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Overall Rating
The NX 300 was introduced for the first time as Lexus’s first luxury crossover at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on 20 April 2014. It borrowed some of its parts from the Toyota RAV4 like the structure and the wheelbase. However, the rest of the parts like the design, suspension, interior, and engines were all a product of Lexus.
Lexus as a car maker has been making a place for itself in the luxury car market with the backing of its parent company. Lexus launched the NX 300 in November 2014 for the US audience. The Lexus NX 300 being a 5-year-old car, didn't fail to capture the market. Though it might not be considered the best in its class by some, the NX 300 is an affordable yet comfortable crossover in the luxury SUV segment.Â
Lexus seems all geared up to bring in the newer 2021 Lexus NX 300, however only with some minute changes. Foe 2021 the NX 300 features new color options and an updated interior design. The 2021 Lexus NX 300 retains the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The starting price for the 2021 Lexus NX 300 is roughly $37,610 for the FWD version and $39,010 for the AWD version. The 2021 Lexus NX 300 lease starts at $359 per month for 36 months with a $2,999 down payment and 10,000 miles per year.
Most of the features are available in the base trim, though the sport trim might increase the fun and the technologies it has on offer. The Sport trim comes with heated steering wheels and updated styling. Cornering lights and adaptive cruise control are offered standard in the Sport trim. Even in the sport trim, the performance isn't going to increase vastly though performance wheels are equipped. Packages like the Premium F sport comfort package and the comfort package are available in the sport trim which makes it very fun.
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F Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
F Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
F Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The NX 300 was introduced for the first time as Lexus’s first luxury crossover at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on 20 April 2014. It borrowed some of its parts from the Toyota RAV4 like the structure and the wheelbase. However, the rest of the parts like the design, suspension, interior, and engines were all a product of Lexus.
Lexus as a car maker has been making a place for itself in the luxury car market with the backing of its parent company. Lexus launched the NX 300 in November 2014 for the US audience. The Lexus NX 300 being a 5-year-old car, didn't fail to capture the market. Though it might not be considered the best in its class by some, the NX 300 is an affordable yet comfortable crossover in the luxury SUV segment.Â
Lexus seems all geared up to bring in the newer 2021 Lexus NX 300, however only with some minute changes. Foe 2021 the NX 300 features new color options and an updated interior design. The 2021 Lexus NX 300 retains the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The starting price for the 2021 Lexus NX 300 is roughly $37,610 for the FWD version and $39,010 for the AWD version. The 2021 Lexus NX 300 lease starts at $359 per month for 36 months with a $2,999 down payment and 10,000 miles per year.
Three trims will be available for the new and improved 2021 Lexus NX 300 that shall cost from $37,510 to $45,360. The trim levels include the base Lexus NX 300, Lexus NX 300 F sport which costs $39,610, and Lexus NX 300 Luxury. There is also a base hybrid variant on offer which costs $40,060, and the Lexus NX 300h Luxury which costs $46,510. All of them are packed with a lot of features from the base model. As you go up the trims, the NX 300 adds better materials to increases its luxury quotient rather than add more features.
Lexus NX 300, the base trim, starts at $37,510 and doesn't fail to impress us with great infotainment with an 8-inch screen, Bluetooth and wifi hotspot, and an eight-speaker audio system. Many safety features are standard like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian and bicycle detection. Many packages are available that add to the comfort. Lexus NX 300 Luxury is the last trim, which costs $43,960 and adds to the previous trim features. It includes Heated Steering Wheel, a perforated leather-trimmed interior, and a power rear door and is also equipped with Rain-sensing windshield wipers and Linear black shadow wood interior trim.
Model |
Lexus NX 300 |
Lexus NX 300 Luxury |
---|---|---|
MSRP (FWD) |
$37,610 |
$43,960 |
MSRP (AWD) | $39,010 | $45,360 |
Key Features |
Apple Car Play |
Multi-Level Heating Passenger Seat |
Windshield Wiper De-Icer |
Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System |
|
Audio Controls on steering wheel |
Heated Steering Wheel |
|
Rear view mirrors |
Electrochromatic Inside Rearview Mirror |
|
Hands Free entry |
60/40 Power Folding Rear Seats |
|
18-inch wheels |
||
Dual-zone automatic climate control |
||
8-inch infotainment display |
Most of the features are available in the base trim, though the sport trim might increase the fun and the technologies it has on offer. The Sport trim comes with heated steering wheels and updated styling. Cornering lights and adaptive cruise control are offered standard in the Sport trim. Even in the sport trim, the performance isn't going to increase vastly though performance wheels are equipped. Packages like the Premium F sport comfort package and the comfort package are available in the sport trim which makes it very fun.
