The 2018 Lexus NX lasts around 300,000 miles with relatively minor wind noise and window regulator issues reported. At $26,800 to $36,970, it’s expensive, but worth it for one of the most reliable small luxury SUVs on the market.
Is the 2018 Lexus NX a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2018 is a great year for the Lexus NX since it offers a lot of luxury and reliability in an affordable package. Owner reviews praise the stereo system, low ownership costs, along with the advanced safety technology.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for a compact SUV, the seats are very comfortable on long trips, cargo space is also okay for its size.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no mechanical problems reported on the 2018 Lexus NX. Models from 2015–2022 are all extremely reliable small luxury SUVs.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard four-cylinder engine, although it’s not as fast as some competitors.
- Safety 9/10 – The Lexus NX is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane keep assist, along with adaptive cruise control. Optional upgrades include adaptive headlights as well as rear cross traffic alert.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 25 MPG, giving 397 miles of range from the 15.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $12 higher than average, at $225 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Lexus NX is cheaper than some other small luxury SUVs, with slow depreciation rates, making it a great value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Lexus NX?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Lexus NX offers a lot of great amenities and a supple ride for a luxury SUV, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Lexus NX at 4.2/5, praising the great passenger room in the rear seats, but doesn’t like the distracting Remote Touch technology interface.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2018 NX a 4.5/5, enjoying the great luxury features, but owners don’t like the weaker engine than some competitors.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Lexus NX Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Lexus NX include excessive wind noise, the windows not rolling down, and a frozen rearview camera. Overall, these problems are relatively minor for a luxury SUV, leading to relatively low repair costs as the NX ages.
Excessive wind noise is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Lexus NX owners, showing up within the first 2,500 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a pinched or damaged bit of weather stripping on the door. Often the problem can be fixed for free, although if it’s torn it will need to be replaced. Changing out the gasket costs around $250.
The windows not rolling down is another problem reported by some 2018 NX owners at roughly 65,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a damaged window regulator or a worn out motor. Replacing the window regulator costs about $400, while a new window motor is an additional $350.
A frozen rearview camera has also shown up on some NX models in the first 1,000 miles of ownership. There are software updates available for the stereo system which improves the reliability of the camera system. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50 for labor.
There is only one recall on the 2018 Lexus NX 300, which is better than a lot of other luxury SUVs on the market. The recall is for the fuel pump which may fail, causing the engine to stall and affects many Lexus and Toyota vehicles. Lexus will replace the fuel pump on affected models for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Lexus NX Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Lexus NX can last around 300,000 miles, which is much longer than other small luxury SUVs like the Mercedes GLA. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than many competitors, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $483 per year.
As a used 2018 Lexus NX reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the stabilizer bar links for $150, transfer case output shaft seal costing $300, along with the A/C refrigerant pressure switch which costs $550.
It does not have a lot of power when you are trying to pass another car but does not bother me. The interior of the car is not as luxurious as other Lexus models or other similar cars.
I am really satisfy to drive Lexus NX car right now. I don't think, I have any problem right now. easy to park, cause NX has sensor
Yes the Lexus NX is very reliable. It is safe in all aspects and warns you right away if anything is off or wrong.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard 8-inch display with a touchpad interface. Optional upgrades include a larger 10.3-inch screen and a premium sound system.
Standard safety technology is much better than other SUVs with the Lexus Safety System which has:
- Pre-collision warning
- Automatic braking system
- Brake assist
- Pedestrian detection system
- Rearview camera
- Lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
- Automatic high beams
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Surround-view parking camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Adaptive headlights
Is the 2018 Lexus NX a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Lexus NX is a good value since it offers a decent amount of luxury paired with high reliability ratings as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $26,800 to $36,970, making it less than a Porsche Macan or BMW X3. When new, the price range was $35,985 to $39,775. Depreciation is better than a lot of competitors, only losing about 6% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Lexus NX?
