2021 Lexus NX 300

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 is available in two different trim levels: the base NX 300 and the NX 300 Luxury. A hybrid version is also made for the US market but is reviewed separately. The base trim costs $37,610 for the FWD and $39,010 for the AWD. The base model itself is plentifully equipped with lots of convenient features. It gets an 8” touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi hotspot paired with an 8-speaker audio system. The top-of-the-line NX 300 Luxury gets a heated steering wheel, perforated leather-trimmed interior, power rear door, and much more.

Which trim should you buy?

Both the trims are plentifully equipped and fit the price tag of buyers in the segment. The Luxury trim is pricier but adds Leather upholstery, Heated and ventilated front seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Moonroof, an 8-inch infotainment system, and an available 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system. Hence, the Luxury trim would be a viable choice for those who expect superior and premium quality inside out.

The buyers in the Crossover SUV segment keep a check on which options give the best economy ratings. As per EPA estimates, the 2020 NX 300 returns 22 MPG in the city, 28 MPG on highways, and a combined 25 MPG. These figures would be unchanged for the 2021 model year as the underpinnings and powertrain didn’t get any changes. The 2021 NX 300 gets a 15.9-gallon fuel tank, which is pretty subpar in the segment. The vehicle offers a decent driving range of 350 miles in cities and 445 miles on highways. With an affordable price tag, the 2021 Lexus NX 300 is to give you a good balance between performance, comfort, and mileage.

The BMW X3 leads the competition in terms of fuel economy with 29 MPG on highways and 27 MPG combined. Lexus and Volvo closely compete with each other in terms of fuel economy, but in terms of the driving range, the Volvo XC60 takes home a clear win, thanks to its large 18.8-gallon fuel tank. It is the only car in the competition to put over 500 miles of driving range on the highways.

Lexus has been one of the well-known carmakers for its luxurious and plush interiors, making it a perfect space to sit and travel. The NX 300 is nothing less than a comfortable and luxurious daily driver. The 2021 Lexus NX 300 gets a well-built and sophisticated cabin with premium quality materials and leather upholstery. The cabin is busy and somewhat confusing at first, but once you are used to it, things will go smoothly. The cabin is spacious enough to accommodate five passengers comfortably with sufficient legroom. 

The front seats are power-adjustable, while the rear ones feature power-recline, all covered in leather. Higher trims offer multi-level heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, power-folding rear seats, and so on. The buyer shall choose from any of the available interior trims. Though everything seems to be on the positive side, the sub-par cargo space snatches the victory away from it. It gets 17.2 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is the least in the segment.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 is plentifully spacious and offers a good amount of room for 5 passengers. Coming to the rear row, Acura does offer the best-in-class space, followed by the Volvo XC60. However, the Acura RDX offers a top-notch cargo space of 29.5 cubic feet, followed by 28.7 cubic feet on the BMW X3. The 2021 Lexus NX 300 gets the least cargo space at 17.7 cu ft. Some of the standout interior features are:

• Leather upholstery
• 10-way power-adjustable front seats
• Power-recline rear seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Multi-level heated and ventilated seats
• Heated steering wheel

What’s there to keep you entertained?

The 2021 Lexus NX 300’s infotainment system gets an 8-inch touchscreen with a somewhat intuitive interface. The system is paired with an 8-speaker audio system. Smartphone connectivity features include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspot, and USB connectivity. Standard features such as smartphone navigation and HD Radio are included from the base.

The system comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Additional features that come as options include a 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a 10.3” infotainment screen, and built-in navigation. The overall infotainment system feels good, but the controls and knobs make it unintuitive. Things shall be confusing for the driver at times, especially while driving in busy traffic. Standout infotainment features include:

• 8-inch touchscreen
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Smartphone navigation
• 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 is a standout piece of work from the manufacturer. The stylish exterior of the NX 300 looks unique and crowd-pulling. With the top-notch road presence, Lexus attracts buyers who wish to have a unique fascia. The uniquely designed massive spindle front grille and triple LED headlamps and taillamps give it a different face than any other crossover SUV in the segment.

The integrated roof rails and muscular lines make it more aggressive. Not many upgrades are seen in the styling or design for the 2021 model year, but new color options might be added to the lineup. The 18-inch wheels and 6.9-inches of ground clearance give a high-head to the vehicle. However, it is the smallest vehicle in terms of dimensions in the segment, measuring a length and width of 182.7 inches and 73.6 inches, respectively.

Among the competition, the Acura RDX is the longest, while the Volvo XC60 is the widest. Moreover, Volvo and BMW come with the longest wheelbase of 112.8 inches. However, the Lexus NX 300 is heavier than Acura and Bimmer and has a sturdy design. The NX 300 is small and sleek, which would help to potter through traffic in style. Some of the Standout exterior features are as follows:

• Spindle front grille
• Triple LED headlamps and taillamps
• Integrated roof rails
• 18-inch wheels
• Power liftgate

Lexus never stops to amaze us when it comes to safety. NHTSA awarded 5-star overall ratings for the 2021 Lexus NX 300, while the IIHS rated it “Good” in all crash-test parameters. It also received the “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS. Moreover, the vehicle offers standard safety and driver assistance features such as Stability Control, Lane Departure Warning System, Hill Start Assist Control, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear-view Camera with dynamic guidelines, and so on. It also comes with a post-collision safety system along with the Lexus Enform Safety Control. Standout safety features include:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Automatic emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Front and rear parking sensors
• The surround-view parking camera system
• Adaptive headlights
• Lexus Enform Safety Connect
• Post-Collision Safety System

2021 Lexus NX 300 vs 2021 Acura RDX

Acura RDX is one of the toughest competitors for the Lexus NX 300. Being identically priced, they both serve their purposes very well. The Acura RDX is more powerful in comparison and quicker than the Lexus. Looks, styling, interior layout, and MPG figures do seem similar. However, Acura drives quietly and smoothly with decent handling, and it is a very competitive car in this segment.

2021 Lexus NX 300 vs 2021 Volvo XC60

Being the heaviest in the segment and equally powerful as the rivals, the Volvo XC60 excels. The interior layout and amenities are as good as Lexus has on offer. Volvo, apart from being powerful, also offers good MPG figures and a large fuel tank, which makes it a viable choice. However, it isn’t as fun-to-drive as the Lexus NX 300.

2021 Lexus NX 300 vs 2021 BMW X3

Like any other bimmer, the X3 also offers an impressive power figure and rigid performance. The 2021 BMW X3 offers the best-in-class fuel efficiency and has better dimensions, including wheelbase and ground clearance. BMW is the clear winner here because it has the most to offer. After all, Bimmer is more expensive than the NX 300, and when it comes to buying, there is no doubt that BMW is on the top of the table.

Though not the best in the competition, the 2021 Lexus NX 300 is a viable and affordable choice with pleasing amenities within. The interior and exterior are well-built which makes it aesthetically pleasing and functionally useful. The reliability of the brand and the long list of standard safety features that come as a part of the Lexus Safety System 2.0+ make it an excellent choice for those who have a lower budget. The base trim itself is well-equipped, and it gets only better as you opt for the Luxury trim level.