The Lexus reliability rating is to be taken note of. While the 2015 models are good, the 2018 model came with many changes and updates. 2018 holds the best value and it decreased up to $8,591 after the first year which is 20% of the original value. The 2018 model was renamed the Lexus NX 300 from Lexus NX 200. It was in the same year when it was updated to equip the Lexus Safety System plus with which came a lot of driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and brake assist.
"While its acceleration won't blow the doors off any stoplight challengers, the 2021 NX should offer enough power for the casual driver." - Car and Driver
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that churns out 235 horsepower and a torque of 258lb-ft and comes with a towing capacity of 2000 pounds. The engine configurations are the same for all the trims. It has the option of FWD or AWD drivetrain configuration. For the AWD upgrade, $1400 has to be paid additionally. The hybrid variant comes with a 2.6-liter engine with 3 motors and comes with a CVT transmission which will be reviewed separately. Transmission duties are taken care of by a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Both the engine setups are sufficient for everyday driving and are tuned towards offering the best comfort rather than outright performance. The gearbox is not the most slick-shifting but gets the job done and offers smooth performance. Owing to its frugal nature, the engine offers a good amount of punch in the mid-range with the top end having more noise and vibrations rather than performance.
Models |
2021 Lexus NX 300 SUV |
2020 Acura RDX |
2020 Volvo XC60 |
2020 BMW X3 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$37,510 |
$37,950 |
$39,940 |
$41,950 |
Engine |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
Drivetrain |
FWD |
FWD |
FWD |
AWD |
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
10-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
8-Speed Automatic |
Power |
235 hp @ 4800 RPM |
272 hp @ 6500 RPM |
250 hp @ 5500 RPM |
248 hp @ 5200 RPM |
Torque |
258 lb-ft @ 1650 RPM |
280 lb-ft @ 1600 RPM |
258 lb-ft @ 1500 RPM |
258 lb-ft @ 1450 RPM |
0-60 MPH |
6.4 secs |
6 secs |
6.2 secs |
6.7 secs |
Quarter Mile |
14.8 secs |
14.1 secs |
14.6 secs |
15.1 secs |
Top Speed |
124 MPH |
125 MPH |
136 MPH |
155 MPH |
60-0 MPH |
138ft |
NA |
NA |
NA |
When it comes to power, the Acura RDX stands out with 272 hp. Its torque is also higher than its rivals with 280lb-ft on offer. Lexus has the least power on offer but posts comparably similar torque figures with most of the competition. It certainly needs an upgrade in terms of performance if it has to keep up with its rivals in the long run. Lexus NX 300 picks up a speed of 60mph in 6.4 seconds and covers a quarter-mile drag in 14.8 seconds which is good enough. Regarding braking performance, it comes down from 60-0 mph at just 138ft which might be because of its heavyweight.
The Acura RDX is the best when it comes to 0-60mph as it reaches it in 6 seconds followed by the Volvo XC60 which does the same in 6.2 seconds. The quickest on the quarter-mile drag with 14.6 seconds run is the Acura again, while the BMW X3 takes the longest to reach the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds. The Lexus NX 300 does better in a quarter-mile when compared to the heavier BMW X3.
The 2020 Lexus NX 300 provides great mpg of 22mpg on the city, 28 mpg on highways, and 25mpg combined. With its 15.9-gallon gas tank, it covers a range of 350 miles in cities, 445 on highways and 397 miles combined. The fuel economy of the Hybrid trim is better than the non-hybrid trims owing to its battery pack. The 2021 model shall continue to offer great range and fuel efficiency as there will be no changes done to its powertrain. Overall, the Lexus strikes a good balance between performance and frugality while other rivals do no manage to do so well when it comes to fuel economy.
Model |
2021 Lexus NX 300 SUV (Expected) |
2020 Acura RDX |
2020 Volvo XC60 |
2020 BMW X3 |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
22 |
22 |
22 |
25 |
MPG (Highway) |
28 |
28 |
29 |
29 |
MPG (Combined) |
25 |
24 |
24 |
27 |
Fuel Capacity |
15.9 gallons |
17.1 gallons |
18.8 gallons |
17.2 gallons |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) |
350/ 445/ 397 miles |
376/ 479/ 410 miles |
414/ 545/ 451.2 miles |
430/ 499/ 464.4miles |
BMW X3 leads in the fuel economy section with 25mpg on cities, 29mpg on highways and 27mpg combined. The performance chart also shows that the BMW is geared towards better fuel economy rather than outright performance. The Volvo has a higher fuel tank capacity and its fuel economy is also great making it go more miles before coming to a pitstop.
