2021 Lexus NX Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$40,160 to $46,910

Original MSRP

6.2
of 10

expert review

4.0

avg user rating

(4 reviews)

Pros

  • Stylish design

  • Fuel-efficient

  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Sluggish performance

  • Not much cargo space

6.2
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
4/10
Performance
6/10
Safety
9/10
Form & function
6/10
Cost-effectiveness
5/10
2021 Lexus NX Hybrid Test Drive Review summaryImage

The NX Hybrid has no major faults, but it falls short of expectations for a luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Lexus NX compact SUV is showing its age. It’s not an inherently bad vehicle, but with a design that dates back to the 2015 model year, it’s struggling to keep pace with fresher competition—including the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Lincoln Corsair, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60—and can’t justify its positioning as a premium product.

Lexus offers the gasoline-only NX 300 and the NX 300h hybrid, but we’ll focus on the latter for this review. The big news for the 2021 Lexus NX 300h is a new F Sport Black Line special edition, which adds sportier F Sport styling features that normally aren’t available on the hybrid. It also comes with a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage. Other changes include additional standard driver aids and "low-profile" windshield wipers.

We tested the Black Line for this review, but with production limited to 1,000 units, it will likely be sold out by the time you read this. However, it’s mechanically similar to the regular-production NX 300h hybrid trim levels—base and Luxury.

7/10

The NX slots between the Lexus UX and Lexus RX crossovers in size, with the same familial styling. With its sharp edges, streamlined profile, and scowling face, the NX doesn’t look like a traditional SUV, but the styling also hasn’t changed much over the years. So it’s both different and familiar.

Like an ancient Redwood, you can see just how old the current NX is by cutting it open. Under the skin, the NX uses the same basic platform as the previous-generation Toyota RAV4. Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota, so platform sharing between the brands is common. But despite being the pricier luxury model, the NX is now a step behind the RAV4 in engineering.

Our F Sport Black Line test car had the larger mesh grille and fake side intakes from the gasoline NX 300 F Sport model, plus dark-finish 18-inch wheels (17-inch wheels are standard on base models) and new-for-2021 Grecian Water (blue) paint. While styling is subjective, we appreciated Lexus’ choice of a bright blue color, which contrasts the more subdued color palettes of most other automakers. That color also nicely contrasted the dark wheels and other trim elements.

Like the exterior, the interior design seemed radical when the NX debuted, but it’s become familiar due to the lack of changes and use of similar designs on other Lexus models. A stepped center console extends out toward the driver, and you won’t find any of the wood trim of a more traditional luxury car.

Our test car also had an F Sport heated steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and NuLuxe upholstery with blue contrast stitching (NX 300h Luxury models get real leather upholstery), but that was all part of the optional Black Line treatment. Look closely, and you’ll see that most of the switchgear and trim is plastic, where some items might be metal on higher-end Lexus models. While we liked some aspects of the design—including the analog dashboard clock—material quality seemed more on the level of a mainstream brand, not a luxury brand like Lexus.

Stephen Edelstein
Published Jun 25, 2021 by Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering everything on four wheels. Whether it's a new EV or a full-size pickup truck, he's eager to drive it and tell you all about it in a CarGurus Test Drive Review. Besides contributing to CarGurus, Stephen currently has bylines at Digital Trends, Green Car Reports, and Motor Authority.

User reviews for 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

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User rating:
by Maria V
Aug 15, 2023
Control center is really outdated. I have 2020 UX and the control panel is much better looking. I decided to look for 2022 since it was the year they updated the interior Aug 15, 2023
by Colleen Y
Jun 10, 2023
Doesn’t measure up to the Tucson for value and price Jun 10, 2023
by Anonymous
Jul 14, 2022
I’ve wanted this car for a few years. Unfortunately I bought a different car in 2020. I am very happy with a hybrid Jul 14, 2022

2021 Lexus NX Hybrid Pricing

Original MSRP
$40,160 to $46,910
Price range
$30,876 to $33,929
Average price on CG
$30,876
YoY price change
$33,929 to $30,876

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leatherette · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: alloy

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.54 · Locking differential: center

Engine

Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 141 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 105 · Electric Motor Torque: 199 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 154 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 152 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4400

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Amazon Alexa · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation app: Waze · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Interior accents: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: front · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: liftgate · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.54 · Locking differential: center

Engine

Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 141 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 105 · Electric Motor Torque: 199 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 154 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 152 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4400

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready · Infotainment screen size: 10.3 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass · Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leather-trimmed

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation app: Waze · Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: maintenance status · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Passenger seat cushion front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.2 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: alloy · Dash Trim: Leatherette · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Assist handle: rear · Autonomous lane guidance: lane centering · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: on demand · Axle ratio: 3.54 · Locking differential: center

Engine

Electric Motor Battery Type: nickel-metal hydride · Electric Motor HP: 141 · Electric Motor Power Output (Kilowatts): 105 · Electric Motor Torque: 199 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP: 154 · Hybrid Gas Engine HP@RPM: 5700 · Hybrid Gas Engine Torque: 152 · Hybrid gas Engine Torque@RPM: 4400

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: hidden exhaust · Fender lip moldings: black · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: chrome surround · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · Window trim: chrome

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

Hybrid

Starter Type: motor/generator

In Car Entertainment

Connected in-car apps: Google POIs · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 4.2 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Daytime running lights: LED · Exterior entry lights: puddle lamps · Front fog lights: cornering · Headlights: LED · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rails: chrome

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front pedestrian · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: battery disconnect · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning · Pre-collision warning system: pedestrian detection · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: leatherette

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Turns lock-to-lock: 2.7

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation app: Waze · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Enform Remote Connect · Smart device app function: lock operation · Wifi: hotspot

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Laminated glass: acoustic · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: intermittent

See all trims (3)