2021 Lexus NX 300h Hybrid

The 2021 Lexus NX 300h is offered in 3 trims; the base NX 300h, NX 300h Luxury, and the aggressive and sportier, NX 300h F-Sport. Owing to its sporty credentials and unique exterior trim, the latter is considered a standalone trim. The SUV is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 Hybrid engine mated to CVT.

The 2021 Model Year brings some new additions in techs which include standard comes with newer safety features like Blindspot Monitoring System and Rear Cross-traffic Alert, power-folding mirrors, remote garage door opener, optional audio system, new colors, and new trim. The front and rear fascias look sleek and class-leading despite being old while the cabin inside is spacious with a good mix of comfort, tech, and premium features. 

Additional Packages and options:

• Accessory Package - $258
• Accessory Package 2 - $383
• Navigation System - $1,985
• Navigation System w/Mark Levinson - $3,045
• Premium Package - $2,630
• Power Tilt & Slide Moonroof/Sunroof - $1,100
• Triple-Beam LED Headlamps w/AFS - $1,515
• Wheels: 19" Split-Six-Spoke Forged Alloy - $3,900
• Heated & Ventilated Front Seats - $640

Which Trim should you buy?

We recommend you buy the base model because it comes with enough features to help you along with your daily commuting needs. The upper two trims come with mere cosmetic additions which don’t make a huge difference. So, the base trim is a better choice among all the trims. 

Also, we recommend you fit the SUV with a Navigation system with Mark Levinson package and premium package which brings essential features like Dynamic navigation, premium audio system by Mark Levinson, climate-controlled front seats with driver memory, high-clearance lamp, DRLs, and many others.

Hybrid engines are widely popular for fuel-efficiency nowadays because of their fuel efficiency and low fuel costs. Compared to the turbocharged engine in the regular NX 300, the NX 300h is thrust by a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid engine system. The powertrain consists of the engine paired with 3 electric motors that power the SUV. A couple of electric motors power the front wheels while the rear wheels are powered by a single motor. The set of 3 motors provide it with an AWD system. The combination of the 2.5-liter inline-4 engine and 3 electric motors offers 194 hp of power and 152 lb-ft of torque. 

With humble power output and efficiency being its core USP, the NX 300h is no sprinter. Although power comes in smooth and linear down the lower rpm range and the powertrain switches seamlessly between gasoline and electric motors. Try pushing it harder on an empty track and the 2021 Lexus NX 300h clocks from 0-60 MPH in 8.3 seconds. The lower power results in slower acceleration and performance. The only disappointment is that the CVT gearbox feels unrefined and bit-lacking. Else, the powertrain is respectable and the lower power in return offers greater MPG numbers.

Among the pack here, the Toyota Venza is the most expensive in the class and comes with the most powerful engine. The engine generates good power and respectable torque and its 0-60 acceleration and quarter-mile timings are praiseworthy as well. All these attributes make the Toyota Venza, the best performer among all. Hyundai’s Santa Fe and the Ford Escape despite being better in power output than the Lexus trail in performance and are on the affordable side.

How well does the 2021 Lexus NX 300h handle?

Once you take a look at the sleek body structure of the NX 300h, it’s easy to expect good handling and a pleasant experience. Customary to what you expect, the SUV in reality stays up to your expectations. However, the steering column being power-assisted feels disconnected and lacks feedback. Inside the city, the steering helps with good maneuverability and a little feedback. However, on the highways, the steering feels numb and there’s no feedback whatsoever.

Talking of the drivetrain, the front axle comes with a couple of motors that power the front wheels and the rear gets its power from one motor. The 3 motor AWD system works great and offers excellent traction on rough surfaces. The powertrain comes programmed with Drive Mode Select that allows easy scrolling according to the situation you’re driving. An additional EV Drive Mode is available in the hybrid trim. The EV Drive Mode reduces the engine power and limits the speed. The chassis comes mated with F Sport-tuned suspension in the F Sport trim that offers excellent stability while taking curves and turns but at the cost of cabin comfort.

2021 Lexus NX 300h Hybrid Braking Performance

For convenient yet responsive braking, Lexus pairs the NX 300h with disc brakes on all the wheels. The front wheels come with 11.7” discs and the rear comes with 11.2” discs. The brakes are further programmed with ABS, EBD, Hill holds control, Automatic braking and Emergency brake assist. The brakes feel responsive and bring the SUV to stop very smoothly. The braking system helps the SUV to stop from 60 mph within 128 feet and the brake pedal is firm and communicative as well. 

