2021 Lexus NX 300h
MSRP Range: $40,160 - $46,910 Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.
7.1/10
edmunds TESTED
The Lexus NX 300h is a comfortable and quiet hybrid that provides a significant boost in fuel economy without much of a price premium over its conventionally powered counterpart. That said, its frustrating infotainment system, limited cargo space and mediocre performance hamper an otherwise enjoyable driving experience.
2021 Lexus NX 300h 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
- Great fuel economy for a luxury crossover
- Back seat has enough room for adults
- Very quiet cabin at highway speeds
Cons
- Infotainment interface can be distracting to use
- Limited cargo capacity
What's new
- Blind-spot monitor and auto-dimming exterior mirrors are now standard
- F Sport Black Line trim level added to the NX 300h lineup
- Part of the first NX generation introduced for 2015
Overview
The 2021 Lexus NX 300h is a compact hybrid SUV that's comfortable, fuel-efficient, and built with a wealth of high-quality materials in the cabin. It comes packed with all sorts of standard safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and forward collision mitigation. There are lots of options to choose from too, including heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree parking camera and even a 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Clearly, there's a lot to like about the NX 300h. But it's not without fault.
The NX 300h's tech interface is its Achilles' heel, and even the most tech-savvy person will find it difficult to use. Cargo space is also limited in the NX, with only 16.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a sloping rear roof that makes it more difficult to accommodate large items. These drawbacks aren't deal-breakers, though. We still enjoy driving the 2021 Lexus NX 300h, and we're impressed by its ride comfort, fuel economy and build quality.
Edmunds Expert Rating
below avg
7.1/10
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.
The Lexus NX 300h is a comfortable and quiet hybrid that provides a significant boost in fuel economy without much of a price premium over its conventionally powered counterpart. That said, its frustrating infotainment system, limited cargo space and mediocre performance hamper an otherwise enjoyable driving experience.
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2021 Lexus NX 300h pricing
in Ashburn, VAEdmunds suggests you pay
Which NX 300h does Edmunds recommend?
The base NX 300h offers quite a bit of standard equipment, especially in the form of driver safety aids, so that's the trim level we recommend. You'll also have access, either in packages or à la carte, to most of the options from the upper trim levels if you want to step things up a bit.
Lexus NX 300h models
The 2021 Lexus NX 300h is a five-seat compact hybrid SUV that's available in three trim levels: base 300h, Luxury and F Sport Black Line. All trim levels come with a hybrid system that includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and delivers a total of 194 horsepower. The NX 300h is available only with all-wheel drive.
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Compare the Lexus NX 300h
Lexus NX 300h vs. Lexus RX 450h
Essentially the Lexus NX's big brother, the Lexus RX has similar standard equipment, but it is larger, more powerful and more expensive. As such, it might be outside of your target price bracket, but we think it's worth the cost. The RX 450h is also a hybrid, but instead of a small four-cylinder engine like the one in the NX, the RX uses a 3.0-liter V6. It offers significantly more power, but fuel economy only drops slightly, from 31 mpg combined in the NX to 30 mpg combined in the RX.
Lexus NX 300h vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Under the hood of the base Mercedes-Benz GLC is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. It isn't a hybrid, but with all-wheel drive, the GLC serves up a respectable EPA estimate of 24 mpg combined and has class-leading credentials in almost every other category. It's extremely comfortable on the highway or in the city, it's quick in a straight line, and it's a joy to drive around curvy roads. There is an available hybrid powertrain for the GLC as well, but it costs significantly more than a base NX 300h.
Lexus NX 300h vs. Toyota Venza
The Lexus NX may be a bit more luxurious than the Venza, and a bit more compact (it's nearly 4 inches shorter from nose to tail), but the Toyota has the Lexus beat where it counts. The Venza is more spacious, more powerful and more efficient. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine leads the Venza's hybrid powertrain, which generates a total of 219 horsepower (25 more hp than the NX). Even with that additional power, the Venza has a significantly higher EPA rating of 39 mpg combined versus the NX's 31 mpg combined.
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FAQ
Is the Lexus NX 300h a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 NX 300h both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.1 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2021 NX 300h gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the NX 300h has 16.8 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 300h. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Lexus NX 300h?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Lexus NX 300h:
- Blind-spot monitor and auto-dimming exterior mirrors are now standard
- F Sport Black Line trim level added to the NX 300h lineup
- Part of the first NX generation introduced for 2015
Is the Lexus NX 300h reliable?
To determine whether the Lexus NX 300h is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the NX 300h. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the NX 300h's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Lexus NX 300h a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Lexus NX 300h is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 NX 300h and gave it a 7.1 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2021 NX 300h gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 28 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 NX 300h is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Lexus NX 300h?
The least-expensive 2021 Lexus NX 300h is the 2021 Lexus NX 300h 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $40,160.
Other versions include:
- 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $40,160
- Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $46,610
- F SPORT Black Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $46,910
What are the different models of Lexus NX 300h?
If you're interested in the Lexus NX 300h, the next question is, which NX 300h model is right for you? NX 300h variants include 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT), and F SPORT Black Line 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT). For a full list of NX 300h models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more