Flash Drive

2019 Lexus NX 300h

July 23, 2019 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2019 Lexus NX 300h 5-Door SUV

The 2019 Lexus NX 300h is very similar to the 2018 model. It’s a pleasant riding, economical cruiser.

Engine:2.5-liter hybrid I-4, 194-horsepower 152 lb-ft torque

Transmission: CVT automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 33-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 31-mpg combined

Base Price: $38,835

As Tested: $49,507

Performance:

Power is adequate, but not impressive

Fuel economy is excellent: our best was 33.5-mpg highway

Dial for drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport

The Lexus NX 300h has an attractive car-like roofline, but cargo space suffers for style.

Paddle shifters for Sport mode

Comfort:

Spacious front row leg and headroom

Supportive, comfortable seats

Driver power lumbar

Soft armrest above console bin

Thick, nicely contoured, heated leather steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls

Quality interior materials

Heated and ventilated front seats (3

The cargo deck is flat and easy to access, but the split folding seats have a distinct slope.

temps)

Excellent rear seat room even with front seats all back

Comfortable outboard rear seats

Adult can fit in center, but cushion is quite hard

Very low center floor hump

Utility:

Flat cargo deck

No lift-over, wide opening

Extra storage under floor

Front seat space, comfort and features are excellent.

Slanted roofline hampers cargo capacity

Split folding rear seats have pretty big slope

Power liftgate with ample tall people clearance

Amply sized deep console bin

Large, locking glovebox

Compact front door bins

Small rear door bins with bottle notches

WOW Factors:

Luxurious environment for driver and passengers

Rear seat space is excellent. An adult can fit in the middle, but the cushion is quite hard.

Spacious rear seat with easy access

Good fuel economy

Whines:

We’re getting better at the odd infotainment touchpad but we still prefer dials

Pricey triple beam LED headlamps and navigation options

Compromised cargo space

Bottom Line:

The 2019 Lexus NX 300h is a compact luxury SUV with hybrid efficiency. It

The unique Lexus touchpad control gets easier with lots of practice, but we still don’t like it.

does most things very well, but it doesn’t really stand out in a highly competitive segment. The NX 300h benefits from the strong Toyota/Lexus reliability history and fuel economy is impressive for an SUV. Interior comfort/space (for four adults) is excellent for any size SUV, but especially for a compact like the NX 300h.