Used Lexus NX 2021-present review

The Lexus NX is the Adam Sandler of family SUVs, suddenly going from being panned by the critics to acclaimed. However, instead of starring in crime thriller Uncut Gems, the NX simply shot up in quality as it shifted to its second generation.

The first, 2014-2021 Lexus NX was (and continues to be) a reliable buy, but key areas, such as the driving experience, left a lot to be desired. Thankfully, this latest NX avoids its predecessor's traps.

Engines & Performance: When the NX 350h’s electric motor and 2.5-litre petrol engine work in unison, acceleration is satisfactory.

In four-wheel-drive form, the 0-62mph time comes in at 7.7 seconds – significantly quicker than a petrol BMW X3 xDrive20i. If you opt for the entry-level front-wheel-drive version, that time increase to 8.7 seconds. The engine generally needs working harder to get up to speed, too.

The NX 450h plug-in hybrid (PHEV) pairs the same 2.5-litre petrol engine with a more powerful electric motor for a combined power output of 305bhp. That’s a pretty punchy combination – enough for a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds in our tests, beating the Mercedes GLC 300e by half a second and the Honda CR-V by more than two and a half seconds.

Officially, the 450h can travel up to 45 electric-only miles (it varies slightly depending on trim level), but on our real-world test route the engine triggered into life after 36.8 miles. That’s similar to what you’ll see from a CR-V or a Volvo XC60 T6 Recharge, but much less than the 57 miles we achieved in a GLC 300e.

Ride & Handling: Entry-level versions of the NX have 18in wheels, and they give you the most forgiving ride both around town and at higher speeds. The larger 20in wheels that come with F-Sport and Takumi models still ride comfortably at low speeds – even over potholes.

The NX is less impressive at motorway speeds, though – bumps can easily jostle you around, more so than some rivals like the Audi Q5 TFSIe.

The F-Sport gets adaptive sports suspension to tighten up the handling. Even with this firmer set-up, the NX is forgiving over ripples, expansion joints and potholes, being no worse than the GLC 300e.

The NX's cornering abilities are more than good enough. This isn’t a fun and sporty SUV, but it does grip the road well and there's not much body lean through corners. The heavier 450h PHEV feels a little less agile than the 350h, but the adaptive suspension on F-Sport models allows you to improve body control by firming it up at the touch of a button.

Interior & Practicality: The front seats in the NX are some of the best you’ll find in a family SUV. They’re heavily bolstered and have a wide range of adjustments.

While the NX doesn't feel quite as solid inside as the Q5 or XC60, few cars do. Lexus gives you some suitably upmarket fixtures and fittings, plus everything feels well screwed together. Pretty much everything you touch feels ready to stand the test of time and the rigours of daily family use.

We’ve given Lexus some flack in the past for its overly complicated infotainment systems. Thankfully, the NX has a much more intuitive system that won’t leave you tearing your hair out. All models come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, too.

Due to the NX being a big car, you probably wouldn’t expect to struggle to fit in the front. Rear space in the NX is slightly better than in the rival Q5 but if you want limo-like leg room, take a look at the GLC and XC60.

There's 520 litres of boot space, which is average for the family SUV class. That allows it to swallow seven carry-on suitcases with the parcel shelf and rear seats in place – one more than the GLC 300e and matching the Q5 50 TFSIe, X3 xDrive30e and XC60 T6 Recharge.

Trims & Equipment: Whatever model you go for, the kit list is impressive. The entry-level option, simply called NX, is only available on the 350h and comes with 18in wheels and heated faux-leather front seats.

Premium Pack (which is the entry-level trim for the 450h) adds keyless entry, privacy glass and wireless phone-charging. We recommend ticking the options box for Lexus Link Pro, which introduces built-in sat-nav and a larger touchscreen system. We wouldn't deter you from stepping up to F-Sport, either, if you want adaptive LED headlights, ventilated front seats, a head-up display and 20in wheels.

We don't recommend the range-topping Takumi trim. It comes with loads of luxuries, including some more upmarket interior finishes and a digital rear-view mirror, but we don't feel it's worth the extra cash.

Interested in buying a used Lexus NX? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.

Used Lexus NX models start at around £30,000 and, for that, you'll likely be getting into a four-wheel-drive NX 350h from early 2022. Budget for £32,000 to £36,000 and you'll hopefully secure a 2023 one. That being said, we'd spend that money on a 2022 car sporting the Premium Pack instead.

The F-Sport trim pushes the NX to around £33,000. For that kind of money, you're likely looking at the 450h, too. As of writing, the Takumi trim will set you back around £38,000, as will a 2024 car.

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MPG: Officially, the 350h averages 49.5mpg in front-wheel-drive form and 47mpg as a four-wheel-drive car.

If you opt for the PHEV, you could potentially save a lot on fuel costs. You probably won't get close to its official 314mpg figure, but if you keep the battery topped up and make mainly short journeys it should be very frugal.

When the battery runs down, you can expect up to 35-40mpg with careful driving. The battery has a maximum charging rate of 6.6kW so a 0-100% charge takes around 2hrs 45min, a lot less time than the plug-in X3 or XC60, which are limited to 3.7kW.

Road tax: All NX variants are hybrids, so you'll pay £180 per year in road tax, as opposed to £190 per year like petrol/diesel car owners currently do. Beware that, because all NXs tipped over the £40,000 mark when new, you'll have to pay an additional £410 per year for years two to six of the car's life.

Insurance and servicing: The majority of NX variants sit between insurance groups 30 and 40 (out of 50). Generally speaking, that's quite high, but you'll find many premium SUVs are similarly expensive to insure.

If you buy an approved used Lexus, you'll get two services and two services on the house. After that, it'll be £47.90 per month if you want to continue servicing your NX through Lexus. You likely will, because owners that do will maintain the brand's impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Reliability

According to real-world owner reviews from our annual survey, the Lexus NX offers generally strong reliability, though some owners have reported issues with warning lights, often linked to the hybrid system. These problems appear to be rare and were quickly resolved by dealerships.

Lexus’s service network received high praise, with owners noting efficient repairs and friendly staff. One owner even highlighted a hybrid warning light issue that was fixed promptly and free of charge.

Overall, most owners were satisfied with both the NX's reliability and the service experience.

Learn more about the used Lexus NX reliability on our dedicated page.

If the price gap were smaller (than the £7000 or so it is now), we'd recommend the 450h, because it's a class-leading plug-in hybrid. However, the 350h is still great, yet quite a bit cheaper to buy.

What we would tell you to spend your money on is getting a 350h that has the Premium Pack. Yes, the standard NX gets all the basics and then some, but, for a reasonable £2000 outlay, you can stock up on some very desirable luxuries.

And finally, seeing as four-wheel-drive 350h cars are both more common and similarly priced to front-wheel-drive ones – not to mention better to drive – going for the former set-up is a no brainer.

Our favourite Lexus NX: 350h Premium Pack 4WD

If you're willing to go for a slightly older car, you'll find many cheaper alternatives to the Lexus NX. A great one is the BMW X3, with the plug-in hybrid 30e going for around £30,000 if you opt for a 2020/2021 example.

On the other hand, if you're willing to part ways with a bit more cash, you can pick up a plug-in hybrid Porsche Cayenne for around £50,000 – again, it'll be a 2020/2021 car. It's a more upmarket option and comprehensively so, offering a dazzling driving experience, astonishing acceleration and a profoundly plush interior, among other things.

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Interested in buying a used Lexus NX? Visit our Used Cars For Sale pages to find lots of cars listed at great prices.