2021 Lexus NX 300
MSRP Range: $37,610 - $45,460 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
2021 Lexus NX 300


360°



+72
Below Average
7.0
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
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.
Pricing
Changing year or type will take you to a new page
Total MSRPThis price includes a $1,075 destination fee charged by the manufacturer. | $38,685 |
---|---|
Edmunds suggests you pay | $36,179 |
What Should I Pay
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
Overview
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 $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$199/mo for NX 300 Base
NX 300 Base
vs
$192/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.
Performance
7.0/10
How does the NX 300 drive? For performance and driver engagement, the NX 300 comes up as merely average among small luxury SUVs. The engine is smooth and has good low-end power, but its 0-60 mph time of 7 seconds flat is average among compact crossover rivals with turbocharged four-cylinders. In panic-braking tests from 60 mph, the NX 300 needed 136 feet to stop, which is a considerable 10 feet longer than average.
Steering effort is appropriate and precise, but there's little feedback for the driver. When cornering, there's a good amount of body roll, but the NX is reasonably predictable and poised. The transmission provides seamless shifts in typical driving conditions, and the smooth engine virtually disappears from your awareness.
Steering effort is appropriate and precise, but there's little feedback for the driver. When cornering, there's a good amount of body roll, but the NX is reasonably predictable and poised. The transmission provides seamless shifts in typical driving conditions, and the smooth engine virtually disappears from your awareness.
Comfort
8.5/10
How comfortable is the NX 300? The NX 300's abundance of overall comfort is uncommon in the segment. The front seats offer plenty of room and adequate support for a variety of body types, and optional front-seat ventilation enhances long-distance comfort. The rear seats are also accommodating for adults.
In keeping with Lexus' greater emphasis on comfort, the NX's suspension smooths over road imperfections with ease. Neither busy nor nervous, the NX 300 seems to glide unaffected over ruts and bumps. The dual-zone automatic climate control system is controlled mainly through well-labeled buttons and rocker switches. The system works well and isn't too loud. Among luxury crossover SUVs, the Lexus NX 300 is one of the quietest.
In keeping with Lexus' greater emphasis on comfort, the NX's suspension smooths over road imperfections with ease. Neither busy nor nervous, the NX 300 seems to glide unaffected over ruts and bumps. The dual-zone automatic climate control system is controlled mainly through well-labeled buttons and rocker switches. The system works well and isn't too loud. Among luxury crossover SUVs, the Lexus NX 300 is one of the quietest.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $3,435 with Edmunds Click on the model you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal.
2021 Lexus NX 300 pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
Interior
6.5/10
How’s the interior? The front seats are spacious, and the rear seats have enough — but not abundant — head- and legroom for adults in the outboard seats. The small rear windows, however, make those quarters feel a bit more confining than they are. A memory function saves your seat and steering wheel position, and the range of adjustability will allow most drivers to find a decent setup. The Easy Entry feature, combined with below-average legroom, might make it difficult for passengers to get in or out of the vehicle behind a tall driver.
The optional touchpad interface is easily the worst in the industry. The controller is hard to manage, and there's a distinct lack of intuitive menus and buttons. Luckily, most other cabin controls are logical and well conceived.
The optional touchpad interface is easily the worst in the industry. The controller is hard to manage, and there's a distinct lack of intuitive menus and buttons. Luckily, most other cabin controls are logical and well conceived.
Technology
7.0/10
How’s the tech? Although the technology in the NX is modern and effective, its clunky interface may turn off tech-savvy buyers. Thankfully Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available. The optional navigation system, however, is easy to use, with fairly accurate traffic information. The voice controls work well and allow for some degree of natural language. In-car 4G LTE Wi-Fi is included for the first year.
The NX's adaptive cruise control, front collision mitigation braking and optional rear cross-traffic alert systems all work well. The lane keeping assist and automatic high-beam activation are less useful since their effectiveness varies too much depending on terrain and surroundings.
The NX's adaptive cruise control, front collision mitigation braking and optional rear cross-traffic alert systems all work well. The lane keeping assist and automatic high-beam activation are less useful since their effectiveness varies too much depending on terrain and surroundings.
Storage
6.0/10
How’s the storage? The NX sits just below average within the segment for interior cargo space or nooks and cubbies for your gear. It trails competitors with its 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Cargo room is further hampered by the sloped rear window that limits the vehicle's ability to take on bulky items with the seats folded. The door pockets are small, as are the glovebox and center console compartment.
The rear seats are a bit cramped, so installing a large rear-facing child seat will be a challenge. It is easy to find and access the car seat points that serve the outboard seating positions, but the center position uses belts attached to the roof.
The rear seats are a bit cramped, so installing a large rear-facing child seat will be a challenge. It is easy to find and access the car seat points that serve the outboard seating positions, but the center position uses belts attached to the roof.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The all-wheel-drive NX 300 is rated at 24 mpg combined (22 city/27 highway), an estimate that is competitive with other vehicles in the class. We averaged 25.7 mpg on our highway-heavy evaluation loop, which is in line with what we'd expect with such a rating.
Value
7.0/10
Is the NX 300 a good value? A base NX 300 provides good value, especially if interior volume isn't the highest priority. The NuLuxe simulated leather upholstery looks and feels like the genuine article. Common touch points are well padded, and other interior materials are nice quality and tightly fitted for a solid feel. But add a bunch of options and the appeal of the NX lessens because the price gets harder to justify and its shortcomings become harder to overlook. Warranty coverage is a bit better than average for a luxury make.
Wildcard
7.0/10
Styling, both inside and out, may present a love-it-or-hate-it proposition. The many high-tech features should appeal to early adopters, but the heavily flawed touchpad interface will temper their enthusiasm. While the NX 300 lags behind others in its class in driver engagement and performance, it will prove more than adequate for most drivers. It's not particularly entertaining or stimulating, but it is predictable and controllable. It's easy to drive in nearly all conditions and places few demands on the driver.
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:
- A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (235 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque)
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Front-wheel drive
All-wheel drive is optional on all three trim levels.
Standard equipment highlights on the base NX 300 include:
- Power-adjustable front seats and simulated leather upholstery
- 8-inch infotainment display with a touchpad interface
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility
- Eight-speaker sound system
Standard driver safety aids include:
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Forward collision warning and mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane keeping assist (steers the NX back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
- Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
- Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse)
On top of the standard equipment, the F Sport adds:
- Special exterior styling elements
- Sport-tuned suspension
- More aggressively bolstered seats
- Sport steering wheel
Building off the base NX equipment, the Luxury adds:
- Navigation system
- Upgraded leather upholstery
- Power liftgate
Options are available as stand-alone extras or bundled in packages. They include:
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system
- 360-degree parking camera
- Adaptive suspension dampers (F Sport only)

