• Remote Touchpad

What are the most noteworthy features on the inside?

On the inside, Lexus has incorporated a ton load of features, to keep the occupants of the NX 300 busy. Here are some of the biggest talking points of the interiors 

• Dual-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter
• Leather-trimmed shift knob and heated steering wheel
• Perforated leather-trimmed interior
• Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
• Linear Black Shadow wood interior trim
• SmartAccess with push-button Start/Stop

Lexus has always been pretty loud about their designs and the tradition continues with the NX. The revised spindle-shaped grille is daunting as ever plus the new headlights and taillights add more persona to the simple SUV design. Although, all these touches were made in the yesteryear and there is no concrete change that makes this year’s NX special. 

Though for some people Lexus feels over styled, for others it’s something to break the monotony from the regular SUV styling. The NX 300 makes quite a visual impact, there are fine character-defining lines but that merges with the design to make a flush effect. However, the gigantic grill makes the SUV look big but actually, it’s inches shorter than other crossovers in the segment.

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. The NX weighs at just 3940 lbs and is lower than most of its rivals.

The most noteworthy features on the outside?

Like the interiors, there is a lot to love about the exteriors of the 2020 Lexus NX 300. The most noteworthy highlights of the NX includes the following features

• Power-Folding Outside Mirrors
• Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers
• LED Headlights, DRL’s and Turn Indicators
• Powered Moonroof
• Heated Exterior Mirrors
• 18” Alloy Wheels
• LED Taillights

You might have to negotiate one or two things in the NX though safety is not compromised. NHTSA rated the NX 300 with a four-star frontal crash test ratings and an all-star rating for the side crash test. IIHS has not yet tested the NX 300 though it’s been carried forward from last year with no changes and last year it successfully pleased all its critiques. IIHS gave the NX with its Top Safety Pick+ award, so the safety scene is quite sorted for this SUV. After all, this testing comes with a rich safety features 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

The Acura RDX not just packs more power than the Lexus but has a bigger cargo bay and fuel efficiency figures as well. The extra juice of horsepower gives Acura, a considerable edge in acceleration plus is a more polished ride compared to the NX 300. In terms of space and practicality, Acura is slightly ahead of the Lexus and will be more suited, to the average American.

Lexus NX 300 vs Volvo XC60

While the base variants of the XC60 come at a far lower starting price when compared to the Lexus, they still lose out on a lot of power as well. Factoring in, a similarly priced XC60 with the base NX 300 and you will not be left wanting for more. The XC60 comes loaded with a whole bunch of advanced futuristic tech and feels a lot safer than the Lexus as well. The Lexus, on the other hand, offers impeccable build, feels sturdy and will be a lot more reliable than the Swedish offering.

The NX 300 from Lexus, opens doors to the world of Lexus’ SUV lineup. For the kind of price you will be paying for the Lexus, you will be getting a Solidly Build Compact SUV that will last longer than maybe your Grandma would. You also get striking looking exteriors that will attract the attention of everyone on the streets. Couple that with the added list of Safety Features and good MPG figures and you will have an SUV, that looks good, feels sturdy and will act as a superb daily driver. You will miss the performance on the motorway or on open stretches but overall, for that purpose, there are other dedicated options.