The 2025 Lexus NX does nearly everything you'd want a compact luxury SUV to do. We're particularly fond of its high-end interior, and many standard driver assist systems that help make driving easier. Cargo space is tight, but otherwise we think you'll be happy with the NX.
Keith Buglewicz has worked in the automotive industry since 1994, writing thousands of car-related articles, and he's tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Keith is the managing editor of CarMax at Edmunds, and his byline can be found at KBB, MotorTrend, Autobytel and many others. Keith considers himself exceptionally lucky to be working the dream job he’s had since high school.
Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of Edmunds' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.
Pros
Attractive cabin
Comes standard with many desirable features
High fuel economy from available NX hybrid version
Cons
Some controls can be distracting to use
Less cargo and rear seat space than most competitors
What's new
USB-C ports included on front console
Wireless charging available on all grades
Additional driver assist technology standard
Part of the second NX generation introduced for 2022
Overview
You can think of the 2025 Lexus NX as the classic "jack-of-all-trades" in the small luxury SUV class. The NX 250 offers an affordable entry point to the luxury brand, and the NX 350 boosts things with a turbocharged engine. Two different hybrids are also available, including a plug-in hybrid. Regardless of your choice, you're treated to a classy cabin and available amenities like an excellent audio system. Even if the NX doesn't excel to the point of being a top pick for the class, it's a well-rounded small luxury SUV that deserves to be on most shopping lists.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Lexus NX 250 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) 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 spotlight: Deciding between a regular NX and the NX hybrid
Since the NX comes with gas or hybrid options, it's worth considering which is right for your needs. When new, the lowest-cost NX hybrid, the NX 350h, comes at about $2,700 more than the all-wheel-drive NX 250. For that you get an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined fuel economy in the hybrid versus 28 mpg combined in the NX 250. It's a sizable jump. However, the NX 250 runs on regular gas, while the hybrid requires premium, and it could take years for you to recoup the additional cost of the hybrid strictly on fuel economy. It's a similar story for the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, though it has more horsepower.
Competitors to consider
Even though there are F Sport versions of the Lexus NX, those still may not be enough to scratch the itch for those looking for a more dynamic driving experience. If that's you, the BMW X3 or Porsche Macan might be a solid pick. Or you might check out the value-packed Acura RDX, luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLC or our top-rated small luxury SUV, the Genesis GV70. Want to know more about the NX? Check out our test team's Expert Rating below.
Edmunds Expert 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.
Good
7.8
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2025 Lexus NX does nearly everything you'd want a compact luxury SUV to do. We're particularly fond of its high-end interior, and many standard driver assist systems that help make driving easier. Cargo space is tight, but otherwise we think you'll be happy with the NX.
How does the NX drive? We tested the F Sport version and found it provides a pleasing balance of comfort and capability. Acceleration at our test track was unremarkable (0-60 mph in 7 seconds), but the turbocharged engine is sufficiently strong enough for getting up to highway speeds or passing slower traffic. Shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission aren't particularly quick but are fairly smooth.
In our panic-braking test from 60 mph, our NX 350 F Sport logged a slighter better than average distance of 117 feet. On the road, the NX's brakes are smooth and predictable. The NX's handling inspires confidence but we wouldn't go so far as to call it sporty. The F Sport package on our test vehicle helped to minimize body roll when cornering.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the NX? The NX 350 F Sport, which is what we tested, feels taut and secure without being overly stiff-riding. The F Sport also comes with special seats that have more bolstering but are just as soft and comfortable as the ones in a standard NX. The seat heating and ventilation in our test NX were fast-acting, and the rear seats offered better than average sculpting and support.
Most of the climate control features are readily accessible and easy to use. The three-zone climate system did a good job of maintaining a set temperature, but we thought the center vents were too low to be particularly effective on a warm day. Interior noise levels are relatively low, and while we noticed little to no wind noise, we did hear more tire hum than we expected.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The NX's interior is a mix of traditional Lexus' superb attention to detail as well as some puzzling and sometimes frustrating design choices. The sharp-looking 14-inch touchscreen display is a highlight thanks to its clean graphics and quick responses.
But the shift lever adopts the unconventional shift pattern used in the Toyota Prius, which had us occasionally selecting neutral when we thought we had drive. Another frustration: the unmarked buttons on the steering wheel. Lexus has cleverly made them multifunctional, but their functions are only shown in the head-up display and require too much focus to perform simple tasks.