The Lexus NX 300h is the heaviest SUV in the class but it does exceptionally well when we talk about braking performance. It comes with the smallest brake rotors and the curb weight the NX 300h does best in braking. The Toyota Venza is the lightest SUV here but trails in braking because of the higher braking distance.

The 2.5-liter inline-4 engine powers the 3 motors which rotate the wheels. Hybrid engine systems are gaining steady popularity because of better efficiency. The NX 300h being powered by a hybrid engine setup offers excellent mileage and manages to offer 33, 30, and 31 miles in the city, highway, and combined respectively. Being equipped with a 14.8-gallon fuel tank, the range offered by the SUV is 488 and 444 miles in the city and on highways.

In the competition here, the Ford Escape offers the best fuel efficiency in the class. However, it comes with the smallest tank which makes it trail behind the others in fuel range. The Toyota Venza on the other hand is the best performer in power and performance. However, it impresses us more with excellent fuel efficiency despite the higher performance numbers. The Santa Fe comes with the largest fuel tank but is similar to the Lexus in MPG numbers.

Being seated in the cabin of the NX 300h is an amazing experience altogether. Lexus is widely known for building cars with rich and premium cabins and the NX 300h is no different. The materials used inside are of the best quality in class and the build quality is top-notch. The cabin is designed well and the controls are placed ergonomically. The cabin can accommodate 5 people and the space provided is satisfactory. The seats are covered with NuLuxe leatherette and the front comes with 8-way power-adjustable and heated sport bucket seats. The front seats offer a panoramic view of the road which enhances visibility for the driver. The seats are padded well and comfortable. The rear seats are restful, wide, and can be folded for additional storage space.

Once you’re seated in the posh cabin, expect top-notch features like a Remote touchpad, dual-zone automatic climate control with cabin air filter, power tilt-telescopic steering column, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, G-meter and turbo-boost display, race-themed paddle shifters, and plenty others that will enhance your experience inside the NX 300h. The rear comes with a 16.8 ft3 cargo trunk that can accommodate your luggage and bags. For the further need of space, the rear seats can be folded for additional space. Lexus offers many optional features and packages that bring important features and they can be used for increasing the functionality of the cabin. Important options like a Panoramic view monitor, climate-controlled front seats, power-folding rear seats, and power moonroof can further enhance your experience in the cabin.

All the SUVs in the pack here come with a seating capacity for 5 people. Among all though the Ford Escape offers the best passenger space both at the front and back which is followed by the Toyota Venza. The Lexus and Santa Fe are on the lesser side when it comes to passenger space. For cargo accommodation, Santa Fe offers the biggest cargo trunk that is 2 times the cargo space provided by the Lexus. Standout interior features in the 2021 Lexus NX 300h Hybrid are:

• 8-way power-adjustable front sport bucket seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic AC w/ cabin air filter
• Linear Black Shadow wood interior trim

What’s there to keep you entertained?

For multimedia and infotainment needs the 2021 Lexus 300h comes with a sleek cabin along with a pragmatic infotainment system that works well and comes loaded with a user-friendly UI. An 8” touch color display is placed like a docked tablet on the dashboard twinned with an 8-speaker premium audio system. For smartphone connectivity, modern apps like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are installed in the system. 

Moreover, for voice recognition, class-leading apps like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Voice Command, and Bluetooth services come standard. For further enhancements, optional features like a bigger 10.3” FHD touch display, Lexus Enform dynamic navigation, dynamic voice control, 10-speaker premium audio system, or 14-speaker premium audio by Mark Levinson can be included. Standout Infotainment features in the 2021 Lexus NX 300h Hybrid are:

• 8” HD touch display
• 8-speaker premium audio
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
• Wi-Fi hotspot
• 17-speaker premium audio by Mark Levinson (Optional)
• 10.3” FHD touch display (Optional)
• Dynamic navigation w/ voice control (Optional)

The 2021 Lexus NX 300h is one of the most handsome-looking hybrid SUVs and is one of the reasons behind its high popularity. The NX 300h fascia features Lexus’s signature look that comprises a spindle-shaped front grille that sits between the signature sharp headlights. The body structure looks sleek and the sharp body lines make it look buffed up. The fascia looks well designed and can easily allure you. The looks are tempting and you can easily spot one if you see it on the road.

The front end comes with the signature spindle-shaped grille with sharp LED triple beam headlights which are further complemented by an L-shaped DRLs. At the rear, the LED brake lights look sharp and make it look classier. The F-Sport trim brings additional exterior features that level up the SUV’s appeal. The F-Sport front fascia with mesh grille looks well comes with and makes the SUV sportier. All decked-up, the NX 300h is a head-turner and widely appreciated for its distinct appeal.

The Lexus 300h is the heaviest SUV in the class but significantly smaller than the others. Being based on a smaller wheelbase, the handling is responsive and nimble. The ground clearance is lower than the others. The lower ground clearance makes it the best for cruising because of the stability. Hyundai’s Santa on the other side is the biggest SUV and comes after the Lexus in curb weight. The longer body helps it pack a bigger cargo trunk and the large wheelbase merits excellent cabin comfort. It enjoys the highest ground clearance that makes it the most seasoned player on rough surfaces. Standout exterior features in the 2021 Lexus NX 300h Hybrid are:

• 18” split-five-spoke alloy wheels in Gloss Black and machined finish w/ 225/60R18 all-season tires
• Enhanced LED DRLs w/ integrated turn indicators
• LED brake lights
• Premium Triple-Beam LED headlamps 
• Power tilt-and-slide moonroof

Lexus is one of the well-known and admired companies when the question arises about safety. If the brand reputation isn’t convincing enough, the safety ratings will surely impress you. The NHTSA and IIHS have both tested the NX 300h and presented the SUV with impressive safety ratings. The NHTSA gave it 5 stars while the IIHS rated it overall “GOOD” and awarded it the ‘TOP SAFETY PICK+’.

The NX 300h is based on Toyota’s GA-K platform. The chassis is made of steel and aluminum. The most important change Lexus made in the 300h this year is standard comes with Blindspot Monitoring System and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Apart from these, the safety feature list and Drive assist program list are long and merit in the occupant’s safety. Standout safety features in the 2021 Lexus NX 300h Hybrid are:

• Pre-Collision System w/ Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist
• Road Sign Assist
• All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Intelligent High Beams
• Blind Spot Monitor w/ Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Backup camera
• Intuitive Parking Assist w/ Automatic Braking (Optional)

2021 Lexus NX 300h vs 2021 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

The Lexus NX 300h is what we’d recommend due to many reasons. Costing $1000 more than Santa Fe, the NX 300h’s hybrid powertrain offers better performance and slightly more mileage. The exterior looks distinct and to be generous, the NX 300h is the best in class when it comes to looks. The cabin inside is rich and the quality of materials is top-notch. The build quality of the Lexus is superb and the vast number of standard techs make it a practical SUV to buy. Henceforth, we recommend the Lexus over the Hyundai Sante Fe.

2021 Lexus NX 300h vs 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid Titanium

The Ford Escape Hybrid is the most affordable hybrid SUV among all. We recommend it because of the value it offers to the buyers. The Escape comes with a capable hybrid engine system that offers adequate power for daily needs. The mileage is the best in class. The cabin inside is loaded with features and is the roomiest of all. Moreover, the after-sales service is affordable and Ford has a wide network compared to Lexus. The Ford Escape Hybrid offers the best value among all other SUVs.

2021 Lexus NX 300h vs 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid Limited

The Lexus NX 300h and Toyota Venza belong to the same platform, however, both of them are different from each other. Lexus is the luxury brand owned by Toyota, hence the NX 300h can be considered as the deluxe sibling of the Venza. The 300h feels richer and posher. The exterior looks sleek and futuristic. The Lexus offers a premium vibe whereas the Venza is on the pragmatic side. The Venza is the best performer in the power and performance section. In addition to that, the Venza offers better MPG numbers. Venza’s cabin offers better passenger space and a larger cargo trunk. We will choose practicality over appeal in this case, thus we’d prefer the Venza.

The new Lexus NX 300h comes with newer safety features, shades, and new trim. Being priced at the 40-grand range, the NX 300h is a handsome SUV that looks shredded and charming. The cabin inside is rich and the materials used are the best in the market. The infotainment system packs all the features that you expect from a modern SUV. The hybrid engine system offers respectful power that helps it with adequate performance for propelling through daily needs. Additionally, the number of safety features installed inside the SUV is praiseworthy, followed by impeccable safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It also has great J.D. Power ratings and a great resale value.