Used 2020 Lexus NX 300h F Sport Black-Line for sale 

The 2020 Lexus NX 300h, comes in just 2 trims but can be embedded with 4 optional packages. The NX 300h comes with AWD as standard. The Luxury trim gets features from the Premium package and some other nifty premium conveniences as well.

Which trim to choose?

The Base trim with the Premium Package seems like the best trim combination to go for in the 2020 Lexus NX 300h. You get features like Moonroof, Stylish Alloys and LED DRL’s on the outside and a good infotainment unit on the inside. Hence, this all combines to make this configuration the most sensible of the lot.

While the NX 300h shares mostly everything of the Standard NX 300, the Motor used in the former is entirely different from the latter. The NX 300h gets an Atkinson-Cycle Powered 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Motor, coupled with Lexus’ Hybrid Energy Drive that consists of Electric Motors powering the rear wheels. The Gas-powered unit powers the front wheels and hence, you get an electronic AWD setup with the NX 300h as standard. The Motor in the 2020 NX 300h, is slightly underpowered when compared to the standard NX 300 but the Electric motors, ensure a smoother power delivery.

The Transmission duties are performed by an Electronically Controlled CVT Unit. While there isn’t much to talk about the performance of the CVT unit, the Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, somewhat manage to add to the driving experience of the NX 300h.

*2019 Figures used for reference purposes only

The Subaru Crosstrek and the Mitsubishi Outlander, both fall short of the power figures of the Lexus. The Mitsubishi is slightly less on power against the Lexus while the Subaru is way short of the same. Both the Lexus and the Subaru are driven by CVT’s while the Mitsubishi comes powered by a Single Speed Direct Drive unit.

How fast is it?

The NX 300h isn’t the fastest sprinter out there and is one of the slowest crossovers, out there in the market right now. While the acceleration from the motor is decent for daily drives or inner-city commutes, it’s on the Motorway that the Lexus runs out of juice and feels devoid of power.

The Subaru Crosstrek, feels the least worst of the lot, in terms of acceleration figures. There is not much to separate between the Outlander and the Lexus in terms of 60MPH runs but the Lexus feels faster, in the quarter-mile runs.

What are the Road-manners like?

Lexus has leaned more on offering comfort to its customers rather than outright sportiness, with the 2020 NX 300h. The 300h gets a light steering that makes it easy to maneuver the Crossover through city streets. Exclusive to the 300h is the Damping control system, which feels much better at absorbing bumps and tackling undulations.

However, taking corners is not the best idea in the NX 300h, as the SUV leans a lot but in a way that could be controlled and minimized. The e-AWD system in the 300h can even adapt to the angle or condition of the road. It's always a pleasurable experience every time you sit inside the Lexus. Overall, the interiors feel premium and you won't find much to complain about while sitting inside this Lexus.

How good is the Braking performance?

Lexus was not that ambitious about NX 300h’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 300h. The SUV halts from the speed of 60 mph in 128 feet. Nosedive is pretty evident and tire squeals are prominent as well, under heavy braking.

While the Mitsubishi has fallen short in all the departments till now, it does shine in terms of the braking performance. The Crosstrek manages to farewell while the Lexus is the worst of the lot here.

Lexus has used all of its years of expertise in making hybrid vehicles, to make the NX 300h, one of the most frugal crossovers in the market right now. The Electric Motors and the Gas powered motor, work in perfect tandem to dish out superb MPG figures. The Combined 31MPG figure of mileage and the 14.8 Gallon fuel tank, ensures that the Lexus goes over a range of over 450 miles with a full tank.

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, manages to over shadow the Lexus’ mileage figures by the slightest of margins. The Mitsubishi fails miserably on this front and is the weakest performer, in terms of MPG figures.

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 good is the Cargo carrying capacity?

The NX’s cargo volume is just about average as you only get 16.8 cubic feet of cargo volume. There is an option, however, to increase the storage space by folding the 60/40 Split-Folding seats down. The tailgate is not that wide, courtesy of the sloping roofline and makes loading wide stuff, a bit cumbersome.

However, when you take the rivals into account, you will realize that the Mitsubishi, manages to outsmart all its other rivals in this department. The Lexus comes in second followed by the Subaru, which isn't far from the Lexus.

How good is the Infotainment system of the Lexus NX 300h?

While all car manufacturers are in the race to load their cars with the latest in terms of connectivity and infotainment, Lexus has jumped on the same bandwagon. For 2020, Lexus is adding the much needed Apple Car Play and Android Auto, as a part of standard equipment of the infotainment setup. Other noteworthy features include the following

• 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 features to expect on the inside?

On the inside, Lexus has ensured that the occupants of the NX hybrid, don't miss out on anything. Here is a list of the most noteworthy features on offer.

• Dual-zone automatic climate control with interior air filter
• Heated Leather 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 past and there is no concrete change that makes this year’s NX special. For some people Lexus’ feels over styled, for others, it’s something to break the monotony from the regular SUV styling. So ultimately, it’s up to personal preferences.

The NX 300h 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 some 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.

What are the most standout features on the outside?

Like the inside, Lexus is offering a plethora of features on the outside, to keep onlookers gazing at the 2020 Lexus NX 300h. The standout features include

• 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 300h 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 300h 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 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 300h vs Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, may not match the Lexus in terms of offering a premium feel while driving but for what it offers, it’s certainly no match. The Subaru is the more potent of the duo, in terms of driving dynamics and off-road abilities. The Subaru comes with a slightly more sophisticated Infotainment system of the 2 and offers terrific Mileage as well. However, the Lexus is by far, the best built in the segment and considering Lexus’ expertise in making Hybrid Vehicles, it sure seems to be the more dependable of the duo.

Lexus NX 300h vs Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Outlander PHEV comes the closest to the Lexus, as far as rivalry goes. Both have similar dimensions, offer a similar set of features on the inside and have good build on the whole. But that is where the similarities end. The Lexus feels a class above the Outlander, once you sit on its inside. The Lexus returns better MPG figures and is vastly more powerful than the same. In terms of driving dynamics, both the crossovers are on the same page but if were to put our money’s on one of the 2, we would lean towards the Lexus.

The Lexus NX 300h is the cheapest crossover Hybrid from Lexus and acts as a gateway to the world of Hybrid SUVs from Lexus. For 2020, Lexus hasn’t incorporated many changes in the NX 300h. But with the addition of Safety Features, the NX 300h becomes a more formidable proposition than ever before. With the NX, you get a good blend of Luxury, Power, Practicality, Frugality, and Reliability. While there may be other SUVs that can be good in one of the parameters, mentioned previously but as an overall package, the NX 300h is still a Crossover that you can blindly have faith in and get it for your garage.