The driving position in the NX is easy to tailor to suit a wide variety of body types, and while the rear seating area lacks the generous legroom found in the BMW X3 and Acura RDX, there's enough space for most adults to be reasonably comfortable. Another benefit of the large center display is the crystal-clear backup camera and, if so equipped, surround-view camera system. It makes maneuvering the NX in tight confines a snap.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $3,060 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $3,060 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the 450h+ F SPORT Handling trim.
How’s the tech? Our test vehicle was equipped with the optional, eye-catching 14-inch unit. Crisp, easy-to-read graphics and quick responses are appreciated, but the somewhat confusing menus structure could use some refinement. Our test vehicle was also equipped with the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. Enormously powerful with excellent clarity, it's well worth the upgrade if you have a little extra in your budget.
Wireless smartphone connectivity is standard but, strangely enough, navigation is not. After the free trial expires, Lexus charges a fee (every two years at the time of writing) to continue the cloud-based service. The NX's voice controls were slightly underwhelming, mostly due to their slow response times, even though you can do everything from changing the radio station to turning on the wipers.
The NX comes standard with Lexus' Safety System+ 3.0, which includes pretty much every advanced driver aid you'd expect. Response times were on the conservative side but we encountered no false alarms.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The NX doesn't offer the same amount of cargo capacity as many of its rivals. With 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the NX trails the BMW X3 (28.7 cubes) and the Acura RDX (31.1 cubes). That said, the load area for the NX is nice and wide and the cargo area is free of wheelwell intrusions, making it easy to load wide, bulky objects. Power-folding rear seats are available.
Interior storage also trails some of its rivals, but the NX does offer a fair bit of usable and easily accessible room for personal items. We appreciate the large, underarm center console storage and the hidden cubby under the optional wireless charging pad.
While we understand towing isn't usually near the top of the list when choosing a small luxury SUV, note that the NX 350 is rated to tow a somewhat meager 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. Competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 and BMW X3 offer 3,500-pound and 4,400-pound towing limits, respectively.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates that the NX 350, which has standard all-wheel drive, gets 24 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That's about average for this class of SUV. Over our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, we saw exactly 25 mpg and nearly repeated that number on another tank of fuel with a bit more city driving. That repeatability is somewhat harder to come by in this class, and we think the Lexus should be able to meet its EPA estimates most of the time. Like many other vehicles in the class, the NX 350 does require premium fuel.
Value
8/10
Is the NX a good value? Overall we feel the NX 350 represents fairly good value for money. The NX 350 not only comes standard with all-wheel drive (some similarly priced competitors do not), but it also includes an impressive array of advanced driver assist technologies. Impeccable interior build quality is another bonus.
Warranties are on par for the class, with the Lexus offering four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage. Roadside assistance is offered at four years with unlimited mileage, but free maintenance is offered for only one year.
Wildcard
7.5/10
Upon first inspection, it can be difficult to discern what you're going to get from the NX 350. But the NX does little wrong and Lexus has chosen its compromises wisely. The lack of performance has been balanced out with a controlled ride and the engine's easy-to-drive nature, while the smaller interior and lower cargo capacity have been offset with high levels of comfort and solid everyday practicality.
There is no question about build quality and the general stress-free nature we've come to expect from the brand. While competitors offer SUVs that strongly favor luxury over sport, or vice versa, the NX manages to offer a little bit of both without any real detriment.
Which NX does Edmunds recommend?
We think the NX 350 with the Premium package is an all-around good pick. We like the more powerful engine for starters, and with the Premium package it doesn't skimp on luxury features. Plus, it's still on the lower end of the price spectrum for the NX, making it a decent value.
I still am giving the NX Five Stars, even though there is one negative which has been irritating me for 6 months, Lexus has still failed to deliver the second set of keys for my vehicle. I was one of the first people to get the 2024 model in June and it was initially promised in August. I learned only when taking delivery that the chip shortage prompted Lexus to only provide one set of … keys initially.
