LIKES
- Attention-grabbing looks
- Comfortable seats
- Classy interior design
- Thrifty hybrid
DISLIKES
- Frustrating controls
- Cramped back seat
- Surprising road noise
- Mediocre gas mileage (NX 300)
BUYING TIP
The dramatic lines on the Lexus NX keep it a compelling rival to pint-size luxury SUVs from BMW and Mercedes, but it could be more spacious.
The 2020 Lexus NX is a stylish five-seat crossover SUV that slots in size-wise between most of its rivals.
With its docile personality and quality—if cramped—interior, the 2020 NX rates 6.0 out of 10 on our scale.
The 2020 NX can be had in base, F Sport, and Luxury trim levels, with most versions available with either turbo-4 or thrifty hybrid power. The 235-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-4 is energetic but short on refinement, so we tend to prefer the less-powerful, but eco-friendly NX 300h that averages upward of 30 mpg combined.
The NX’s stylish lines may not be for everyone, especially in polarizing F Sport trim that adds an even larger grille and upsized wheels. The F Sport also has a buttoned-down suspension that gives it better handling, though no version of this Lexus crossover SUV is ready for a race track.
Instead, it makes a great runabout for those who don’t need lots of rear-seat space. The front seats are well-sculpted on all versions and offer good support, if limited head room especially with the optional moonroof. Cargo space is just average, owing to the short wheelbase, though the 55 cubic feet with the rear seat folded is an advantage over similar sedans.
Perhaps the 2020 NX’s biggest fault is its frustrating infotainment system, which in either standard 8.0-inch or optional 10.3-inch guise is saddled with a finicky controller and complicated software. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility helps.
Styling
The 2020 Lexus NX wears its rakish lines better than many of the automaker’s other vehicles.
It’s hard to believe the 2020 Lexus NX is based on a design that bowed half a decade ago. Its looks have aged better than we would have predicted back then, and we award it 7 out of 10 for its interior and exterior styling.
The NX discards curves for busy, brash lines from every viewing angle—and they are all angles, as there is no effort here to be swoopy. The NX wears a smaller version of the automaker’s now-signature “spindle” grille that works well, better so than in many of Lexus’ other models. The 2020 NX F Sport reverses that with an upsized grille, bigger wheels, and a body kit that’s just the right side of tacky. We think it works, especially in red or blue. We’re not sure we’ve ever seen the Cadmium Orange option, but it’s worth seeking out if you’re an attention-seeker.
A new Black Line trim package this year adds predictable blacked-out chrome trim, plus intriguing bronze finishes. Like the rest of the NX, it’s a statement—and one we’d consider.
Performance
Even in F Sport guise, the 2020 Lexus NX is no thrill machine.
Two versions of the 2020 Lexus NX provide modest driving excitement. Even with the sporty styling, we think the sedate hybrid might be the best bet here. Overall, the lineup rates 5 out of 10 on our scale.
The base NX 300, which used to be called NX 200t, makes use of a 2.0-liter turbo-4 rated at 235 hp. It shuttles power to the front or all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The optional all-wheel-drive system is meant for snowy days, not foraging in the woods.
The turbo-4 provides brisk acceleration, but it isn’t as refined as we’ve come to expect from engines tucked behind the Lexus grille. The turbocharger dulls power at low speeds and then comes on with unpredictable thrust once spooled up.
The NX F Sport package adds sporty looks and bigger wheels, but no major functional changes aside from a slightly stiffer suspension and a Sport+ mode that pipes some augmented underhood rumble into the cabin and holds gears longer. F Sport or not, the NX has good, light steering and limited body lean for a small crossover SUV. The optional adaptive suspension on the F Sport improves its ride and may be worth the extra cost to many drivers.
The NX is rated to tow up to 2,000 pounds with proper trailering equipment.
Comfort & Quality
The 2020 Lexus NX lives up to the automaker’s luxury mission for front-seat passengers, but rear-seat riders may not be thrilled.
For the most part, the 2020 Lexus NX delivers the premium, upscale feel we’ve come to expect from the automaker’s cars—at least for drivers, passengers, and cargo. Rear-seat riders won’t be thrilled, which is how we end up at a 6 out of 10 for comfort and quality.
The short wheelbase means that while front-seat passengers in the 2020 NX have comfortable, multi-adjustable thrones wrapped in either synthetic or real leather, rear-seat riders make do with less space. The NX has 36.1 inches of leg room, but the sloping roof line does little to help rear-seat head room, though taller riders won’t be thrilled up front, either.
NX F Sport versions have even better front seats with more bolstering and adjustment than the stock setup.
The NX starts at around $38,000 and mostly feels worth the money inside with good attention to detail, soft materials, and attractive finishes. The optional leather upholstery is particularly nice.
Safety
The 2020 Lexus NX boasts a good crash-test record and lots of collision-avoidance tech.
The 2020 Lexus NX will do its best to keep you out of a collision. Should one happen, federal and independent testers have given the small Lexus crossover SUV good marks.
Overall, we rate it at 8 out of 10 for safety.
Every 2020 NX is built with adaptive cruise control, active lane control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
However, the sloping roof and wide pillars make for subpar over-the-shoulder outward vision, only slightly offset by the optional surround-view camera system.
Features
A frustrating user interface may be enough to send some shoppers to other showrooms, but the 2020 Lexus NX otherwise impresses for its features.
Every 2020 Lexus NX is equipped with a good deal of useful features, plus one that aggravates us to no end. Overall, we rate the 2020 NX at 6 out of 10 for its features.
The 2020 NX comes in two basic flavors—NX 300 and NX 300h—that are largely equipped the same, although only the base version can be had with front-wheel drive.
The lineup starts at about $38,000, which buys active safety tech, power-adjustable front seats wrapped in synthetic leather, an 8.0-inch display, power-folding exterior mirrors, and keyless ignition.
The NX hybrid costs about $900 more than the base engine.
The standard 8.0-inch screen is bright, and the optional 10.3-inch display is even better, but they’re both stuck with a controller that’s annoying at best. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard.
Lexus service is top shelf for customer handling, but its 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is now just average among luxury cars.
Fuel Economy
The 2020 Lexus NX is a thirsty crossover SUV in standard form, or a thrifty one as a hybrid.
The 2020 Lexus NX 300 is the Mr. Hyde to the NX 300h’s Dr. Jeckyll, at least when it comes to fuel consumption. One won’t pass up a chance for a refill, while the other can go the extra mile—or more.
Overall, we rate the lineup at 4 out of 10. The hybrid would rate higher if rated separately.
The base front-drive NX 300 is pegged at 22 mpg city, 28 highway, 25 combined. Adding all-wheel drive nicks the combined figure by 1 mpg to 24 mpg, while the F Sport’s bigger wheels impact the highway figure by another 1 mpg.
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