2021 Lexus NX 300 Review
Price Range: $24,998 - $37,998





+166
Below Average
7.0
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
When it comes to providing a quiet and comfortable ride, the 2021 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
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Illinois.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$225/mo for NX 300 Base
NX 300 Base
vs
$189/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
See Edmunds pricing data
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Lexus NX 300 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(58%)
4(27%)
3(9%)
2(3%)
1(3%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
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!!!
******* Review Update 10/13/2024 *******
I have owned my NX since new back in January 2021. It’s been an amazing SUV, I have always had it serviced at Lexus and it still runs like the first day I drove it off the lot. I currently have approximately 32,300 miles and it’s been very reliable, it’s only gone in back to Lexus for maintenance, that’s it nothing more. I still recommend this model it’s very reliable!!! Looking forward to many years of trouble free happy driving!
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.
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
Dependable NOT Exciting
4 out of 5 starsTABSINGS , 11/11/2023
2021 Lexus NX 300 F SPORT 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
Love the features in my F-sport. Purchased the F-sport with hopes it would satisfy my desire for cornering, pickup and speed w/o the cost of maintenance. (Previous BMW owner).
What I learned. This car is a great car for someone who wants luxury in a tight and snug cabin having no expectations of crisp maneuverability and responsiveness. It’s a lovely SUV. If you haven been in the past … a BMW, Porche, or Tesla owner, DON’t DO IT. I tried with 3 different Lexus vehicles only to flip them within a year back to a BMW.
I’m done trying with the “tried and true” Lexus that will last forever as long as you keep the regular maintenance up and will stick with “Driving Machines” that you just know after the warranty has run out, you’d better have a special car account for guaranteed future costly repairs. I have accepted that I need a fast, responsive car that corners extremely well with speed.
2021 NX 300 Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $37,610 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $225/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.7 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
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 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 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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