A Closer Look at the 2020 NX 300h Hybrid
Lexus hybrid technology in a compact package.
Vehicle
The NX 300h hybrid is a pleasant compact luxury SUV. It has a reputation for excellent build quality, but since it is assembled in the Lexus factory located in Aichi, Japan, that is expected. The non-hybrid NX has been a popular seller, and this hybrid version offers the same styling and luxury but with a smoother drivetrain and improved fuel economy.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
Engine
The 300h is issued with a 2.5-liter engine. The combination of gasoline piston, electric drive motor, and battery system produces a combined 194 horsepower. Fuel economy is claimed to be 33 city, 31 highway, and 31 overall. It is hooked to a CVT automatic transmission. This compares to the non-hybrid 2.0 liter turbo engine at 235 horsepower, hooked to a six-speed automatic gearbox, and rated at 22/27/24 mpg.
>>Join the conversation about the 2020 NX 300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Gauges
The 300h is a pleasant daily driver. The engine noise is quiet, the driving position is high enough, and the ride is very comfortable. On the highway, wind noise is low, and stability in crosswinds in very good for an SUV. The gauge cluster provides lots of useful information.
>>Join the conversation about the 2020 NX 300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Touchpad
The infotainment screen is operated by this finger touch pad. There is a learning curve to use it efficiently, but work okay once the driver has mastered it.
>>Join the conversation about the 2020 NX 300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Infotainment
The info screen is large, providing a great view of the navigation map, and other images. The climate controls below are very simple and easy to use. Turning the heated or air-conditioned seats on is done by pressing a lone button.
>>Join the conversation about the 2020 NX 300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Control Knob
The driveline has three modes of operation to pick from by turning this knob: ECO, NORMAL, and SPORT. Below is a button for EV or traction control.
>>Join the conversation about the 2020 NX 300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Wheels
The 300h comes standard with 17-inch wheels. This vehicle had the optional 18-inch wheels and all-season 225/80R18 tires. This is part of a premium package that includes vented seats, moon roof, daytime running lights, and minor items for $3,270. This soft compound rubber assists in offering a smooth ride, but if the vehicle is used for off-road adventures, care must be taken to prevent sidewall damage on sharp rocks.
>>Join the conversation about the 2020 NX 300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Headlights
Another option available is these triple-beam LED headlights, which also swivel as the steering wheel is turned. This allows better light coverage when driving through tight corners, a great feature to have on curved mountain roads. The high beam setting puts out plenty of illumination as well. These add $1,515 to the options list.
>>Join the conversation about the 2020 NX 300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Price Sheet
The base NX starts at $36,870 with the 300h at $39,070. But as always the option sheet can grow. In this case, it was loaded up with all factory goodies as seen here. Thus the price of admission came to a tidy $49,702!
>>Join the conversation about the 2020 NX 300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.
Vehicle Rear
The Lexus 300h is not inexpensive but has high quality and a proven reliability record. Those seeking a compact SUV with good fuel economy should take a look.
>>Join the conversation about the 2020 NX 300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.