How much does the 2021 Lexus NX cost?

Prices have softened 3.62% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 847 listings available, which gives you a decent amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $27,459.55, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Lexus NX a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Lexus NX earns a 4.8/5 user rating and a 7/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 8/10.

Owners consistently praise its stylish design, comfortable interior, and safety features. The review summary also points to a quiet cabin, while the overview reinforces the NX’s high-quality interior and refined feel.

The trade-offs are real: the interior materials can feel cheap, the handling is poor, and the back seat is cramped. Even so, if you want a luxury compact SUV that prioritizes comfort, style, and an easygoing driving experience, the NX fits that use case well.

Good and great deals account for 34.2% of listings, so you still have room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Lexus NX reliable?

Owners rate it 4.8/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with praise centered on the NX’s long-term appeal and overall confidence in the vehicle. On the road, the NX is described as capable and relatively quiet, which supports the impression of a car you can count on day to day.

Lexus also includes a 10-year subscription to maintenance alerts through its connected services, which adds a helpful ownership perk. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is less about outright durability and more about whether the vehicle has been maintained well enough to preserve its premium feel.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Lexus NX?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper history review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with optional equipment. Focus on cabin condition, infotainment usability, and signs of wear that could affect the NX’s premium feel.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base NX 300 includes standard 17-inch wheels and power-folding outside mirrors, while the F Sport adds a sportier grille, triple-beam LED headlights, unique bumpers, and 18-inch wheels. The base setup is more restrained, and the F Sport’s appearance package is the clearest step up.
• Powertrain: The NX 300 and 300 F Sport use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is available on every trim level.
• Safety package: Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 is standard and includes a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard too, while park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights are optional.
• Infotainment: An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, and a 10.3-inch screen is available with the Navigation package. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the Navigation package also adds predictive traffic information, HomeLink, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist.
• Fuel efficiency: The FWD model is rated at 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. AWD drops combined fuel economy to 24 mpg, and the F Sport AWD matches that figure.

Which 2021 Lexus NX trim should I buy?

The 2021 Lexus NX is offered in 3 trim levels: NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and NX 300 Luxury.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The NX 300 gives you the core luxury-SUV experience, but it starts with the smaller 8-inch screen and a more restrained appearance. If you want the NX’s style and comfort without paying for extras, this is the value play.
• Sweet-spot trim: The NX 300 F Sport is the most compelling choice if you want the sportier look and the extra visual drama of the unique grille, wheels, and interior touches. It adds personality without changing the NX’s basic mission.
• Premium/top trim: The NX 300 Luxury is the trim to choose if you want the most upscale presentation and are willing to pay more for it. It makes the NX feel more premium, but the infotainment system still trails newer rivals.

Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 is standard across the lineup, so you do not need to move up a trim just to get the core driver-assistance suite.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Lexus NX?

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting deep distress pricing.

• Deal availability: 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 847 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.62% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 75.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $27,459.55, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Lexus NX's resale value?

The current average of $28,657 sits slightly below last year's $29,732.

That price movement suggests the NX has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right number. A softer current market can also make it easier for you to find a well-kept example without paying peak pricing.

If demand stays steady, the NX’s premium badge, comfort-focused appeal, and broad shopper interest should help support resale value. A clean history and strong condition will matter a lot if you want to protect your exit price later.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.8/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Lexus NX safe?

The NX earns top "Good" scores in all IIHS crash tests and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 is standard, and it brings a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard too, while park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights are optional.

Lexus Enform Safety Connect is also included, adding emergency assistance, roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen-vehicle notification. The main caveat is that some helpful safety upgrades still require options, so you should confirm equipment on any used example you’re considering.

Should I buy a 2021 Lexus NX or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 75.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 3.62% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.8/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It keeps the familiar Lexus formula of style, comfort, and a quiet cabin.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $35,732, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $28,657 average.
• It brings a redesigned look, more advanced technology, and a more modern cabin.

The bottom line: If you want the lower price and are comfortable with older infotainment and a less modern feel, the 2021 is the smarter buy. If you’d rather pay more for a redesigned SUV with newer tech and a fresher presentation, the 2022 is the better long-term target.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.