Name: Lexus NX (2014 - 2021) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Lexus NX
Rating: 56.0

Summary

The Lexus NX is a medium-sized premium SUV/crossover, which sits between the smaller UX and larger RX in the Lexus SUV range. This model arrived in the UK in late 2014 and ended production in 2021, including a mid-life update in late 2018.

Originally offered with either pure petrol or petrol-electric hybrid powertrains, for the last few years of its life it was only available in hybrid format, known as the NX 300h.

The NX received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media throughout its life, with scores ranging from below average to very good. It received particular praise for its build quality and interior fitout, which were considered to be as good as any rivals in this segment. However, the NX was criticised for lifeless driving dynamics, a poor infotainment system and a harsh ride compared to the leading cars in this segment.

In a 2020 What Car? survey of the 50 most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the NX ranked an outstanding 5th place.

An all-new Lexus NX was revealed in June 2021 and began arriving in the UK at the end of the year.

As of May 2024, the Lexus NX holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 56%. It gets average to poor scores in every category, with no standout performances in any area.

More Lexus Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features

Key specifications

Body style: Medium SUV/crossover
Engines: petrol-electric hybrid
Price: when new: From £36,300 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2014
Last updated: Winter 2018/19
End of production: Autumn 2021

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The Lexus NX has distinctive styling and a classy, well built cabin, although the driving experience could be better.”
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Model reviewed: 300h Premier
Score: 6 / 10
“Updates to the NX aren’t significant enough to change its standing within the mid-size SUV class. The Lexus remains a striking, well-built and stylish family SUV, but it’s neither practical nor comfortable enough to trouble the best in the sector.”
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Autocar+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“The new Lexus NX is not without merit but the Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and BMW X3 remain the more appealing choices.”
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Car+

Model reviewed: 200t
Score: 6 / 10
“The appeal of the Lexus NX can certainly be understood: the looks, the refinement, the inevitable reliability. But the NX 300h is available for less money than the 200t, offers greater efficiency, is hardly any slower and has the extra image bonus of suggesting you prefer higher living by hybrid.”
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Model reviewed: 300h
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus NX has a sense of style and purpose about it that suggests you’ll have to spend less time thinking up excuses for choosing one than other Lexus’s might require. It’s thoroughly pleasant to drive, spacious and – in the right environment – likely to prove efficient as well.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6.6 / 10
“The Lexus NX has unique looks and a desirable interior, but a firm ride, small boot and lack of engine choice may put off buyers.”
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Lexus NX is an SUV with a striking design, great equipment levels and the option of a hybrid drivetrain. However, it’s quite expensive and doesn’t quite have the breadth of talents that an Audi Q5 can demonstrate.”
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Driving Electric+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The Lexus NX 300h is a sporty-looking hybrid SUV that’s luxurious and comfortable, but loses out to plug-in rivals for efficiency and driving fun.”
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Evo+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“Distinctive and beautifully made, but no good to drive.”
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Honest John+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 8 / 10
“Engine noise aside, the Lexus NX is a good SUV. It’s incredibly refined, beautifully built and has a superb quality interior. It’s also spacious with good room in the back and a decent boot.”
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Model reviewed: 200t
“It looks great, has a high-quality cabin and it’s easy to live with. But then all of those attributes apply to the Lexus NX 300h hybrid. In fact the NX 200t only really makes sense if you absolutely must have the flashest, priciest model in the range. Everyone else will be happier and better off with the hybrid.”
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Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 9 / 10
“Hybrid-only SUV with leftfield appeal”
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The Sun+

Model reviewed: NX 300h
“Spacious, low-emissions and top technology.”
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The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed: 300h F-Sport Navi long-term test
“Having one sat on your driveway indicates that you’re not at all interested in following the pack.”
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Model reviewed: 300h Premier
Score: 6 / 10
“Who cares if it’s slow? It’s got more toys than Hamleys.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: NX 300h Premier
Score: 6 / 10
“Hugely appealing in many ways, and a relaxing SUV if driven gently, but this facelift hasn’t addressed shortcomings in the infotainment system or real-world fuel economy, and the firm ride won’t be to all tastes.”
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 5 / 10
“A car with an identity crisis – can’t decide if it wants to be a refined urban cruiser or a sporty SUV.”
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What Car?+

Model reviewed: (range review)
Score: 6 / 10
“Makes sense on paper, but the Lexus NX is disappointing to drive compared with its rivals.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2014
Date expired: January 2021
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 82%
Child protection: 82%
Vulnerable road users: 69%
Safety assist: 71%

Expired safety rating

The Lexus NX was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2014 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2021 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating. This is normal practice, as Euro NCAP reviews its ratings on most cars annually with most ratings expiring after about six or seven years.

Although the rating has now expired, the score is still useful if you are comparing a used Lexus NX to vehicles of similar age – whose ratings will have probably also expired.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Lexus NX was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

No reliability rating

As of May 2024, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Lexus NX to generate a reliability rating.

The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using workshop and extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy, sourced from both official dealerships and independent workshops.

As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the NX, we’ll publish the results here.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Hybrid models	37 mpg	D	37 – 40 mpg	D – D

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Hybrid models	171 g/km	C	161 – 175 g/km	C – C

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	29	C	29 – 30	C – C

The Lexus NX is a relatively expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data. However, it must be noted that we don’t have servicing costs for this model due to its age.

Security rating

Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research

Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail

Date: 2019

The Lexus NX failed Thatcham’s relay attack test, which means it’s susceptible to thieves intercepting the signal from the car key and tricking the car into thinking that they have the key. This allows them to unlock and start the car, driving away in a matter of seconds. It’s a common problem in modern cars with ‘keyless’ unlocking systems.