2020 Lexus NX 300 Review
2020 Lexus NX 300 Review





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2020 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, even with the F Sport package
What's new
- 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
Overview
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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 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 $4.07 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$206/mo
NX 300 Base
vs
$192/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
While the cabin is roomy, the NX's cargo space is limited, especially with the rear seats in place. The sloping rear hatch minimizes cargo space even further, putting it well behind rivals. Up front, the infotainment interface still uses Lexus' touchpad system, which can be distracting and frustrating to use. Lexus has added Android Auto smartphone integration for 2020 at least. It joins Apple CarPlay, so now pretty much all smartphone users can more easily mirror their phone's apps on the infotainment display.
In the end, the 2020 NX 300 isn't our least-favorite SUV, but it isn't a class leader either. It has good value compared to similarly priced rivals and plenty of desirable standard safety features — so for some shoppers, it might be worth a look.
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 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
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 still 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 still 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.
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, 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.
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.
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. 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 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
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?
New standard safety features added to the NX 300 this year make the base model worth considering. Buyers seeking more creature comforts can check out the Comfort and Premium packages.
2020 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.
Standard equipment highlights on the base Lexus NX include 17-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning and intervention, keyless ignition and entry, power-adjustable front seats and simulated-leather upholstery (Lexus' NuLuxe). You also get an 8-inch infotainment display with a touchpad interface (Remote Touchpad); Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility; and an eight-speaker sound system.
The F Sport adds 18-inch wheels, special exterior styling elements, a sport-tuned suspension, more aggressively bolstered seats, and a sport steering wheel.
Availability of other packages varies by region, so you'll want to check with your local dealer. Notable ones to look out for include the Comfort, Premium and Navigation packages. Other options for the Lexus NX include a 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system, a power liftgate, a panoramic view monitor, upgraded LED headlights, and adaptive suspension dampers (F Sport only).
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2020 Lexus NX 300.
5 star(56%)
4 star(23%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(9%)
30 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
LEXUS NX is a sweet spot for many...
Smart Buyer , 11/26/2019
2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
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
4 out of 5 stars
Checks off all the boxes
Oscarcat, 05/25/2020
2020 Lexus NX 300 Luxury 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
The 2020 NX300 Premium package checked all the boxes that my wife wanted. Motion activated tailgate [she calls it the hands full feature], parking assist, lane keep assistance. For the most part reviews are written predominantly by 30-something males. Yes the BMW had a sportier feel but at the cost of high maintenance, rough riding run flat tires and expensive repairs. Originally she … wanted leather but the Nulux feels like ultra-suede which feels soft and comfortable. Resale value is excellent and repairs to our last Lexus generally were few and far between, unlike my BMW's. We bought it for her 90% it spends in an urban driving environment and 10% open road where granted, you can push a German car and have fun.
5 out of 5 stars
Great Compact SUv
Ren, 11/24/2019
2020 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
I feel confident driving it even at night
MaryF, 12/15/2019
2020 Lexus NX 300 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
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.
2020 NX 300 Highlights
Base
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
---|---|
Cost to Drive | $206/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Engine Type | Gas |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the NX 300 models:
- 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 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall4 / 5Driver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover16.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestGood
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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More about the 2020 Lexus NX 300
Used 2020 Lexus NX 300 Overview
The Used 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). Pre-owned Lexus NX 300 models are available with a 2.0 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 235 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 2020 Lexus NX 300 comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.
What's a good price on a Used 2020 Lexus NX 300?
Price comparisons for Used 2020 Lexus NX 300 trim styles:
- The Used 2020 Lexus NX 300 Base is priced between $29,994 and$39,998 with odometer readings between 0 and77822 miles.
- The Used 2020 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT is priced between $32,456 and$44,999 with odometer readings between 0 and60689 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 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 155 used and CPO 2020 NX 300S listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $29,994 and mileage as low as 0 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned 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 Used 2020 Lexus NX 300.
Can't find a used 2020 Lexus NX 300s you want in your area? Consider a broader search.
Find a used Lexus NX 300 for sale.
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Find a used certified pre-owned Lexus NX 300 for sale.
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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
Check out Lexus NX 300 lease specials
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