The 2021 Lexus NX lasts around 300,000 miles, with some minor paint and wheel noise issues reported. At $31,350 to $40,850, it’s a great value for a luxury SUV with more affordable running costs than the competition.
Is the 2021 Lexus NX a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2021 is an excellent year for the Lexus NX since it offers low ownership costs and a nice cabin. Owner reviews praise the advanced technology, smooth suspension, and the upgraded stereo system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are nice for a small SUV, the seats are supportive on longer trips, cargo space is a little smaller than some rivals.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 NX. Models from 2015–2022 are all very reliable compact luxury SUVs.
- Performance 7/10 – The four cylinder engine offers decent performance, but it’s not as fast or exciting to drive as some of its competitors.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 NX is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Optional upgrades include parking sensors along with adaptive headlights.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 25 MPG, giving 397 miles of range out of the 15.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $4 higher than average, at $204 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Lexus NX is similar in price to other luxury SUVs, with low depreciation rates, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Lexus NX?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Lexus NX offers a lot of excellent features in a luxurious package, with high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Lexus NX at 4.4/5, enjoying the standard high-tech safety features, but doesn’t like that it has limited cargo area.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the NX a 4.5/5, praising the excellent mix of luxury and safety, but owners don’t like that it’s less engaging to drive than the competition.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Lexus NX Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Lexus NX include chipping paint, excessive wheel noise, along with some window issues. Overall, these problems are very minor for a small luxury SUV, leading to low repair costs as an NX ages.
Chipping paint is the most widespread complaint from 2021 NX owners, showing up within the first 5,000 miles. The angular design on the front bumper makes it prone to stone chips. Some people repaint the entire bumper for around $1,000, while others touch up the chips for under $100.
Excessive wheel noise is another problem mentioned by some Lexus NX owners at around 30,000 miles. The wheel bearings wear out, cause a lot of noise, and have to be replaced. Changing out the bearings costs around $400, depending on local labor rates.
Window issues have also been reported on the 2021 Lexus NX at roughly 50,000 miles. There are some problems with the window regulator, which wears down when it has been used a lot. Replacing the regulator costs about $600 since it’s a fairly time-consuming process.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Lexus NX, which is better than most other small luxury SUVs. Since there are no recalls, it simply means none of the issues have been widespread or affected the safety of the vehicle.
How Long Will the 2021 Lexus NX Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Lexus NX can last around 300,000 miles, which is longer than other small SUVs like the BMW X2. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $385 per year.
As a used 2021 Lexus NX reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the serpentine belt for $135, exhaust manifold gasket costing $200, along with the coolant reservoir, which costs around $275.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is good and includes an 8-inch screen with touchpad interface along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a premium Mark Levinson stereo system.
Standard safety technology is great, and includes:
- Rearview camera
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional driver assistance features are available, such as:
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Adaptive headlights
- Surround-view parking camera system
Is the 2021 Lexus NX a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Lexus NX is a good value since it offers a lot of technology features and an upscale cabin for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $31,350 to $40,850, making it more than an Acura RDX or Volvo XC40. When new, the price range was $37,610 to $45,460. Depreciation is better than other SUVs, only losing about 4% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Lexus NX?
There are three main versions of the 2021 Lexus NX offered from the entry-level 300 through to the Luxury. The NX comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Lexus NX 300 is the entry-level model with:
- 8-inch infotainment display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Amazon Alexa integration
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Two USB ports
- Eight-speaker stereo system
- HD Radio
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- 10-way power-adjustable front seats
- LED headlights
- 17-inch wheels
- Lexus Safety System+ 2.0: Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beam headlights
- Rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert
- Optional: Heated/ventilated front seats, moonroof, 18-inch wheels, navigation, 10.3-inch infotainment display, 10-speaker stereo
- Available upgrades: Front/rear parking sensors, surround-view parking camera system, adaptive headlights, heated steering wheel, 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, power liftgate, hands-free power liftgate
Lexus NX 300 F Sport is a sportier model with:
- F Sport-specific front and rear bumpers
- Mesh grille
- Black side mirrors
- 18-inch wheels
- Stiffer F Sport suspension
- F Sport front seats with additional padding
- Heated steering wheel with shift paddles
- G-force display
- Turbocharger boost pressure display
Lexus NX 300 Luxury is the flagship model with:
- 3-inch infotainment display
- Navigation system
- Leather upholstery
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Moonroof
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Builds on base trim’s features
What Engines Come In the Lexus NX?