Lexus RX 450h+ First Drive: Not Enough or Just Right?

2024 Lexus TX First Drive Review: Does More Car Mean More Better?

2024 Lexus LC Inspiration Series and Its Blue Interior Stun

Big Hoss: Lexus Goes Texas-Large with the All-New 2024 TX SUV
Lexus NX 300 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(60%)
4(27%)
3(7%)
2(3%)
1(3%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
nx300
5 out of 5 starsnew to lexus, 12/23/2020
2021 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
With covid it sure made things different on shopping and working a deal ( sometimes easier as you call walk away much easier) test drove and bought .. car drives so smooth and has alot of electronic ... i would recommend this vehicle so far , only have owned a week . dealer worked with me and never felt pressured . touch pad is a little different and i was concerned from reviews i read , … but so far am getting used to it and was not a deal breaker like some reviewed
Great Luxury Small SUV
5 out of 5 starsDale Hobbs, 02/20/2021
2021 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I really like this vehicle. My daughter has a RX350 which really turned on the Lexus quality and features, but the NX300 fit our needs better. Beautiful interior, smooth ride, and looks that set it apart from other vehicles in its class. Once you get used to the info system, its fine. Also, the speak function prividea everything you need- climates media, phone. Only issue that I don't … like- when using Apple Play for navigation via USB, the speak function is disabled,. but I have to research that a bit more. Overall, I am very satisfied.
2021 NX 300 Premium Trim Level!
5 out of 5 starsRobert, 04/01/2021
2021 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I bought this car January 24th 2021 brand new from Lexus!
It’s my first luxury suv and it’s been a pleasure to own ever since. It comes with very comfortable seats the ride feels smooth like butter! It handled bumps and most pot holes on the road very well. The power is adequate for a vehicle of its weight, I do wish it just had a little more power at times, but it’s nothing to have … stoped me from buying this suv. Passing on the highway is a breeze with confidence. I currently have about 1,550 miles and I’m getting about 22.5 MPG in the city, which is not bad when comparing other SUV’s in its class. I definitely recommend the premium package or higher, since you get lots of features that are nice to have. Overall this is a great vehicle for a single person or couple with one or two children. I definitely recommend!! Go out and test drive one for yourself. It’s worth every penny!
**** Review Update 10/09/2022 *****
My NX 300 has 16,000 miles of trouble free miles. I have driven this SUV to Arizona, San Diego, Palm Springs just to name a few. It’s been a pleasure to own this SUV since new, compared to other cars I’ve owned in the past. I definitely still recommend this model to anyone wanting a reliable compact SUV!!! I’m so thankful I kept this particular model, since the new redesigned second generation has had a lot of issues. This first generation is bulletproof all the way!!!
Great value for luxury
4 out of 5 starsKamrock, 11/25/2020
2021 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
I purchased the base model with a premium upgrade. The drive is smooth and the safety features are superb - much needed for driving in Los Angeles traffic. Although the touch pad for the technology system received subpar reviews, It's worked out okay for me. The only complaint I have is that the headrest for the driver seat and front passenger seat tilt too far inward. It was extremely … uncomfortable over long periods. I had to flip it backward and purchase a headrest cushion to make it work. Now my rides are much more comfortable. Other than that I truly enjoy the car. I chose this over the BMW X3 for the value and affordable upkeep. Although I do wish the seats were comparable to the BMW X3 as well as the sunroof.
Helpful shopping links
2021 Lexus NX 300 Features Specs
Base
Total MSRP | $38,685 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $199/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Compare the Lexus NX 300
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.

