2021 Lexus NX 300 F Sport Review by Bruce Hotchkiss +VIDEO
Luxury In A Small(ish) Package
By Bruce Hotchkiss*
Special Correspondent
West Coast Bureau
The Auto Channel
I have to admit that I have little desire to “keep up with the Joneses.” I don’t care what name plate is on a car. I care more about how good it is, and good is subjective. To me a good car is one that is reliable for a long time and it should need nothing but basic maintenance for many years.
It is nice though when a car with cachet is also a good car. Which brings me to the 2021 Lexus NX 300 F Sport.
When your parent company is Toyota, a company known for its reliable, long-lasting vehicles you are assured of having good genes.
For those who are unsure of where the NX fits into the Lexus SUV line-up it is the smallest although it is not small. For comparison it is around the same size as its Toyota cousin, the RAV4.
The test NX 300 F Sport was FWD; AWD is available. By the numbers the NX is 182.7” long on a wheelbase of 104.7”. The NX 300 F Sport weighs 3,940 lbs.
Under the hood is a turbocharged, 235 h.p., 2.0-liter engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. In today’s world that’s not a lot of horses but it is 10 more than a 1990 Mustang GT – in other words it is lively. Zero to sixty comes about in 7.2 seconds.
There are three shift profiles for the transmission – Normal, Eco (lazy), and Sport (crisp shifts). I noticed a change in the engine sound with Sport mode almost like it had an aftermarket intake system but not as intrusive. Nice power roar.
![]() The center stack is fairly well laid out |
I’m kind of split on the interior color combination. Lexus says it is “Circuit Red” with “Metallic Sport Trim.” At first I didn’t really like it but it grew on me. The seats were comfortable (Would you really expect anything less?) with the requisite multiple electric adjustments and heating and cooling.
I never sat in the back but we did have a six-footer back there and he had plenty of room. Four adults would be very comfortable and five will fit.
Don’t tell anyone but I hauled some lumber in the NX 300, four 4x4 six footers to be exact. I laid down a moving blanket to make sure I didn’t damage anything but otherwise they fit just fine. All I had to do was fold the right rear seat down, move the right front seat forward and there was room to spare. I doubt that Lexus intended the NX (or any of its SUVs) to be used as a pickup truck, probably more as a vehicle to haul your golf clubs or some antiques.
If you absolutely have to tow you are limited to 2,000 lbs.
I exceeded the EPA highway fuel economy rating (28-mpg) slightly getting 29.2-mpg on two round trips from my house to San Ramon, a trip of about 130 miles total. The city economy is rated at 22-mpg; I didn’t confirm this.
The test NX 300 F Sport (F evidently stands for “Flagship”) FWD starts at $39,610. If you decide you want/need AWD add $1,400. As equipped, with delivery fee and options, it hit $50,215. Is it worth it? That’s up to you. All I can tell you is you will most likely enjoy it and it should provide years of reliable comfort.
*Author's Note: I have been writing car reviews since 1984. I am a Certified Automotive Technician although I no longer ply that trade. I worked for twenty years for the California Department of Consumer Affairs & Bureau of Automotive Repair. I sat on three legislative advisory committees. I wrote an automotive column for the Tracy Press, and before that the Pacifica Tribune. I was a member of the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada and am a member of the Western Automotive Journalists.