The engine found in the 2021 Lexus NX is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers 235 horsepower. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, contributing to a smooth and responsive driving experience. It achieves a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG and can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in roughly 7 seconds, providing a blend of efficiency and agility suitable for everyday driving.
What Colors Does the Lexus NX Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Lexus NX?
The 2021 Lexus NX sets a high standard for comfort, living up to Lexus’ reputation for luxury and refinement. Inside the cabin, passengers are greeted with a well-appointed and serene environment, tailored to provide a relaxing driving experience. The seats are a standout feature, offering ample support and cushioning, which are essential for both short commutes and long journeys. The front seats come with a range of adjustments, including lumbar support, making sure that drivers of various sizes can find their optimal driving position. Additionally, the availability of heated and ventilated seats adds an extra layer of comfort, especially in extreme weather conditions.
The NX’s interior is not just about the physical comfort of its seats; it also excels in creating a tranquil cabin space. Lexus has employed high-quality materials throughout, from soft-touch surfaces to optional leather upholstery, contributing to an overall sense of luxury. The cabin design effectively minimizes external noise, thanks to sound-dampening materials and meticulous engineering. This quiet interior is conducive to both relaxed conversations and enjoying the vehicle’s entertainment system. Speaking of entertainment, the NX features a user-friendly infotainment system with crisp displays and intuitive controls, enhancing the overall user experience.
Ride quality in the 2021 Lexus NX further contributes to its comfort credentials. The suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, providing a smooth ride even on less-than-ideal road surfaces. Steering is responsive yet easy, making the vehicle feel stable and controlled, which is reassuring for both the driver and passengers. In summary, the 2021 Lexus NX is an embodiment of comfort, combining a plush interior, serene ambiance, and smooth ride quality, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort in their driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Lexus NX Have?
The 2021 Lexus NX offers a competitive amount of storage space that aligns well with its status as a luxury compact SUV. The vehicle’s cargo area provides 17.7 cubic feet of room behind the rear seats. This space can be further expanded to about 54.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down, offering versatility for various loading needs. In practical terms, the cargo area in its standard configuration can comfortably accommodate items like a couple of medium-sized suitcases or several grocery bags, making it suitable for everyday errands or weekend getaways. When expanded, the space is ample enough to hold larger items such as a bicycle, a small piece of furniture, or a set of golf clubs, demonstrating the NX’s adaptability to different lifestyle requirements.
In addition to the main cargo area, the 2021 Lexus NX also offers a variety of small interior storage spaces designed to enhance convenience and organization. The vehicle includes door pockets that are sufficiently sized to hold small items like water bottles or umbrellas. The center console and glove compartment offer additional enclosed storage, ideal for keeping personal items like wallets, phones, or small electronics secure and out of sight. Moreover, there are other thoughtful touches, such as cup holders and a defined area for smartphones, which underscore the NX’s focus on driver and passenger comfort. These features, combined with the main cargo capacity, make the Lexus NX a practical choice for those who value both luxury and functionality in their driving experience.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Lexus NX was introduced in 2015 as a new small luxury SUV.
2015: First model year for the Lexus NX which is a smaller and more budget-conscious SUV in Lexus’ lineup.
2016: Lexus Enform apps have been added for smartphone integration.
2017: Scout GPS Link navigation system is standard across all models.
2018: Renamed to NX300, has a larger central screen, and Safety System+ is standard across all models.
2019: No changes from earlier years.
2020: More driver assistance features added, Android Auto offered, and a Mark Levinson stereo system is available.
2021: Auto-dimming rearview mirror and blind spot monitoring are standard on all models.
How Does the Lexus NX Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Lexus NX is a great small luxury SUV since it offers a ton of safety features paired with excellent long-term reliability ratings.
The Acura RDX is another small luxury SUV which costs about $1,500 less. The stereo system is easier to use in the Acura RDX, while the Lexus NX offers lower ownership costs as it ages. We recommend the Lexus NX since it’s one of the longest-lasting small SUVs on the market.
The Lexus RX is a larger SUV offered by Lexus, which is about $4,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Lexus RX, while the Lexus NX offers more responsive steering. We recommend the Lexus RX for most people since it’s a bit nicer, although both are extremely reliable SUVs.