The NXh has been through all 4 seasons in NE Ohio and several long road trips fully loaded. This includes snow, high mountain passes, off road, high temperatures and downpours. This was also my first hybrid. Since I was extremely happy with my 2019 Genesis G70, my first choice was a new GV70. It test drove very nice, but the NX 350h was far more technologically advanced, that goes for the Volvo XC60 I was considering as well. I rely heavily on consumer reviews and the Lexus NX 350h was a real mixed bag of people really liking or not liking it. I am convinced the bad reviews were either heavily biased or the people just didn’t know how to operate the car! The technology on this car is amazing and can be intimidating for someone who does not read the owner’s manual! Fortunately, in the 5 months I was waiting for the car, I downloaded the Owner’s Manual and MultiMedia Guide. Reading these really prepared me for the arrival of my NX. The Tutorial Part 1 and Part 2 on YouTube by Melissa O’Connell is a must for going over the features of the car inside and out! The customization on the NX is incredible, but you have to be familiar with how navigate the various menus and it takes a while to digest each option. But when you do, it will be a car that will fit perfect to your needs. The amount of room in the NX should not be a surprise, I looked at the specifications for cargo volume and I saw for myself how much room there is before I purchased the car, for a compact SUV, there is plenty of cargo and legroom space. My wife and I have a lot of gear we pack for trips and have no trouble finding room
This car is everything I expected and more! I was a little apprehensive about getting the Rioja Red interior, but it is not overpowering and blends very well with the Black Prism. With the Atomic Silver exterior, it is a great match. After driving it for 20,000 miles so far, I still get a charge out of starting the ignition and not hearing a sound and starting my drive on all electric. In colder temperatures, it will run less frequent on electric. The transition to the gasoline engine is seamless. The fuel economy, low 40’s city, mid 30’s highway, in colder temperatures, you can subtract 5mpg! 95% of the time I drive in the Eco Mode and there may be a little difference in fuel efficiency with 87 octane gas, but not much. I did get significantly worse fuel economy while driving out west which may have been because of the higher ethanol content in the gas because it immediately improved once we got to Illinois. The NX drives extremely smooth and is as quiet as any sedan I have had. The engine does not have the power as my other sedans, but that is an easy tradeoff for great fuel economy. It certainly has adequate power and quickness. The instrument panel and MultiMedia screen are all very easy to use once you read the instructions. I have the 14” screen which really makes viewing easy. I do like the heads-up display, but don’t really use the digital mirror much, it is harder on the eyes and not as clear. If the cargo area is full of gear, the digital mirror would come in handy for better visibility. Lexus clearly goes out of its way to make this a very safe vehicle with a plethora of features.
The seating is extremely comfortable for long trips, no fatigue or discomfort. The climate control system adds to that comfort with uniform heating and cooling. The run flat tires are much quieter than I thought they would be. For being a compact SUV, the standard 18” wheels look great, would not want any bigger. The compartment under the cargo mat really comes in handy for those odds and ends you don’t want to clutter the cabin with. I don’t understand why they have a compartment for the tire jack and accessories when these are not included with the car since it has run flat tires. Every other feature in this car is very well thought out.
Another negative thing I can say about the NX is sunglass compartment, if the lens has any curvature to them, they will not fit, my Oakley’s and Ray Ban’s will have to find another place. To date, the NX 350h is without a doubt the finest automobile I have ever owned, zero issues. Considering I have driven my Volvo’s, Toyota’s, Acura’s and the Genesis 40,000+ miles a year for the last 35 years, that is saying a lot!
After taking delivery, my wife drove her car 80 miles in through western Washington in stop and go traffic without any issues. The technical features of the car were very well set up and explained before she drove away. I would recommend downloading and printing the Lexus Personalized Settings worksheet before completing the process. We reviewed and made selections at home before we … met with the technology representative. We knew how she wanted the car set up before we took delivery. The NX lives up to the “nimble crossover” moniker. It is not a sports car. The nx350h is a very capable compact SUV, well equipped for this retired couple. Like our 2 previous cars, our Lexus was assembled in Canada.
8 month update: still very nice.
We have learned that not having the key in our pocket makes washing the car easier. The car and key communicate when in range, locking and unlocking the car doors gets distracting.
The seats have a lot of adjustment and we experience no lower body fatigue on longer drives.
The standard stereo is very good. The storage under the rear deck is ample. The climate control is intuitive and it works to maintain the temperature requested.
As noted in another review, the adaptive cruise control works very well. This is our first experience with this kind of feature.
The lane assist feature can surprise the driver when road configurations change, i.e. new guard rails, zip lanes etc. My wife disabled this feature until we understand it better. It might be useful on longer trips over the open road.