"The Lexus NX boasts an upscale interior with clean lines, high-end materials, and excellent build quality." - U.S News
With quality materials, the cabin’s looks are great, although the console is found to be confusing with too many dials and knobs. The interior of NX 300 SUV can easily accommodate five people comfortably and it comes with leather upholstery. Legroom and headroom are sufficient both in the front and rear to cozy up. The leather-covered seats are power-adjustable in the front and recline in at the rear row.Â
The higher trims offer heated steering, power-folding rear seats, and a Multi-Level Heated Passenger Seat which will be great for colder regions. The interior color palette includes Crème NuLuxe, Glazed Caramel NuLuxe, Black NuLuxe, Rioja Red NuLuxe, Crème leather, Black leather, Arctic White NuLuxe, and Circuit Red NuLuxe. The new 2021 Lexus is confirmed to have a Horn pad change and the Tachometer red zone updated.Â
Model |
2021 Lexus NX 300 SUV (Expected)Â |
2020 Acura RDXÂ |
2020 Volvo XC60Â |
2020 BMW X3 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.2/ 57.3/ 42.8 |
39.6/ 59.7/ 41.6 |
38.0/ 58.2/ 41.5 |
41.1/ 57.6/ 40.3 |
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
38.1/ 55.3/ 36.1 |
38.3/ 56.6/ 38.4 |
38.0/ 56.3/ 38.0 |
39.1/ 56.0/ 36.4 |
Being as spacious as the rivals, the cargo space is one of the few disadvantages. Cargo space is the least in Lexus with only 17.2 cubic feet on offer. Acura RDX has the highest cargo space to offer with 31.1 cubic feet of space. The infotainment system is very well equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on an eight-inch display.
Dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start also come with the base trim itself. Bluetooth and wifi hotspot access are standard and make the drive entertaining. A USB port, an 8-speaker audio system, smartphone navigation, and HD Radio are the other features that are offered as standard. There are many other features as options like the moonroof, 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a 10.3 -inch infotainment system and navigation.
The Lexus NX 300 looks stylish with the 18-inch wheels, integrated roof rails, and the spindle front grille. As a special feature of the Lexus models, the triple LED headlamps and taillamps are also equipped. Its decreased length of 182.6 inches shows itself in the cargo space. Its ground clearance is 6.9 and wheelbase is 104.7 inches which is a bit less. To its exterior color options list, the Nori Green Pearl will be added and the Blue Vortex Metallic is removed.
Ultra White and Ultra Blue Mica is an option for the Sport trim only. The 2021 model shall not bring in any major changes in terms of its design and hence the car shall remain more or less the same when it comes to its looks.
Model |
2021 Lexus NX 300 SUV (Expected) |
2020 Acura RDX |
2020 Volvo XC60 |
2020 BMW X3 |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
3940 lbs |
3783 lbs |
4105 lbs |
3931 lbs |
Length |
182.6” |
186.8” |
184.6” |
185.9” |
Width |
73.6” |
74.8” |
74.9” |
74.4” |
Height |
64.8” |
65.7” |
65.3” |
66.0” |
Ground Clearance |
6.9” |
5.7” |
8.5” |
8.0” |
Wheelbase |
104.7” |
108.3” |
112.8” |
112.8” |
The Volvo XC60 has 8.5 inches of ground clearance which will make it easier to travel in rough places. The wheelbase of the Volvo XC60 and the BMW X3 is 112.8 which makes the grip and stability increase compared to the Lexus NX 300. The Acura RDX on the other hand offers the best road presence of the lot.
NX 300 excels in safety that it is the IIHS’s top safety pick for 2019. The NHTSA rated it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for the frontal crash test. In the 2021 Lexus NX, the blind-spot monitoring becomes standard. However, there will not be any more feature additions for the upcoming model.
The safety features that made this the top pick are :
The BMW X3’s performance is better than the Lexus with a higher power, which means higher towing capacity also. The BMW can tow up to 4400 pounds which is more than half of Lexus's towing capacity. The pickup rate from 0-60MPH is more in Lexus while fuel economy is the best in X3 which gives 29 mpg on highways. BMW has a larger wheelbase providing more grip and has a ground clearance of 8 inches. All being said, BMW is on the expensive side. The Lexus has a low starting price with many features.
Prices are very similar to the Lexus as it costs $37,510 and the Acura RDX costs $37,950. The Acura has a 10-speed automatic transmission with the highest power and torque of its class. But it has a towing capacity of 1500 pounds which is lower than the Lexus. The 60-0 mph braking performance of the Lexus is 138ft while the Acura stops after 136ft. MPG values are similar too.
The Lexus NX 300 is not the best car in its class but it comes equipped with a very good infotainment system as well as a well-appointed cabin. However, the sophistication of the car does make some features get confusing at times. It also does not offer the best driving experience or the performance in the luxury crossover segment. Thus, if you on a lookout for an extremely reliable, luxurious, and comfortable SUV that also offers excellent fuel economy, then waiting for the 2021 Lexus NX 300 shall be totally worth your time.