The Lexus NX was introduced in 2014 as the first compact crossover SUV from Toyota’s luxury division. ‘What took them so long?’ you might wonder, since Lexus introduced its first luxury SUV—the RX—in 1998. Regardless, the Lexus NX certainly looked the part when it finally arrived. With its angular styling and a dramatic interpretation of the brand’s recently introduced “spindle” grille, it was immediately the most striking-looking car in the class.
Underneath, it shared some of its basic structure with the Toyota RAV4 of the time, but it was mostly an entirely Lexus production. While not as edgy-looking on the inside, the NX followed Lexus’ modern luxury playbook, with an interior fit to bear scrutiny next to its key rivals—the Audi Q5 and the BMW X3. Futuristic exterior apart, what distinguished the NX from the competition was the choice of powertrains and, in this respect, the NX was ahead of its time. Where many rivals offered four- and six-cylinder engines, the NX was introduced with a choice of a four-cylinder gas engine or a gas/electric hybrid. The choice of two-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (AWD) was more in keeping with the norm, as was the fact that every version had an automatic transmission.
With its forward-looking design and powertrains, perhaps it’s not surprising that the basics of the NX have changed little over time. The second-generation NX, introduced in 2021, looks uncannily like a facelifted version of the first, even though it’s actually an entirely new car. The range was expanded to include a wider choice of gas engines, however, while a powerful plug-in hybrid version was added. There’s no pure-electric NX, and the slightly larger RZ was the only Lexus electric vehicle sold in the US at the time of writing.
Standard equipment isn’t especially generous, with many features part of a range of option packs. In line with the model lineups of its key competitors, the NX offers a trim level for those that want a more sporty look and feel. Known as F Sport, it includes a range of cosmetic changes and tuned suspension for a more responsive drive.
While the basic premise—and look—of the NX has stayed much the same since it was introduced, Lexus has added more high-tech features and safety kit over the years. As of late 2024, even the base model comes with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes features such as adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist, and a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert.
Our buying guide has the lowdown on which models are available, which are the best and the worst versions for reliability, and how much you should pay.
Lexus NX Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Lexus NX Pros and Cons
- Lexus NX Generations
- Second generation (2021-present)
- First generation (2014-2021)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Lexus NX years are the best?
The Lexus RX has an outstanding reputation for reliability and, as such, there aren’t really any “best” years. The second-generation, post-2021 model is better-equipped than the first, though, and offers a wider choice of powertrains.
What are the worst Lexus NX years?
All Lexus NX models have a very good reliability record. The worst for issues on carcomplaints.com is the 2015 NX 200t, but there are only a handful of complaints, most of which are for minor issues, such as glitchy infotainment systems.
Is a used Lexus NX a good deal?
The Lexus NX—like most Lexus models—doesn’t have the wider appeal or dynamic finesse of many of its core rivals, but it’s a high-quality product with a luxury feel and is likely to be extremely dependable.
Lexus NX Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional reliability record
- Fuel-efficient hybrid models
- Distinctive exterior design
Cons:
- Not as good to drive as some rivals
- Many desirable features are part of option packs
- Non-hybrid models aren’t great for fuel economy
Lexus NX Generations
Second generation (2021-present)
The second-generation Lexus NX, introduced in 2021, follows the old “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” maxim. It looks so similar to the first-generation car on the outside that you could be forgiven for thinking it's simply an updated version, but just about everything is new. It’s also a fraction larger, with just over an inch added in overall length, the same increase in the wheelbase, and smaller increases in width and height. The styling evolves the themes of the first car, with the only real divergence the introduction of a full-width tail-light bar at the rear. There’s a greater shift inside, with a more minimalist look and a dashboard dominated by a large touchscreen display—initially a 9.8-inch example in base models and a 14-inch setup in higher-spec versions.
An extended range of powertrains tops and tails the lineup compared with the first NX. The new entry-level NX 250 has a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower, and is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Next up is the Lexus NX 350, which has a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo engine with 275 horsepower and AWD as standard. Both have a six–speed automatic transmission. There are two hybrid options: the NX 350h is a conventional hybrid that combines a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor on each axle for a total system output of 239 horsepower and AWD as standard. The NX 450h+ is Lexus’ first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and it has the same basic specs as the NX 350h but adds a larger, rechargeable battery for a total system output of 302 horsepower and a pure-electric range of up to 36 miles when fully charged. EPA combined mpg is estimated at 36 mpg for both hybrid models, 24 mpg for the NX 250, and 22 mpg for the NX 350.