The warning buzzers are polite but just loud enough and we appreciate it.
The owners manual is many pages long. It is also user friendly.
The paper version has a guide in the front where you can simply locate the feature or switch that you wish to learn about. The manual directs you to the reference page and your questions are answered quickly.
If you download the electronic version of the owners manual the reference page is highlighted allowing you to simply select the page and it takes you there.
The owners manuals are easy for us to navigate and understand.
We are still pleased with this purchase.
NX350h is very comfy and well appointed. Very quiet in EV and handy for in town use. Panoramic rear view camera is really great! AC is handling Las Vegas summer heat with no problems.
After six months the mpg is 40.9 with primarily city driving. We've taken a couple road trips to N. Calif. and the cruise control is great, nearly self drives! It can slow for traffic ahead, even to a … full stop. Very comfortable ride.
The seats are very comfortable and the ventilated and heated seats are a very nice touch. The screen is very responsive and the UI is on the more basic side but in a good way. It is intuitive and easy to understand. The Mark Levinson speakers are a wonderful addition and sound very crisp. The engine is on the louder side when speeding up, such as getting on to the highway. However, at … normal speeds it is very quiet and the EV mode is perfect for neighborhood driving as it is very quiet. Space and great and the size of the car makes it very maneuverable and tight spaces while still providing space for storage. Also, I love how the taillight looks with the full led line, which makes the car stand out and also looks great at night. The led headlights are also very bright and the turning headlamps are very helpful. The 20 inch run flat tires are somewhat noisy but the ride remains stable and comfortable.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2025 Lexus NX, so we've included reviews for other years of the NX since its last redesign.
The 2025 Lexus NX is a compact entry-level luxury SUV, filling the space between the smaller UX and the larger RX in the automaker's lineup. The NX has four distinct models, starting with the NX 250 and progressing to the more powerful NX 350, the hybrid NX 350h and the plug-in hybrid NX 450h+. While the NX is not as exciting to drive as other SUVs in the class, it holds a lot of appeal if you value comfort and Lexus' reputation for reliability. It was last redesigned in 2022, and we don't expect any major changes for 2025.
Edmunds spotlight: Efficient and dependable
The NX 450h+ is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class, offering up to 37 miles of electric-only range and an estimate of 36 mpg combined when the battery is depleted. The more affordable 350h hybrid is equally impressive at 39 mpg combined, and the gasoline-only NX models that run between 24 and 28 mpg combined are also commendable. European rivals have been catching up in recent years, but Lexus has been in the hybrid game for two decades.
Competitors to consider
There are few direct rivals to the Lexus NX if your priority is efficiency. The Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 both offer a plug-in hybrid model with strong fuel economy figures, and they're both more engaging to drive. The Lexus, though, wins on price by several thousand dollars. The gasoline-only NX models are also more efficient than class leaders, but choices such as the Genesis GV70, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Acura RDX are more luxurious and benefit from noticeably sharper performance.
Edmunds says
The Lexus NX is a solid pick for those seeking an economical and reasonably luxurious SUV. But beyond efficiency and comfort, it doesn't distinguish itself from the rest of the class, and its rivals tend to be more enjoyable to drive and offer more interior refinement.
FAQ
Is the Lexus NX a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 NX both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2025 NX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 25 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the NX has 22.7 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. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Lexus NX?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Lexus NX:
USB-C ports included on front console
Wireless charging available on all grades
Additional driver assist technology standard
Part of the second NX generation introduced for 2022
To determine whether the Lexus NX is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the NX. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the NX's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Lexus NX a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Lexus NX is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 NX and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2025 NX gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 25 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 NX is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Lexus NX?
The least-expensive 2025 Lexus NX is the 2025 Lexus NX 250 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $40,815.
Other versions include:
250 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $40,815
250 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $42,415
250 Premium 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $42,740
250 Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A) which starts at $44,340
350 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $44,575
350h 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $45,125
350 Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $46,500
350h Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $47,050
350 F SPORT Handling 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $49,185
350 Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $50,640
350h Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) which starts at $51,190
450h+ 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) which starts at $61,240
450h+ F SPORT Handling 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) which starts at $62,330
If you're interested in the Lexus NX, the next question is, which NX model is right for you? NX variants include 250 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A), 250 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A), 250 Premium 4dr SUV (2.5L 4cyl 8A), and 250 Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 8A). For a full list of NX models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more