Introduced in late 2014, the NX has been one of the most popular entry- level luxury crossovers on the market. A smooth ride quality, premium build quality, long list of features and equipment, along with the trust of Leus, have been enticing enough to draw the attention of the masses. Signature Lexus looks, though on a compact sheet metal, plush interior and the solid build quality of Lexus is what makes the NX 300 very enticing for the masses.
Initially launched as the NX 200t, the second most compact crossover in Lexus' profile now, after the UX, the NX 300 not only received some substantial updates, in its 2018 model but also a new nomenclature. Now entering its 2020 model year, the NX 300 remains unchanged from its last year model, but it still offers a very well balanced value to those looking to upgrade to the luxury compact crossover category.
2020 Lexus NX 300 Latest Updates
Jan' 24, 2022 : 2022 Lexus NX SUV To Feature In Director Roland Emmerich's Sci-FI Disaster Movie âMoonfallâ Read More »
Dec' 2, 2021 : 5 Advanced Tech Features Of The 2022 Lexus NX: New Multimedia System to Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 Read More »
Oct' 11, 2021 : 2022 Lexus NX Details Released And It Is Lexus' First Ever PHEV Read More »
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Ratings
Pricing and Features
6.0
Pricing and Feature
6.0
Features
7.5
Engine and Performance
5.0
Fuel Economy
4.0
Interior
6.0
Exterior
7.0
Safety
8.0
Competition
6.0
6.4
OVERALL RATING
Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
6.4
Overall Rating
The two letters' NX" in its name stand for 'Nimble Crossover', and the NX 300 very rightly justifies its name. Sharing its platform with the Toyota RAV4, its not only compact but also gets some decent offroading muscle into it as well. The smaller proportions along with the nicely balanced steering wheel makes it easy to manuever around city traffic.
Above all, it is a Lexus and it does get a nice and premium interiors with ample room in the rear bench. Ride quality is also very comfortable and quiet at the very same time and is also aptly packed with features and technology. However, compared to its rivals like the Jaguar F- Pace, Volvo XC60, and BMW X3, the 20202 Lexus NX 300 lacks marginally behind because of its outdated interior design, annoying infotainment interface and a smaller cargo bay.
2020 Lexus NX 300 SUV front angle view
2020 Lexus NX 300 SUV rear angle view
7.5/10 Features
5.0/10 Engine and Performance
4.0/10 Fuel Economy
6.0/10 Interior
7.0/10 Exterior
8.0/10 Safety
6.0/10 Competition
Features
7.5/10
The 2020 Lexus NX 300 competes in the Compact Luxury segment, a segment largely known for rugged bodies, bold styling, and a foolproof standard feature list. Though people are dazed by German auto cosmetics, the Japanese are no joke in the segment. The Lexus NX 300 is a solid offering from the Japanese, Lexus offers two trims for the gas-powered NX, standard NX300, and NX300F Sport. Lexus offers one powertrain and an option for front or all-wheel-drive., though you have to spend $1,400 more for the All-wheel-drive variant.
The standard feature list if not the best in the world but packs enough punch to compete in the fellow American and German league. The F sports variants add more sugar and spice to the standard feature list and tune the suspension to be more aggressive.
Trim
NX 300
NX 300F Sport
MSRP
$36,485
$38,725
AWD
$37,885
$40,125
Features
17-inch wheels
18-inch wheels
LED headlights
Special exterior styling elements
Power-adjustable front seats
Sport steering wheel
Automatic dual-zone climate control
Special interior trim and NuLuxe color schemes
Simulated-leather upholstery (Lexus' NuLuxe)
Sport-tuned suspension
Eight-speaker sound system
8-inch infotainment display with a touchpad interface (Remote Touch)
The standard NX300 is the most rational choice just makes sure to add the Comfort package for the Heated and ventilated front seats and blind-spot monitoring.