Even the earliest, base-spec NX 250 model comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, but many of the features you might expect as standard are part of option packs. A power moonroof is part of the Premium Package, for example, while the Luxury Package includes a head-up display and perforated leather upholstery. Individual options include a Mark Levinson premium audio system, Lexus Digital Key (which allows you to open the car remotely using your phone), a wireless charger, and power-folding rear seats. F Sport models have a range of sporty upgrades, including Adaptive Variable Suspension, several cosmetic upgrades, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
While it’s not the most rewarding drive in the sector, or the most practical, few cars can touch the RX for reliability, because Lexus’ reputation for it is nothing short of exceptional. In the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study Lexus was named top brand overall (for the second year running) and the NX achieved first place in the compact premium SUV sector.
As of late 2024, pricing for the Lexus NX as a new car ranged from a shade under $42,000 to just over $63,500. Thanks partly to its excellent reliability record, the NX holds its value very well and, if you’re looking at a used example, you can expect to pay at least $33,000 unless the car has covered mega-miles.
First generation (2014-2021)
If Lexus’ first compact model, the CT hatchback, was something of a misstep, it was on more familiar ground when it introduced its first compact SUV, the NX, in 2014. It already had a successful formula with the RX midsize SUV which, by then, had been on sale for more than a decade. It’s simplifying things to say that the NX is simply a downsized version of the RX, but the two cars share similar attributes and tech, although the NX has a more edgy look, and is aimed at a slightly younger, less luxury-oriented market.
In contrast to the feeble Prius powertrain that the CT made do with, the lineup for the NX was a decent fit for its intended audience. The single gas engine available from launch was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine initially badged NX 200t. With 235 horsepower and 258 lb ft of torque it doesn’t give the stirring acceleration of high-powered versions of some rival cars, but it’s quick enough, with a 0-60mph time of 7.2 seconds in default front-wheel drive (FWD) form. Go for optional all-wheel drive and that time drops to 7.0 seconds. With either drivetrain, a conventional six-speed automatic transmission is standard. The hybrid option—labeled NX 300h—combines a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to drive the front wheels, in standard front-wheel drive form. Optional all-wheel drive adds an extra electric motor for the rear axle but no extra power. Total system output is 194 horsepower (Lexus doesn’t quote a combined torque output) and the 0-60mph time is 9.1 seconds. In either case, a CVT automatic transmission is standard.
Despite costing more to buy, the NX 300h is quite a bit slower than the NX 200t. You do get to a limited amount of electric-only range at low speed, though, which seriously improves fuel economy—the EPA combined figure for the NX 300h is 33 mpg for front-wheel drive versions and 32 mpg for AWD models, compared with equivalent figures of 25 mpg and 24 mpg for the NX 200t.
While it feels reasonably luxurious, the amount of features you get with NX models depends on how the car was specified when new. Base 200t versions come with dual-zone climate control, power steering column adjustment, power front seat adjustment, and a rear-view camera, while a range of individual options and packages could be added when new. As standard, the NX 300h had a Comfort Package that includes a memory function for the driver’s seat, side mirrors, and steering column. A Premium Package added heated front seats, a power moonroof and more, while a Luxury package added extras such as a heated steering wheel and full leather interior trim. There was also a Navigation Package that included a navigation system and upgraded infotainment setup. F Sport is a standalone trim that’s analogous to the Audi S line and BMW M Sport trim levels, with firmer suspension and a range of sporty cosmetic tweaks inside and out.
All-wheel drive became standard for the NX 300h from the 2017 model year, while a facelift for the 2018 model year included restyled bumpers and headlamp inserts, equipment upgrades, a larger infotainment display and the option of a head-up display for the first time. Safety features were significantly upgraded, with the addition of Lexus Safety System+ as standard—a package that included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist systems, radar cruise control, and intelligent high-beam headlamps. At the same time, the NX 200t was renamed NX 300 to reflect Lexus’ latest naming strategy.
The NX has done its bit to cement Lexus’ reputation for making cars that are extremely reliable. As of late 2024, in three of the past four annual J.D. Power US Vehicle Dependability Study reports, Lexus had been named top brand overall, while the NX has scored first place in the compact premium SUV sector. Less than twenty issues with this generation of NX were flagged on carcomnplaints.com and most relate to minor problems—an exceptionally low number given how many NX models have been sold.
Prices for used Lexus NX models vary significantly depending on spec, but you can expect to pay at least $16,000 for one that’s covered less than 100,000 miles. Later, high-spec models can cost $37,000 or more.
