Experienced by Adrian McQueen
Photography by Adrenaline Lifestyles
I was excited to get a chance behind the wheel and see what it was all about. The model delivered to me was the 2021 Lexus NX 300 hybrid model in a nori green pearl hue that was stunning. The Lexus NX is a compact luxury crossover SUV sold by Lexus, which is the luxury division of Toyota. The name NX stands for Nimble Crossover and it lives up to the name. It debuted in late 2014 at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition as an entry-level crossover just below the mid-size RX crossover. Production of the NX takes place at the Miyata plant in Miyawaka, Fukuoka.
I love the exterior look of the NX. The Lexus badged spindle grill sets the tone for the attention Lexus vehicles typically grab. We had the premium package that added 18-inch five alloy wheels, premium LED daytime running lights and Hi-Beam LED headlights that were included with cornering front fog and driving lamps. The interior was just as immaculate. The NuLuxe seats that Lexus touts, weigh half as much as leather and produce 65 percent fewer CO2 emissions during its manufacture. The seats had extremely comfortable back support. The NX 300h comes with a leather trimmed shift knob and a perforated leather trimmed steering wheel. The Premium Package also adds an outer-sliding moonroof, heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel. I thought the small mirror next to the center console was pretty cool.
The 10.3-inch infotainment display was much to my liking. The infotainment system’s software is easy to learn but I am not a fan of the touchpad interactivity. I will stick with the touchscreen or rotary knob if possible. Lexus always does a great job with its tachometer displays. The 4.2-inch full color screen displays easy-to-read info. Onboard WiFi also now connects up to 5 devices and it comes with a 4GB complimentary three month trial. My review model was equipped with the 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio sound system, along with a navigation package. The sound was pretty close to studio quality.
The cabin of the NX 300h was roomy with plenty of cargo space as well. The second-row seats split and fold in a 60/40 configuration. The rear seats offer recline adjustability and can be optioned with a power-folding feature. With the rear seats folded, the NX makes a road trip, shopping trip or grocery store run a breeze.
The NX300h comes with a 194-hp 2.5-liter Hybrid engine. We had the all-wheel drive model with the electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The NX accelerated nice off the line and handled well in the corners. It is not intimidating but aggressive enough to turn your head. The NX300h is great on gas, delivering 33 mpg in the city, 30 mpg in the highway and 31 mpg combined.
The Lexus Enform app system, along with the Lexus Safety System, brings adaptive cruise control, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with lane-keeping assist and adaptive high-beam headlamps and a blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic assist . The Lexus Safety System comes with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intelligent High Beam (IHB), and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist. The NX 300h scored high with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The 2021 Lexus NX 300h comes with a great warranty package. You have 4-year/50,000 mile basic coverage, 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain coverage, 8 year/unlimited mile corrosion perforation warranty, 8 year/100,000 mile hybrid component coverage and 10 year/150,000 mile hybrid battery coverage. There is also 24-hour/365 days a year roadside assistance, complimentary 1st and 2nd scheduled maintenance services and loding for emergency breakdown 100 miles from home . That is pretty reliable coverage in my book.
The NX didn’t come off as “small” to me. It was cozy, quick and nimble. The Lexus NX 300h sits in a highly competitive class alongside the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3 (X3 M40i), Infiniti QX30, Jaguar E-Pace and the Mercedes-Benz GLC Class (Mercedes-AMG GLC63 Coupe). The NX 300 hybrid stands out amongst this class due to the reliability of the Lexus badge, its residual value, and premium features. The model that we tested comes in at $50,310.00. Enjoy our photo gallery.