Engine and Performance
5.0/10
“In terms of performance and driver engagement, the Lexus NX 300 is merely average among the current crop of luxury crossover SUVs. But odds are that most shoppers are just looking for an easy-to-drive vehicle. On that front, the NX satisfies”- Edmunds
Engine and Transmission
This year the NX 300 remained untouched as far as mechanical changes are a concern. You get a familiar 2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Engine paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. There are no other engine or transmission options. The powertrain can muster up to 235 horsepower and 258-pound feet of torque. The engine can either fire up the front wheels of all four wheel depending on the choice of the drivetrain, the F-Sport version is bound by the All-Wheel-Drive. The hybrid NX 300 harbors a bigger 2.5 L Inline-4 engine backed by an electric motor and battery.
2020 Lexus NX 300 engine bay
Models
Lexus NX 300
Acura RDX suv
Jaguar F-Pace 25t suv
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum suv
BMW X3 sDrive 30i suv
Lincoln MKC suv
MSRP
$36,485
$37,400
$45,595
$40,195
$41,995
$34,920
Engine
2.0L Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded Inline- 4
2.0L i4 Turbo Premium Unleaded
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
Transmission
6-Speed Multi-Mode Auto
10 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
8 Speed automatic
6 Speed automatic
Horsepower
235 hp @ 4800 rpm
272 hp@ 6500rpm
247 hp@ 5500rpm
250 hp@ 5700rpm
248 hp@ 5200rpm
245 hp@ 5500rpm
Torque
258 ft- lb @ 1650
280 ft-lbs@ 1600rpm
269 ft-lbs@ 1200rpm
258 ft-lbs@ 1500rpm
258 ft-lbs@ 1450rpm
275 ft-lbs@ 3000rpm
As far as engine fine-tuning goes, the Hybrid version is more smooth, the latter offers a sufficient punch but the power delivery feels disturbed and unrefined. The 6-speed automatic doesn’t make anything easy. It feels unpolished with its sluggish shifts, something which Lexus should have paid attention to.
Acceleration
Let’s get one thing straight performance is not the brightest thing on the NX 300. The lack of power makes acceleration slothful. The NX 300 speeds up to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. However, it improves on the quarter-mile track. The NX300 hits the quarter mile light in 14.8 seconds.
2020 Lexus NX 300 driving view
Models
Lexus NX 300
Acura RDX suv
Jaguar F-Pace 25t suv
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum suv
BMW X3 sDrive 30i suv
Lincoln MKC suv
0-60 MPH
7.2 seconds*
6.6 sec
4.1 sec
4.9 sec
6.7 sec
7.1 sec
Quarter mile
14.8 seconds*
15.2 sec
N/A
N/A
15.1 sec
15.3 sec
Engine
2.0L Intercooled Turbo Inline-4
2.0L i4 Turbo Premium Unleaded
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
2.0L i4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
Emission
(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
7.1*
9.3
7.3
N/A
6.8
8.4
Ride and Handling
Lexus should have filled in the gap of power with a V6 engine, however, it's not the case. Apart from the power scarcity the NX 300 has a light steering which gives you preciseness but takes away road communication. However, the backlash will only surface at high speed. Taking corners is not the best idea in the NX 300, as the SUV leans a lot but in a way that could be controlled and minimized. The F Sport trim will spice up your ride with adaptive dampers and better overall driving dynamics. At last, being a crossover helps in better maneuvering in the city’s packed roads.
Braking
Lexus was not that ambitious about NX 300’s braking, also it was the only way to keep the cost low. So, Lexus took the smallest brake discs that could work on an SUV, resulting in an 11.7 inches front and 11.2 inches rear brakes were installed in the NX 300. The SUV halts from the speed of 60 mph in 138 feet, it’s possibly the worst performance in the segment and the small rotors are the one to blame.
2020 Lexus NX 300 SUV brake rotor
Model
Lexus NX 300
Acura RDX suv
Jaguar F-Pace 25t suv
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum suv
BMW X3 sDrive 30i suv
Lincoln MKC suv
Brake Front (in.)
11.7
12.4
12.8
13.6
13
13.2
Brake Rear (in.)
11.2
12.2
12.8
12.6
13
12.4
Curb Weight (lbs.)
3940
3783
3870
4109
4034
3823
60-0 MPH (ft.)
138
121
N/A
N/A
127
N/A
Fuel Economy
4.0/10
Lexus worked wonders by its hybrid witchcraft but failed to cast the same spell on the standard NX 300. In the city, you can expect an average mileage for 22 mpg and the mediocrity continuous on the highway through a 28 mpg fuel economy. Hence, you can expect combined ergonomic numbers of 25 mpg. The F Sport package brings in wider types which slash the combined economy my 1 mph. The same logic goes for the All-Wheel-drive option.
Model
Lexus NX 300
Acura RDX suv
Jaguar F-Pace 25t suv
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum suv
BMW X3 sDrive 30i suv
Lincoln MKC suv
MPG (city)
22
22
22
22
23
20
MPG (highway)
28
28
27
29
30
27
MPG (combined)
25
24
24
24
26
23
Range (miles) (city/highway)
376/479
477/586
414/545
396/516
314/424
Tank Capacity (gal)
15.9
17.1
21.7
18.8
17.2
15.7
Interior
6.0/10
“The NX interior provides a wealth of passenger space, but the diminished cargo capacity hurts this crossover's overall utility. The darkest cloud is cast by the frustrating and ill-conceived Remote Touch infotainment controller”- Edmunds
Seating and Comfort
As flamboyant and eccentric the Japanese exterior gets the interior is rather on the simpler side. The best part about the NX is its spaciousness, there is plenty of legroom and headroom, though the small windows make the rear cabin a little claustrophobic. The NX feels a little tall but the door opening is a bit short which can be obstructing for some. As for the quality, the cabin quality is on par though it’s simulated-leather upholstery it does not meddle with the experience. The rest of the interior feels genuine and well rounded.
2020 Lexus NX 300 Seating
Model
Lexus NX 300
Acura RDX suv
Jaguar F-Pace 25t suv
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum suv
BMW X3 sDrive 30i suv
Lincoln MKC suv
Passenger capacity
5
5
5
5
5
5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.2/57.3/42.8
39.6/59.7/41.6
37.8/
38.0/58.2/41.5
41.1/57.6/40.3
39.6/56.0/42.8
Second
(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)
38.1/55.3/36.1
38.3/56.6/38.4
37.5/
38.0/56.3/38.0
39.1/56.0/36.4
38.7/55.3/36.8
Again putting the word about the spacious NX’s cabin, you will have a decent front cabin space of 38.2 inches headroom and 42.8 inches of legroom. The rear cabin is not that bad either the legroom is squeezed to 36.1 inches and the headroom stays the same.
Cargo
The NX’s cargo volume is disappointing, you only get 17.2 cubic feet of cargo volume. Though you can expand this space by using the foldable rear seats to 53.6 inches. However, the standard cargo bay is half of what is getting on RDX Acura which is quite a factoring point. The tailgate is not that wide, courtesy of the sloping roofline.
2020 Lexus NX 300 cargo space
Model
Lexus NX 300
Acura RDX suv
Jaguar F-Pace 25t suv
Volvo XC60 T5 Momentum suv
BMW X3 sDrive 30i suv
Lincoln MKC suv
Cargo Volume (ft.3)
17.2
31.1
33.5
28.7
28.7
25.2
Infotainment
The NX’s cabin is pretty driver-oriented except for the 8-inch infotainment screen which is a bit distracting and complicated. You need to carefully look for all the buttons which create a mess while you are driving. The Screen is governed by Remote Touch interface which is updated last year to simplify its jargons to a certain point, but the remaining problems are stuck like a gum. Also, the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto further discourages the buyer.
