2020 Lexus NX 300
2020 Lexus NX 300MSRP Range: $36,720 - $45,210
- Cabin is very quiet at highway speeds
- Supremely comfortable ride and seats
- Lots of standard high-tech safety features
- Remote Touchpad interface is frustrating to use
- Limited cargo volume
- Not much fun to drive, even with the F Sport package
- New driver safety features, including low-light pedestrian detection, bicyclist detection and lane centering assist
- New Android Auto smartphone integration
- Mark Levinson premium sound system is now available
- Part of the first NX generation, originally introduced for 2015 as the NX 200t
2020 Lexus NX 300 Review
The 2020 Lexus NX 300 is a desirable small-luxury SUV that's comfortable and spacious enough for adult passengers and packed with all sorts of standard (and optional) safety features. For 2020, it gets added standard safety equipment via the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, plus a Mark Levinson premium sound system is offered for the first time. What's more, we like the seats, the interior materials are plush, and the cabin layout is nice. Unfortunately, there are some big drawbacks worth noting, too.
Our verdict | |
When it comes to providing a quiet and comfortable ride experience, 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 | |
How does it 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 still reasonably predictable and poised. The transmission provides seamless shifts in typical driving conditions, and the smooth engine virtually disappears from your awareness. | |
How comfortable is it? | |
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. | |
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, however, 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. | |
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. 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. | |
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. | |
How economical is it? | |
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 | |
Is it 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 good 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 | |
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?
Lexus NX 300 models
The 2020 Lexus NX 300 is a five-passenger compact SUV available in two trim levels: the standard NX 300 and the NX 300 F Sport. It comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (235 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque) and a six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. The NX 300h hybrid is reviewed separately.
2020 Lexus NX 300 pricing
in Ashburn, VA
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2020 Lexus NX 300.
Trending topics in reviews
- appearance
- comfort
- interior
- infotainment system
- value
- technology
- driving experience
- maintenance & parts
- road noise
- safety
- fuel efficiency
- seats
- spaciousness
Most helpful consumer reviews
Recently purchased our 2020 NX300 F Sport and we are absolutely pleased. It’s big enough for our family of 3 and would still work perfectly if we decided to add a 4th. We chose the red leather interior with black leather in the back seats and they are beautiful. We wanted an SUV that wasn’t too big in order to avoid struggling with parking since we live in the city so this size was perfect for us. Very pleased so far.
Very refined smaller SUV that feels bigger when operating; terrific quality as usual from LEXUS; base model feels well equipped with power tilt telescoping steering wheel, power rear door & power folding exterior rear view mirrors..safety features are great but we feel blind spot monitors and heated seats should be standard. Don’t miss the sunroof, rarely used anyway; eminent white over glazed caramel is beautiful. Premium fuel requirement should be carefully considered. Premium vinyl seating surfaces are better than leather in our opinion. Test drive before buying Cadillac, Acura, Audi or BMW
We looked at the Honda CRV and a fully loaded Rav 4 hybrid before purchasing the 2020 NX 300. The car is comfortable and quiet but most importantly safe. I haven't liked driving at night because Iive in an area filled with tourists and older drivers, which equals unpredictability. The driver assist features of NX 300 enables me to confidently navigate both highway and city driving in all conditions.
I have had for a few days and so far I have nothing but good things to say. It's a smooth drive and I am enjoying it. I downsized from the Lexus RX 350 so that was a bit of an adjustment but I am glad I made the move to something smaller. It fits my needs and it purrs....
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Features & Specs
| 4dr SUV 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $36,720 |
| MPG | 22 city / 28 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 235 hp @ 4800 rpm |
| 4dr SUV AWD 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,120 |
| MPG | 22 city / 28 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 235 hp @ 4800 rpm |
| F SPORT 4dr SUV 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $38,960 |
| MPG | 22 city / 28 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 235 hp @ 4800 rpm |
| F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD 2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $40,360 |
| MPG | 22 city / 27 hwy |
| Seating | Seats 5 |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Horsepower | 235 hp @ 4800 rpm |
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
- Alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot and warns about approaching cross-traffic when backing up.
