The Pros and Cons of the Lexus NX300h

Entry Level?

The Lexus NX300h is the hybrid version of the luxury automaker's entry-level crossover, but it isn't really fair to peg this as an entry-level vehicle. The NX is extremely well-equipped given its modest price tag, which is a big part of why it's been a hit among buyers as well. But like everything else in life, the NX hybrid comes with pros and cons that should be considered before plunking down your hard-earned money to bring one home.

Photos: Lexus

Pro: Styling

For some time, a lot of folks were quite vocal about their hate for Lexus' new spindle grille design. But today, after a few years, it has certainly grown on us. The NX is an aggressively-styled vehicle that is undoubtedly designed to appeal to younger folks, but we view that as a good thing and a suitable alternative to those oftentimes boring German rivals.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the ups and downs of the NX300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Con: Older Design

The NX is a few years old now, but Lexus hasn't bothered to update certain features along the way. That means certain things feel a bit dated, including the instrument cluster and its old fashioned display, as well as a CD player in the center stack. Most rivals have already switched to digital instrument clusters, and the NX would benefit greatly from one.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the ups and downs of the NX300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Pro: Drivetrain

Hybrids can certainly be fun, but sometimes automakers eschew it in favor of maximizing fuel economy. Thankfully, the NX is both fun and frugal, thanks to its 194 combined horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. At the same time, the NX300h returns 30 miles-per-gallon in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, which is solid for any kind of crossover or SUV.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the ups and downs of the NX300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Con: Single Drivetrain Choice

While it's somewhat of a nitpicky concern, we'd love to see a more powerful NX300h variant offered for buyers seeking a sporty version that goes beyond mere appearance upgrades. It wouldn't take much for Lexus to extract a few more ponies from its electrified powertrain combo, and we imagine that more than a few buyers would opt for it if it was available.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the ups and downs of the NX300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Pro: Interior

The NX's interior, in general, is a very nice place to be for an affordable vehicle, It's packed with amenities and features that aren't always seen in this price point, and the cabin is whisper quiet and rather luxurious as well. It's also quite roomy in both the front and rear rows, which isn't always the case with vehicles in this segment.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the ups and downs of the NX300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.

Appealing Combination

Altogether, aside from its somewhat dated technology, it's hard to find a lot of faults with the NX300h. It's a well-designed, comfortable, practical, and efficient little machine, and with a starting price just north of $37k, also a rather affordable one. And that's a combination that has unsurprisingly proven to be quite appealing with today's buyers.

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the ups and downs of the NX300h right here in the Club Lexus forum.

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