2019 Lexus NX 300h Review

Name: 2019 Lexus NX 300h Review
Brand: Lexus
Price: 25990 USD

Lexus NX 300h Base 4dr SUV Exterior. Options Shown.

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

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

The Lexus NX 300h returns unchanged for 2019
Part of the first NX generation introduced for 2015

After some very minor updates last year, the Lexus NX 300h returns unchanged for 2019. As the hybrid version of the gasoline-only NX 300, it provides excellent fuel economy. Its EPA-estimated 31 mpg in combined city/highway driving is unchallenged among the small luxury crossover SUV segment. The hybrid powertrain doesn't suck the life out of the experience either. There's adequate power, and the added oomph from the electric motors make it feel pleasantly responsive when accelerating from a stop.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 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 $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$124/mo

$181/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Like the regular NX 300, the 300h also has roomy rear seats and a smooth and quiet highway ride. Unfortunately, both NX models suffer from a smaller-than-average cargo capacity and an infotainment system that is often distracting to use. All things considered, though, the 2019 Lexus NX 300h is a sensible choice among entry-level luxury crossovers. It smartly balances refinement, style and comfort with frugality at the gas pump.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Lexus NX 300h as one of Edmunds' Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs, Best Gas Mileage SUVs and Best Hybrid SUVs for this year.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.1 / 10

The 2019 Lexus NX 300h isn't nearly as sporty as its looks suggest, but it has a lot to offer as a sensible hybrid SUV. It returns great fuel economy and has everything you'd expect from an entry-level luxury crossover.

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

7.0

The 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 the steering feel, but overall performance is adequate.

Acceleration

6.5

The 300h's power won't wow you, but passing maneuvers can be made with enough planning. In Edmunds testing, 0-60 mph took 8.8 seconds, which is a bit slow in this class.

Braking

7.0

Not much happens when you first press the brake pedal, but braking power is linear and strong. You will notice the transition from the regenerative braking to the friction brakes, but it's only slightly off-putting. In Edmunds brake testing, the 300h came to a stop from 60 mph in 129 feet, which is an average distance for the segment.

Steering

6.5

At low speeds, the steering is light and helps you get into tight parking spaces with ease. Switch to Sport mode and the resistance increases. Feedback, however, is vague in all scenarios. You will have little idea of where on-center is when driving straight or what the wheels are doing when driving around turns.

Handling

7.0

While the 300h's handling isn't sporty, it is impressive for a hybrid SUV. The vehicle changes direction with relative speed and ease, and it's competent on curvy mountain roads.

Drivability

7.5

Thanks to the hybrid powertrain, there's a good burst of electric torque between city stoplights. Up long grades, the engine sounds like it's working hard because of the nature of the hybrid powertrain and continuously variable automatic transmission.

Comfort

8.5

Get 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.

Seat comfort

8.5

Both the front and rear seats have comfortable padding and robust side bolsters. The adjustable lumbar support for the driver's seat helps on long journeys. Road trips should be a breeze in any seating position.

Ride comfort

8.5

Over almost every road surface, ride quality in the NX 300h is excellent. Big and small bumps alike are soaked up well. The rear suspension gets a bit upset when you hit a large pothole or a bump midcorner, but the NX recovers and resettles itself in short order.

Noise & vibration

8.5

On the highway, things are hush-hush in the NX. Road noise is a nonissue, and there's just a bit of wind noise coming from the roof and the sideview mirrors at highway speeds. Under full-throttle acceleration, the hybrid powertrain drones a bit, but in most low-speed city scenarios you'll barely notice it.

Climate control

8.0

The standard automatic dual-zone climate control works quickly and quietly to cool or heat the small cabin. The controls are within reach, but they are aimed strangely upward. The optional heated and ventilated front seats are a nice touch, and they cool or heat relatively quickly.

Interior

6.5

While 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.

Ease of use

4.0

Operating Lexus' Remote Touch interface is frustrating and counterintuitive. It requires laser-focused attention on the infotainment screen to select the right commands, which is highly distracting while driving. The large center console has an array of buttons that are oddly angled in entirely different directions. They never feel natural.

Getting in/getting out

7.5

Sliding in and out of the NX is a breeze whether you're getting into the front or the back seat. The short doors mean you can exit both rows without worrying too much about opening them and hitting a neighboring parked car. The sill's step-over height is sufficiently low as you enter.

Driving position

7.0

The driving position is relatively comfortable, and the telescoping steering wheel has a wide range of adjustability. But we aren't fond of the angled head restraint, which can't be adjusted. Many drivers will find it uncomfortable.

Roominess

7.0

The front seat offers plenty of headroom. The big back seat also provides generous headroom thanks to a low seat and a reclining rear seatback. But rear-seat footroom is tight under the front seats, and the cabin is relatively scarce on elbow room .

Visibility

7.0

It's easy to see out of the NX's windshield and front windows. But because of the sloping rear roof and massive rear roof pillars, there are big blind spots when looking over your shoulders. The standard rearview camera and optional blind-spot monitor help out significantly.

Quality

6.5

Compared to some of the top-notch German luxury SUVs, the NX is a step behind on build quality. The interior construction is solid, but touchpoint materials could be better for a luxury SUV. Also, our test vehicle had some uncanny squeaks and rattles that were troubling in a brand-new car.

Utility

6.0

While 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.

Small-item storage

6.0

There are small cupholders in all four main seating positions and a relatively deep center console up front. But there isn't a great place to store your smartphone otherwise. The thin door pockets have just enough space for a small water bottle.

