2018 Lexus NX 300h Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byJason Kavanagh
Senior Vehicle Test Engineer
Jason joined Edmunds' testing team in 2006 as a vehicle testing engineer. Jason believes true appreciation of modern cars stems from owning really, really bad old ones.Pros
- High 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
- Updated front and rear styling
- Many advanced driver safety systems, including forward collision mitigation, are now standard
- New features include a Wi-Fi hotspot and a larger infotainment touchpad and screen
- Part of the first NX generation introduced for 2015
Despite its aggressive styling, this hybrid is an even more sensible-shoes compact SUV than the NX 300 upon which it is based. It retains the visual attitude of its stablemate while delivering even better fuel economy.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Lexus NX 300h 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) 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 $4.64 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$183/mo
NX 300h Base
vs
$274/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Entering its fourth model year, the Lexus NX 300h compact SUV receives only minor changes for 2018. You can expect a quiet, pleasant driving experience even if the outside world thinks you're making a shouty statement.
With less power and slightly more weight to haul around than the regular NX 300, the hybrid NX won't pin you to the seat with authority. But the thrust of the NX hybrid is perfectly adequate around town, moving it away from stoplights on a bump of electrically augmented torque. Plus, that aforementioned seat is a well-padded and comfortable place from which to spend long stints behind the wheel.
Hybrid versions of conventional vehicles often suffer reduced cargo volume resulting from the need to package the large hybrid battery. In the case of the NX hybrid, this penalty is modest. However, the NX doesn't have a large cargo area to begin with. It's one of just two notable downsides to the NX 300h. The other is its infotainment interface, which can be distracting to use.
Overall, though, we like the NX 300h and think it's a smart choice for luxury crossover SUV shoppers wanting a pleasing mix of luxury, fuel economy and style.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
7.1 / 10Despite its aggressive styling, this hybrid is an even more sensible-shoes compact SUV than the NX 300 upon which it is based. It retains the visual attitude of its stablemate while delivering even better fuel economy.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Lexus NX 300h (2.5L 4-cyl. hybrid | CVT automatic | AWD).
Scorecard
| Overall | 7.1 / 10 |
| Driving | 7.0 |
| Comfort | 8.5 |
| Interior | 6.5 |
| Utility | 6.0 |
| Technology | 7.0 |
Driving
7.0The 300h's low-end electric power and small dimensions help it scoot around quickly in the city. Maximum acceleration leaves a bit to be desired, as does steering feel, but overall performance is totally adequate.
Comfort
8.5Get settled in for the long haul as this Lexus NX 300h makes for a great road-trip car. Both the front and rear seats are comfortable and supportive. Combine that with a plush ride, a quiet cabin and strong climate control system, and you've got a small SUV that you can easily drive for hours at a time.
Interior
6.5While the NX is relatively spacious, the Remote Touch infotainment interface could be a deal-breaker for some tech-savvy (or tech-averse) buyers. The system is difficult to use on a regular basis and drags the NX's score down.
Utility
6.0While there is a decent amount of cargo space when you fold the rear seats (53.7 cubic feet), the NX is lacking in seat-up cargo space, small-item storage, and space for large child seats.
Technology
7.0The available tech in the NX 300h is a mixed bag. The screen is crisp and clear, and audio quality from the optional sound system is enjoyable, but smartphone integration is definitively behind the times. The driver aids and voice controls work well.
Which NX 300h does Edmunds recommend?
There's only one trim level of the NX 300h, but there is a handful of option packages from which to choose. We recommend the Comfort package at a minimum for the heated and ventilated front seats. Otherwise, for more creature comforts, get an NX with the Luxury package. It includes the contents of the Comfort and Premium packages (plus perforated leather trim, automatic wipers and a heated steering wheel) for a bit less money.
2018 Lexus NX 300h models
The 2018 Lexus NX 300h is a five-seat compact hybrid SUV, available in just one version. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid system deliver a combined power of 194 hp. It is available only with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission.