Lexus NX (2014 – 2021) Review

Lexus NX (2014 – 2021) At A Glance

3/5

+High quality and impressively refined. Luxurious feel to interior. Usefully large boot. Cheaper entry-level model with 2WD. Relaxing to drive in traffic.

-F Sport models get strange exhaust note symposer. More at home in the suburbs than on twisting A and B roads.

Insurance Groups are between 27–38
On average it achieves 73% of the official MPG figure

According to Lexus, the story behind the name of its new NX is that it stands for 'nimble crossover'. This is after all a smaller counterpart to the big RX 450h that's designed as an alternative to the likes of the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

It's a neat looking design. Lexus says it wanted to give the NX more 'emotional appeal' and while it's far from handsome, those sharp lines work well to create a sophisticated look. The front end echoes the IS but according to Lexus, 90 per cent of parts used are unique to the NX.

Like all Lexus models, there's no Noxious diesel engine in the range. Instead Lexus offers a NX 300h hybrid that uses a 2.5-litre petrol engine alongside an electric motor. It's designed to be efficient with claimed economy of 54.3mpg in the majority of models with CO2 emissions of just 121g/km.

While it looks good on paper with a total of 195PS and a 0-62mph time of less than 9.5 seconds, the NX 300h is hamstrung by its epicyclic CVT gearbox which can make for a noisy driving experience unless you're feather-footed. Even gentle acceleration is accompanied by continuous engine whine. 

This is a shame because engine noise aside, the 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. And as with all Lexus models, standard equipment levels are very high with top models coming with pretty much every conceivable bell and whistle.

The NX is the first Lexus model to feature a Pre-Crash Safety system and Adaptive Cruise Control as standard on all versions. Other firsts for a Lexus include a wireless charging tray for easy charging of smartphones and a new Remote Touch Interface with a touchpad control that replaces the awkward mouse controller. However it only comes on top versions.

An NX 200t model, with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol with 235PS, joined the line-up in 2015 and comes with a six-speed automatic. This is available as a higher performance version in F Sport trim.

If you're looking for the newer version, you need our Lexus NX review

Real MPG average for a Lexus NX (2014 – 2021)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

73%

Real MPG

24–47 mpg

MPGs submitted

329

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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What is the best car to buy for reliability?

"I have previously owned three BMW series 3 models and enjoyed driving all three. I am now looking to purchase a used vehicle to replace my last BMW and I have a budget of a maximum £9000. Having recently taken early retirement, I am looking for reliability. My local garage, who maintained my last vehicle, recommended Seat, Skoda or Volkswagen cars based primarily on the fact that in their garage, they see very little of these three brands. My brother insists on Vauxhall or Ford. I realise these don't list specific models, but I am intrigued to discover your opinion and recommendations."
If reliability is the most important factor, we would suggest looking at the Honest John Satisfaction Survey here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2022-results/ which gives a top ten of the most reliable cars owned by readers. Among the top ten are cars from Lexus, Hyundai, Kia, Skoda, Jaguar and Toyota.
Answered by David Ross

What is the best car for long term ownership?

"What is the best car to buy and hang onto for the next ten years? I’m looking for bombproof reliability and something that will bear wear and tear with grace rather than something I need to keep looking shiny and be overprotective off. Four-wheel drive would be a big plus and it needs to safely carry five tall people in comfort. Not worried about fuel economy as it would be a second car to a Mercedes Vito crew cab van. "
Toyota RAV4 or Lexus NX. Both are available with a 10-year manufacturer warranty if you keep them serviced within the Toyota/Lexus dealer network. The RAV4 is more workmanlike than the NX, but both of these cars have a strong reputation for build quality and reliability. You may also want to consider the Suzuki Vitara, which is easy to drive and dependable. For more information on the best cars for reliability, see the Honest John Satisfaction Index: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2022-results/
Answered by Dan Powell

Can you recommend a comfortable and fun replacement for my Skoda Yeti?

"I love my petrol 2016 Skoda Yeti 4x4 but am thinking of replacing it. What has a similar spec, particularly the high driving position and ground clearance (and heated leather seats)? I'm not ready for a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric car, but a self-charging hybrid would be good. However, the Toyota Yaris Cross and Volvo XC40 are out of my budget. Comfort and enjoyable driving are probably more important than fuel economy. What else should I be looking at? Would you recommend used Lexus NX?"
The Ford Puma would be a good replacement for your Soda Yeti, if you can live without four-wheel drive. It's similar in size to your Skoda and well-equipped as standard, high-spec versions of the Puma get heated seats as standard. The 1.0 EcoBoost engine is available with a mild hybrid system. If you need something larger then I wouldn't look past the Lexus NX. Your budget won't stretch to the latest model, but the old version of the NX has an excellent reputation for reliability and comfort.
Answered by Dan Powell

Should I buy a used Lexus NX?

"I have a budget of £30,000 and have been searching for a used Lexus NX. I really love the car and the looks. The problem I face now is whether I should spend such a huge amount for Lexus NX or go for a different brand for a new SUV. I am after the perfect SUV under £30,000 which can last me for years. Looking at petrol prices, I am really not sure whether I should go for a pure petrol car. I would be really grateful if you could guide me in the right direction. "
The Lexus NX is a very good SUV with a strong reputation for reliability and comfort. Both Lexus and the NX perform strongly in the annual Honest John Satisfaction Index: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2021/honest-john-satisfaction-index-2021-results/ We tested the latest NX 350h for three months and were very impressed. You can read about our experiences with it here: https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/our-cars/lexus-nx-350h/
Answered by Dan Powell
More Questions

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