Cargo space

5.5

The standard NX 300 has just 17.7 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, but the 300h is further limited to 16.8 cubes. That's far less than size-appropriate rivals and even less than some smaller SUVs. Load-in height is average, but the sloping rear roof could inhibit the fitment of certain tall items.

Child safety seat accommodation

6.5

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 LATCH points that serve the outboard seating positions, but the center position uses belts attached to the roof.

Towing

7.0

With an optional towing package, the 300h is rated to tow a maximum of 1,500 pounds. That's not impressive by SUV standards, but many of the 300h's hybrid competitors aren't rated to tow at all.

Technology

7.0

The 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.

Audio & navigation

8.0

The infotainment screen is easy to read and understand, and it has crisp and clear maps for navigation. The optional 10-speaker premium sound system has good audio quality and only distorts at the highest volume. Overall, it's a likable system — apart from the touchpad interface described elsewhere.

Smartphone integration

6.0

The NX offers Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa but no Android Auto. There is a quick USB connection for audio or Bluetooth, or you can use the Lexus' Enform app for smartphone integration. The thing is, this capability requires downloading and logging into individual apps, and we're not fans of the complicated setup process.

Driver aids

7.0

Systems such as rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring work well on the NX. The adaptive cruise control performs adequately but doesn't accelerate quickly when a gap opens up, and the closest ACC following distance is only suitable on the wide-open highway.

Voice control

8.0

Voice controls in the NX have a basic, easy-to-learn set of prompts. Even if you forget those, it's good enough to pick up on some natural language. Voice controls can be used for navigation, phone, entertainment and climate control systems. iPhone users get Siri Eyes Free capability, too.

2019 Lexus NX 300h models

The 2019 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. A variety of option packages combine popular features, some of which are available as stand-alone options.

Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, LED foglights and running lights, keyless ignition and entry, automatic dual-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, simulated-leather upholstery (Lexus' NuLuxe), a 60/40-split folding and reclining back seat, an 8-inch infotainment display, a touchpad interface, Scout GPS navigation app integration, Lexus Enform connectivity (with 4G Wi-Fi), and an eight-speaker sound system.

Also included are adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and intervention, and automatic high beams.

Available option packages help buyers get the most out of their NX. The Navigation package, for example, comes with a larger 10.3-inch display, Enform Destination Assist, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a 10-speaker audio system. A Comfort package includes heated and ventilated front seats, blind-spot monitoring and auto-dimming side mirrors.

The Premium package includes the items from the Comfort package and adds a sunroof, driver-seat memory settings, 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and enhanced LED daytime running lights with integrated turn signals. Finally, a Luxury package incorporates what you get from the Premium package and adds leather seating surfaces, wood interior pieces, automatic wipers and a heated leather steering wheel.

Stand-alone options include a hands-free liftgate, parking sensors, adaptive headlights and power-folding rear seats.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Lexus NX 300h.

5 (77%)

4 (17%)

3 (0%)

2 (3%)

1 (3%)

4.6

30 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

One of the best SUV

rich, 02/25/2019

2019 Lexus NX 300h 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

We traded in with the RS450H after owning the car for 8 years and put 80,000 miles. Other than oil changes, tyre changes and put gas in tank, we had absolutely no maintenance issues with this car - just amazingly reliable car. That is one of the many other reasons we bought the NX300h. The gas milage is great. we are getting about 35 mpg combined compared to 23 mpg of the RX450h.

Happy with my hybrid NX300h

Dan, 07/11/2019

2019 Lexus NX 300h 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I wanted a hybrid crossover, and checked the Toyota RAV4 first. It was a bit loud and unrefined. I told the salesman I was also considering the Lexus hybrids. He mentioned that they are a different class of autos. Once I drove the Lexus NX300h, I knew what he meant! The 300NX is quiet and refined. Sometimes I can't tell if on elec., or gas, or both unless I am looking at thee …

My Daily Driver NX300h

Robert S, 08/04/2018

2018 Lexus NX 300h 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

I traded my used 2015 GX460 for this vehicle. The GX was simply too big and the gas mileage too low to justify keeping this car (especially as I have a 2016 RC350 sports car that I use as my fun car). I bought the NX as my daily driver, and decided to get the hybrid so as to have an SUV that gets at least 30mpg overall. The car is excellent in every respect except for two areas. …

Love the Hybrid!

Jim L, 02/13/2019

2019 Lexus NX 300h 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

This is our first hybrid and we love it! When we shopped for the new car, we had four key criteria - a crossover to sit high enough and easy to get in and out, highly fuel efficient, Apple CarPlay, and reliable! Lexus NX300h beats others and wins! It’s very refined, quiet, comfortable, and luxury! It uses battery to power the car in low speed. With navigation and premium package, the …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 Lexus NX 300h, so we've included reviews for other years of the NX 300h since its last redesign.

See all 30 reviews of the Lexus NX 300h

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2019 NX 300h Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$38,835
Engine Type	Hybrid
Combined MPG	31 MPG
Cost to Drive	$124/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the NX 300h models:

Lexus Safety System+: Helps mitigate accidents by alerting you to impending front collisions or when you deviate from your lane.
Blind-Spot Monitor, Cross-Traffic Alert: Alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot. Also warns you about oncoming 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

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover16%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2019 Lexus NX 300h Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 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 $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which NX 300h does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Lexus NX 300h models

Most helpful consumer reviews

One of the best SUV

Happy with my hybrid NX300h

My Daily Driver NX300h

Love the Hybrid!

2019 NX 300h Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 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 $3.13 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}