DecodedCars2016 Lexus NX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 200t 4dr SUV AWD, 300h 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 34 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,869–4,046 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 30% better than the average 2016 small SUV (24.6 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 16 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 Lexus NX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,869 lb (200t 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (34 city / 30 highway), 30% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 27 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 NX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 NX →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200t 4dr SUV AWD | 182.3 in | 72.8 in | 65 in | 104.7 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,869 lb | 59/41 |
| 300h 4dr SUV AWD | 182.3 in | 72.8 in | 65 in | 104.7 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,046 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX 300h Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 / 30 / 32 | +30% | $2,100 | 274 |
| NX 300h AWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 33 / 30 / 31 | +35% | $2,150 | 280 |
| NX 200t | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | +2% | $3,300 | 360 |
| NX 200t AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +4% | $3,400 | 363 |
| NX 200t AWD F Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +4% | $3,400 | 374 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Lexus NX.
Similar 2016 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Lexus NX (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 BMW X3 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Porsche Macan | 19 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2016 Land Rover Discovery | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi Q5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2016 Volvo XC60 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Acura RDX | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Frontal · Jan 31, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V085000 · 48,672 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 450h F Sport and RX 450h vehicles and 2015-2016 Lexus NX 200T, NX Turbo and NX 300h vehicles. The air bag pressure sensors and/or the acceleration sensors may fail causing the side/curtain shield air bags and/or the front air bags to not deploy in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- If the air bags fail to deploy in a crash, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensors as necessary based on their serial numbers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 12, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are JLA, J0F.
Not every 2016 Lexus NX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Lexus NX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 6 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 6 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 5 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 84,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Lexus NX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other NX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 NX | 40 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2025 NX | 39 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 18 |
| 2024 NX | 39 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 48 |
| 2023 NX | 39 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 18 |
| 2022 NX | 39 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 31 |
| 2021 NX | 31 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 17 |
| 2020 NX | 31 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 28 |
| 2019 NX | 31 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 44 |
| 2018 NX | 31 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 26 |
| 2017 NX | 31 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 30 |
| 2015 NX | 32 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 47 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →