DecodedCars2021 Lexus NX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 300 4dr SUV AWD, 300h 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 112–235 hp
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 33 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,869–4,046 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 30% better than the average 2021 small SUV (23.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 235 hp, versus about 395 hp for similar 2021 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 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 all-wheel drive and front-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 (300 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (33 city / 30 highway), 30% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 NX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 NX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Miyawaka, Fukuoka · Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 NX configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 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 AWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 33 / 30 / 31 | +30% | $2,150 | 285 |
| NX 300 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | -5% | $3,300 | 359 |
| NX 300 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | 0% | $3,400 | 361 |
| NX 300 AWD F Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | 0% | $3,400 | 374 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Lexus NX.
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Lexus NX (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model Y | 326 mi | Not rated | 23 |
| 2021 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2021 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2021 Porsche Macan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2021 Volvo XC60 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Lexus NX.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Lexus NX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Lexus NX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 2 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 40,000 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 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 2016 NX | 32 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 27 |
| 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 →