2020 Lexus NX 300 Infotainment display
Interior Features-
Audio And Cruise Controls On Steering Wheel
Front Seatback Storage
Leather Steering Wheel
Keyless Ignition
Climate Control
Turn Signal In Mirrors
Adaptive Cruise Control
Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
Front And Rear Cupholders
Front And Rear Door Pockets
Electric Power Steering
Rear View Camera
Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel
Interior Air Filtration
Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
“The 2020 Lexus NX is extroverted outside, comfortable inside, and more familiar by the year”- The Car Connection
Design and Styling
Lexus has always been pretty loud about their designs and the tradition continues with the NX. The revised spindle-shaped grill is daunting as ever plus the new headlights and taillights add more persona to the simple SUV design. Although, all these touches were made in the yesteryear and there is no concrete change that makes this year’s NX special. The F sport trim adds a bigger grill and wheels to create a more imposing stance. Though for some people Lexus feels over styled, for others it’s something to break the monotony from the regular SUV styling.
2020 Lexus NX 300 basic SUV
Dimensions and Weight
The NX 300 makes quite a visual impact, there is fine character-defining lines but that merges with the design to make a flush effect. However, the gigantic grill makes the SUV look big but actually, it’s inches shorter than other crossovers in the segment. The length is rated at 182 inches while the width and height are set at 73 and 64 inches. The ground clearance is pretty low at 7 inches and so is the wheelbase.
You might have to negotiate one or two things in the NX though safety is not compromised. NHTSA rated the NX 300 with a four-star frontal crash test ratings and an all-star rating for the side crash test. IIHS has not yet tested the NX 300 though it’s been carried forward from last year with no changes and last year it successfully pleased all its critiques. IIHS gave the NX with its Top Safety Pick+ award, so the safety scene is quite sorted for this SUV. After all, this testing comes the rich safety feature list.
Rear Door Child Safety Locks
Turn Signal Mirrors
Daytime Running Lights
Engine Immobilizer
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags
Stability Control
Post-Collision Safety System
Child Seat Anchors
Lane Departure Warning Accident Avoidance System
Front And Rear Head Airbags
Emergency Braking Assist
Dusk Sensing Headlamps
LED Headlamp
Ventilated Front Disc / Solid Rear Disc Brakes
Cornering Lights
Competition
6.0/10
Lexus NX 300 vs Acura RDX-
Unlike Lexus Acura has big plans for the RDX, they changed the RDX to be more sporty and comfortable. The all-new RDX not just packs more power but has a bigger cargo bay with a competitive economy. The extra juice of horsepower gives Acura a considerable edge in acceleration plus is a more polished ride compared to the NX 300. As for practicality, Acura offers almost double of what Lexus offers.
With a similar price tag, the Acura RDX might be the better deal amongst the two.
2020 Acura RDX
Lexus NX 300 vs Volvo XC60-
Volvo XC60 is a premium SUV which competes in the big leagues. Tasteful interiors, potent engine, and traces of modern luxury are what you get with the XC60. Factoring this Chinese SUV with the NX 300 might not be a fair fight but its one we need to have. Volvo is a little over 40 grand but it fills the difference with more power and better cargo volume. The NX 300’s interior is fair as well, it looks premium, however, you won’t anything mildly similar to Volvo’s quality.
The XC60 might have an expensive price tag but it’s a worthy leap to take.
2020 Volvo XC60
Final Verdict
Extroverted styling, well-crafted interior and decent driving dynamics is what you receive when getting in bed with this Lexus. Power is not the best but enough to combat tricky roads and cruise around the highway comfortably. But it's not the best in the market, if you like to constantly use the features or navigate through the infotainment then the NX 300 will not make things easy. Also, the low cargo volume is a big mockery for cargo volume for this segment.
Though the LX 300 is a solid deal it's not the most lucrative, the lapse of cargo and technology can be easily improved by going with a different brand.