Check a dealer's price
Bring back a dealer's quote, and we'll tell you if it's a good price!
Check your price quote
Price:
$ -
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.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Rating |
---|---|
Overall | 4 / 5 |
Driver | 4 / 5 |
Passenger | 4 / 5 |
Side Crash Rating | Rating |
Overall | 5 / 5 |
Side Barrier Rating | Rating |
Overall | 5 / 5 |
Driver | 5 / 5 |
Passenger | 5 / 5 |
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings | Rating |
Front Seat | 5 / 5 |
Back Seat | 5 / 5 |
Rollover | Rating |
Rollover | 4 / 5 |
Dynamic Test Result | No Tip |
Risk Of Rollover | 16.1% |
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test | Good |
---|---|
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original | Good |
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Side Impact Test – Original | Good |
Side Impact Test – Updated | Not Tested |
Roof Strength Test | Good |
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
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. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2021 NX 300 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 reviews) 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 4-star 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. Our consumer reviews show that the 2021 NX 300 gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 reviews). 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
Related 2021 Lexus NX 300 info
Vehicle rankings by type
- SUV Large
- Best SUVs
- SUV Hybrid
- SUV 3 Row
- Best SUV Index Carousel_Chals
- SUV Electric
- Hybrid Plug In Hybrid SUVs
- Electric Car Luxury Electric SUVs
Research similar car reviews
- Lexus Ux 200
- Lexus NX 350
- BMW X2 Price
- Cadillac XT4
- Volvo Volvo XC60
- GLC Benz
- Mercedes Coupe GLC
- Infiniti QX 55
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Mercedes Benz SUV GLS
- 2023 Soul
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- 2023 Tesla Model Y
- Ford Escape 2023
- 2024 Toyota Tacoma News
- VW Atlas Cross Sport
- 2022 Jeep Compass
- 2022 Ford Mustang
- Mitsubishi Outlander Phev
Other popular Lexus reviews and ratings
- 2023Lexus RX 350
- For Sale Lexus LC 500
- Lexus Is 350
- Lexus GX460
- 2022 RX 350
- Lexus Is 300
- 2022 Lexus IS 500
- Lexus Es 350 For Sale
- Lexus LS 500
- LX 570
More SUVs to consider
- 2022 Kia Telluride
- Cadillac XT5
- BZ4X
- Honda HR-V 2022
- Mazda CX 9 For Sale
- Acurazine RDX
- BMW 1X
- 2023 Bronco
- Volvo XC40
- 2022 G-Class
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Lexus NX 300H 2019
- Used Lexus NX 300 2020
- Used Lexus NX 300 2019
- Used Lexus NX 300H 2015 For Sale
- Used Lexus NX 300 2021
- Used Lexus NX 300H 2016
- Used Lexus NX 300H 2017
- Used Lexus NX 300 2018
- Used Lexus NX 300H 2018
- Used Lexus NX 300H 2020