Flash Drive

2018 LEXUS NX 300

October 8, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
By

Model Tested: 2018 Lexus NX 300 5-DR SUV

The 2018 Lexus NX 300 is a boldly styled compact luxury SUV that’s also available in front-wheel-drive.

Engine:2.0-liter turbo I-4, 235-horsepower, 258 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatictransmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 28-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined

Base Price: $35,985

As Tested: $48,102

Performance:

Responsive engine, linear power output

Mode dial: Eco, Normal, Sport

Noticeable increased responsiveness in Sport mode

The Lexus NX 300 is a very pleasant highway cruiser. It has a Sport mode, but it’s not a high performance vehicle.

Eco mode great for fuel economy

No 4×4 specific controls

Strong highway fuel economy—our best 38.1 mpg

We saw mid-thirties highway fuel economy regularly

Paddle shifters

Great safety features

Lane keeping, blind spot monitor, auto emergency braking, lane departure, automatic high beams

Luxury car ride quality

Comfort:

High quality interior materials and styling

Interior materials are very good and seating comfort on long trips is excellent.

Comfortable heated/ventilated perforated leather seats (optional)

Soft, tall headrests

Driver power lumbar support

Stretch-out front legroom

Power tilt/telescopic steering column

Thick, mildly contoured, heated leather steering wheel

Lots of good auxiliary controls

Soft, wide armrest over center console

Rear seats recline

Good backseat legroom

Soft, wide rear armrest with two cupholders

Low rear floor hump

Hard center cushion, but adults can fit in middle position

The touchpad on the center console is difficult to use and can be highly distracting.

Utility:

Power tailgate opens quite high

Flat cargo deck

No lift-over

Bonus storage under cargo floor

Big, wide 8-inch infotainment screen

Large, deep center console storage bin

Power outlets in storage bin

Compact front door bins

Small sunroof

Bright interior lighting

Power folding rear seats

Split rear seats

Minimal rear door bins

Twin seatback pouches

WOW Factors:

Impressive road trip fuel economy

You can easily spot a Lexus in a parking lot if you can see the bold, distinctive grille and angular vents and lights.

Great long drives comfort

Good value position

Whines:

Unique styling still a polarizing factor

Touch pad controls for infotainment awkward and distracting

Hard fabric headliner

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Lexus NX 300 is a well-built, solid value in the compact luxury SUV segment. It’s reasonably powerful and greatly economical. Comfortable seats

The rear 3/4 view is easily the vehicle’s best angle.

and an excellent entertainment center make long distance driving a pleasure.