2021 Lexus NX 300
MSRP range: $37,610 - $45,460
7.0/10
Edmunds Rating
When it comes to providing a quiet and comfortable ride, the Lexus NX 300 excels among luxury crossover SUVs. Performance places it midpack in the segment, and its smaller cargo capacity and high cost compared to more capable and spacious SUVs knock it down a few more pegs. But the biggest drawback is the frustrating infotainment interface, which might be the worst in the industry.
2021 Lexus NX 300 Review
byTravis Langness
Reviews Editor
Travis Langness has worked in the automotive industry since 2011. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Cabin is very quiet at highway speeds
- Supremely comfortable ride and seats
- Lots of standard high-tech safety features
Cons
- Remote Touchpad interface is frustrating to use
- Limited cargo volume
- Not much fun to drive
What's new
- A blind-spot monitor and auto-dimming exterior mirrors are now standard
- Part of the first NX generation, originally introduced for 2015 as the NX 200t
Comfortable, quiet and packed with all sorts of standard safety features, the 2021 Lexus NX 300 has lots of appeal right out of the gate. Though it's a compact luxury SUV, the NX 300 has enough room for adults, yet it's small enough to easily maneuver around town. On the highway, the NX 300 makes a great road-trip vehicle thanks to its hushed cabin and supple suspension. And even at the base trim level, the NX comes with safety features such as forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring with rear-cross traffic alert.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.53 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$229/mo
NX 300 Base
vs
$231/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Unfortunately, even with all its virtues, the NX 300 has a lot working against it. Cargo space is limited behind the rear seats, negating some of its long-haul readiness. Inside, we like the serenity the NX offers, but Lexus' touchpad user interface is one of the most difficult to use in any car on the road today. What's more, the driving experience isn't as engaging as we'd hope, even in an NX with the optional F Sport equipment. There's a lot to like about this little Lexus, but up against segment leaders from Mercedes and BMW, it's harder to recommend.
Edmunds Expert Rating
below avg
7.0/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
When it comes to providing a quiet and comfortable ride, the Lexus NX 300 excels among luxury crossover SUVs. Performance places it midpack in the segment, and its smaller cargo capacity and high cost compared to more capable and spacious SUVs knock it down a few more pegs. But the biggest drawback is the frustrating infotainment interface, which might be the worst in the industry.
Rated for you by America’s best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
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2021 Lexus NX 300 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Base
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A
Edmunds suggests you pay$37,616
F SPORT
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A
Edmunds suggests you pay$39,656
Luxury
2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A
Edmunds suggests you pay$43,882
Which NX 300 does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the base NX 300 since it comes standard with an abundance of safety features and offers plenty of stand-alone or package options to choose from. The F Sport and Luxury trims add some nice creature comforts, but most of their desirable features can be selected à la carte at the base level.
Lexus NX 300 models
The 2021 Lexus NX 300 is a five-passenger compact SUV available in three trim levels: the standard NX 300, the NX 300 F Sport and the NX 300 Luxury. The hybrid NX, the NX 300h, is reviewed separately. All three trim levels come standard with:
Helpful shopping links
Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $38,685
- MPG & Fuel
- 22 City / 28 Hwy / 25 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: front wheel drive
- Transmission: 6-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 4 cylinder
- Horsepower: 235 hp @ 4800 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 182.7 in. / Height: 64.8 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 83.9 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 73.6 in.
- Curb Weight: 3940 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 17.7 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite NX 300 safety features:
- Lexus Safety System+ 2.0
- Helps mitigate accidents by alerting you when a front collision is imminent or when you deviate from your lane.
- Blind-Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot and warns about approaching cross-traffic when you're backing up.
- Lexus Enform Safety Connect
- Lets you connect with roadside assistance and can contact the authorities in case of a collision or vehicle theft.
Lexus NX 300 vs. the competition
2021 Lexus NX 300
2020 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
Lexus NX 300 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is currently our top-rated pick in the extra-small luxury SUV segment. It has the edge on the NX 300 with its much more user-friendly tech interface, more cargo space and better fuel economy, all for about the same price. But when it comes to standard equipment, the NX 300 has the Mercedes beat — the base-level Lexus comes with a lot more in the way of driver aids.
Lexus NX 300 vs. Acura RDX
Slightly larger than the Lexus NX, the Acura RDX offers more interior space and nearly double the cargo capacity of the NX 300 behind the rear seats. Both SUVs come with a long list of standard equipment, especially in the driver safety-aid department, and starting prices are similar. The RDX is a bit more enjoyable to drive thanks to sharp steering and handling. So if you can fit a larger SUV in your driveway, we recommend the RDX.
Lexus NX 300 vs. Infiniti QX50
Much like the NX 300, the Infiniti QX50 offers quite a bit of standard equipment for the price. Like the NX, the Infiniti comes standard with smartphone connectivity, blind-spot monitoring and forward collision mitigation. But the Infiniti, measuring 2 inches longer than the Lexus, offers significantly more cargo space (31.1 cubic feet versus the NX's 17.7 cubes) and 2 additional inches of rear legroom. If you want a more spacious SUV, the QX50 is worth a closer look.
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FAQ
Is the Lexus NX 300 a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 NX 300 both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.0 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the NX 300 has 17.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Lexus NX 300. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Lexus NX 300?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Lexus NX 300:
- A blind-spot monitor and auto-dimming exterior mirrors are now standard
- Part of the first NX generation, originally introduced for 2015 as the NX 200t
Is the Lexus NX 300 reliable?
To determine whether the Lexus NX 300 is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the NX 300. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the NX 300's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Lexus NX 300 a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Lexus NX 300 is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 NX 300 and gave it a 7.0 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 NX 300 is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Lexus NX 300?
The least-expensive 2021 Lexus NX 300 is the 2021 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $37,610.
Other versions include:
- 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $37,610
- 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $39,010
- F SPORT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $39,710
- F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $41,110
- Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $44,060
- Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $45,460
What are the different models of Lexus NX 300?
If you're interested in the Lexus NX 300, the next question is, which NX 300 model is right for you? NX 300 variants include 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), F SPORT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), and F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A). For a full list of NX 300 models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
