Used 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and NX 300h luxury compact SUV/crossovers each have a long list of standard features, decent interior space, competitive pricing, an impeccable reputation for reliability and strong resale values. That’s a compelling combination of qualities.

So if the NX doesn’t make a driving enthusiast’s heart beat a little faster, that’s a pretty insignificant downside. Anyway, although the Acura RDX and BMW X3 both have more power, the NX still has more than enough turbocharged punch to make the drive satisfying.

Economy is more successful for the Lexus NX than excitement, especially with the NX 300h hybrid. But it faces competition from newer rivals, such as the Volvo XC60 Recharge and Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e plug-in hybrids.

The focus of the 2021 Lexus NX 300 is more on comfort than excitement. Even the F-Sport, with its firmer suspension and sport bucket seats, doesn’t really convince. That’s not to say the NX handles poorly or lacks credible feedback from the steering and brakes. It’s just a more relaxed conveyance that most luxury buyers will appreciate.

The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is both lively and fuel-efficient, although some uncharacteristic coarseness can be heard when worked hard. Hybrid models weigh more, and so acceleration is a little slower.

The cabin is as hushed as any Lexus sedan, with abundant convenience features as only Lexus can do them. However, thick rear pillars hinder outward vision, so the inclusion of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard equipment this year is a good call on the company’s part.

The inside of the 2021 NX is full of classy materials arranged in designs that bear some vague resemblance to the exterior’s lines. But nothing is too distracting, except perhaps the 8-inch infotainment display right at the top of the center console and the Remote Touch interface that controls it. Although this latter item was recently improved and is less tricky than before.

Places where elbows come into regular contact with the cabin are cushioned, and the hushed ambiance helps to convey the overall air of luxury.

Cargo space behind the rear seats is 17.7 feet. Fold them down for 54.6 cubic feet. The NX 300h reduces those numbers to 16.8/53.7 cubic feet.

Lexus persists with its “spindle grille” approach. When reviews use the word “polarizing” in relation to car designs, they really mean that only the designer’s mother could find something positive to say. But here’s the thing, while some manufacturers are copying Audi, no one is copying Lexus.

There is something positive, though. Lexus designs used to be forgettable, but the 2021 NX at least makes a visual impact. And not just with that grille, but also with intricate LED headlights and sculpted 3-dimensional taillights. The new-for-2021 NX 300h Black Line Special Edition has its own cosmetic additions, including 18-inch alloy wheels.

BUILD QUALITY
Lexus is known for its pursuit of perfection, and the 2021 NX bears testament to this. Build quality both inside and out is faultless, something Lexus owners almost take for granted, but will come as a wonderful bonus for first-time buyers.

MARK LEVINSON AUDIO
The optional Mark Levinson audio system is a must-have for music lovers. Pushing 835 watts through 14 speakers, the system is enhanced by Clari-fi technology that restores audio quality from compressed music files.

This is partially why Lexus vehicles are so popular. The 2021 NX 300 comes with plenty of standard equipment, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry/ignition, satellite radio, and advanced safety features in the Lexus Safety System 2.0+ array.

Regarding the infotainment system, the NX 300 comes standard with Amazon Alexa compatibility, Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration.

The F Sport version brings sport seats up front, paddle shifters mounted to the steering column, sport suspension, and aluminum pedals. The NX 300h hybrid has all-wheel drive as standard, plus Wi-Fi and a power-adjustable steering column.
Every NX cabin has ambient LED lighting, while the low beams and taillights are also LED.

A brand new NX 300 may also be ordered with all-wheel drive, likewise the F Sport variant.

Other extras for both the regular and hybrid NX variants include a powered sunroof, hands-free tailgate operation, 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, power-folding rear seats, parking assistance, and wireless smartphone charging.

A Navigation Package includes the updated 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, 10.3-in infotainment display, and the Lexus Enform system (adding Bing, Yelp, iHeartRadio, and other apps), plus maintenance reminders.

The 2021 NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport both have a 235-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. While not the most muscular in its class, it has a decent power-to-fuel-economy ratio. In standard NX 300 form, drive goes to the front wheels (FWD) through a 6-speed automatic. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

The NX 300h hybrid comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 2.5-liter gasoline engine paired with two electric motors for a combined output of 194 horsepower. Unlike the regular NX, this hybrid has a fuel-saving continuously variable transmission (CVT) that includes a kick-down feature for quick access to accelerative thrust.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
235 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,650-4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/28 mpg (FWD & AWD), 22/27 mpg (F Sport)

2.5-liter inline-4 engine + electric motor
154 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
152 lb-ft of torque @ 4,400 rpm
Front Electric Motor:
141 horsepower
Rear Electric Motor: 67 horsepower
Net output: 194 horsepower
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 33/30 mpg (AWD)