- Lexus Enform Safety Connect
- Lets you connect with roadside assistance and can contact the authorities in case of a collision or stolen vehicle.
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.
| Side Impact Test | Good |
|---|---|
| Roof Strength Test | Good |
| Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint | Good |
| IIHS Small Overlap Front Test | Not Tested |
| Moderate Overlap Front Test | Good |
Lexus NX 300 vs. the competition
Lexus NX 300 vs. Lexus RX 350
The Lexus NX's big brother, the RX 350, is one of the best-selling luxury vehicles in the United States, and with good reason. It's very spacious, has a large cargo area and is comfortable on the highway. For a luxury SUV, that's a pretty good list of virtues. Compared to the NX, a base RX 350 is nearly $7,000 more expensive, but it offers a lot more capability and space.
Lexus NX 300 vs. Acura RDX
It's a little bit bigger than the Lexus NX, but the Acura RDX is still a solid choice for a small luxury SUV. The RDX's increased size (it's 4 inches longer from bumper to bumper) allows for more passenger and cargo space. And thankfully, it doesn't cost much extra up front. The Acura also has a well-built interior and a lengthy list of standard safety features.
Lexus NX 300 vs. Lexus NX 300h
If you're looking for a fuel-efficient version of the Lexus NX, you're in luck, because there's a hybrid, too. The NX 300h gets all-wheel drive as standard and a hybrid powertrain that boosts the NX's EPA combined fuel economy rating from 24 mpg to 31 mpg (with AWD). And thankfully, the NX 300h doesn't bring a significant price premium over the AWD version of the regular NX.
FAQ
Is the Lexus NX 300 a good car?
What's new in the 2020 Lexus NX 300?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2020 Lexus NX 300:
- New driver safety features, including low-light pedestrian detection, bicyclist detection and lane centering assist
- New Android Auto smartphone integration
- Mark Levinson premium sound system is now available
- Part of the first NX generation, originally introduced for 2015 as the NX 200t
Is the Lexus NX 300 reliable?
Is the 2020 Lexus NX 300 a good car?
How much should I pay for a 2020 Lexus NX 300?
The least-expensive 2020 Lexus NX 300 is the 2020 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 $36,720.
Other versions include:
- 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $36,720
- 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $38,120
- F SPORT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $38,960
- F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $40,360
- Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $45,210
- Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) which starts at $43,810
What are the different models of Lexus NX 300?
More about the 2020 Lexus NX 300
2020 Lexus NX 300 Overview
The 2020 Lexus NX 300 is offered in the following submodels: NX 300 SUV. Available styles 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), F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A), and Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A).
What do people think of the 2020 Lexus NX 300?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2020 Lexus NX 300 and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2020 NX 300 4.2 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2020 NX 300.
Edmunds Expert Reviews
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2020 Lexus NX 300 and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2020 NX 300 featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
What's a good price for a New 2020 Lexus NX 300?
2020 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2020 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $44,940. The average price paid for a new 2020 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $5,007 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,007 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $39,933.
The average savings for the 2020 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is 11.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 23 2020 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $39,805. The average price paid for a new 2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $4,799 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $4,799 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $35,006.
The average savings for the 2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is 12.1% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 144 2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $38,185. The average price paid for a new 2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is trending $5,087 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.
Edmunds members save an average of $5,087 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is $33,099.
The average savings for the 2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) is 13.3% below the MSRP.
Available Inventory:We are showing 3 2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A) vehicle(s) available in the Ashburn area.
Which 2020 Lexus NX 300s are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2020 Lexus NX 300 for sale near. There are currently 283 new 2020 NX 300s listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $38,718 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2020 Lexus NX 300. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $3,194 on a used or CPO 2020 NX 300 available from a dealership near you.
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Find a new Lexus NX 300 for sale - 6 great deals out of 7 listings starting at $19,550.
Find a new Lexus for sale - 12 great deals out of 24 listings starting at $10,457.
Why trust Edmunds?
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color.
Should I lease or buy a 2020 Lexus NX 300?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Lexus lease specials