There are two main models of the Lexus NX offered from the Base to the 300 F Sport, there are also options packages available on both. The NX comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 17-inch wheels
- LED headlights, fog lights, and running lights
- Keyless ignition and entry
- Automatic dual-zone climate control
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Simulated-leather upholstery (Lexus’ NuLuxe)
- 60/40-split folding and reclining back seat
- 8-inch infotainment display with a touchpad interface
- Eight-speaker sound system
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning and mitigation
- Lane departure warning and intervention
- Automatic high beams
- Optional Comfort package (heated and ventilated front seats, leather wrapped steering wheel, blind-spot monitoring)
- Optional Premium package (Comfort package plus 18-inch wheels, sunroof, driver-seat memory settings, power-adjustable steering wheel)
300 F Sport is a step up, adding:
- All features of the base trim
- 18-inch wheels
- Special exterior styling elements
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Special interior trim and NuLuxe color schemes
- More aggressively bolstered seats
- Different gauges
- Sport steering wheel
- Optional Luxury package (Premium package plus automatic wipers, heated steering wheel, leather upholstery)
- Optional Navigation package (larger 10.3-inch screen, premium sound system)
- Additional options include front and rear parking sensors, power liftgate, upgraded LED headlights, and adaptive suspension dampers.
What Engines Come In the Lexus NX?
There’s a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the NX 300. This engine produces 235 horsepower, at up to 25 miles per gallon. It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Performance is okay and can accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds.
What Colors Does the Lexus NX Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Lexus NX?
The 2018 Lexus NX offers a high level of comfort that is a signature trait of the Lexus brand. Both front and rear seats are well-padded and supportive, guaranteeing a relaxed ride for all occupants. The front seats, in particular, are power-adjustable, providing an excellent opportunity for individual comfort customization. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom, even for taller passengers, making long-distance journeys a breeze.
Luxury extends to the materials used in the cabin as well. The NX comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery, though genuine leather is available. High-quality, soft-touch materials adorn the cabin, complementing the plush seating and adding to the overall comfort of the vehicle.
The ride quality in the 2018 Lexus NX is also praiseworthy. The suspension is designed to absorb most road imperfections, delivering a smooth and quiet ride. This compact SUV also boasts excellent sound insulation, keeping wind and road noise to a minimum.
How Much Storage Space Does the Lexus NX Have?
The 2018 Lexus NX provides a reasonable amount of storage space for a compact luxury SUV. The cargo capacity stands at 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. To give you a better idea, this space can comfortably accommodate around four to five suitcases of varying sizes, or a weekly grocery haul for a small to medium-sized family.
If you need more storage room, the rear seats can be folded down to increase the cargo capacity. Once folded, the storage space expands to a substantial 54.6 cubic feet. This allows for larger items to be carried with ease, such as a bicycle, a small piece of furniture, or even a medium-sized flat-screen TV.
While the Lexus NX does not boast the largest cargo area in its class, it still provides a practical amount of space for everyday items and occasional bulky cargo. Additionally, its carefully engineered design provides easy loading and unloading of items, making it an excellent choice for those who value convenience and practicality.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Lexus NX was introduced for the 2015 model year.
2015: First model year for the new Lexus NX, which is a smaller and more budget-conscious SUV added to the Lexus lineup.
2016: Smartphone features added with Lexus Enform.
2017: Scout GPS Link navigation standard on all models with smartphone connectivity.
2018: Renamed to NX300, Safety System+ standard on all models, larger infotainment screen.
2019: No changes from other years.
2020: More driver safety features added, Android Auto smartphone features, and an optional Mark Levinson stereo system.
2021: Blind-spot monitoring and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are now standard on all models.
How Does the Lexus NX Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Lexus NX is a great compact luxury SUV since it offers decent features, advanced technology, and excellent long-term reliability ratings.
The Lexus RX is a larger SUV from Lexus which costs about $5,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Lexus RX, while the Lexus NX has a sportier driving experience with more responsive steering. We recommend the Lexus RX for most shoppers since the extra room is worth the money, although both are very good choices worth testing to see which you prefer.
The Acura RDX is another small luxury SUV which is about $2,000 less. Performance is better in the Acura RDX since it has a stronger engine, while the Lexus NX comes standard with more safety technology. We recommend the Lexus NX for most buyers since it’s a little more advanced, although both are excellent SUVs.
Do Owners Recommend the Lexus NX?
Yes it is a good vehicle easy to drive, gets good gas mileage..Has a lot of safety features too like lane alert, alerts you if cars are near you, rear view camera.
Yes, I love NX car.. less gas input, lot of function in there.. NX car has special sensor so easy to park and safe.
Yes, it is a high quality vehicle with lots of luxury qualities. It drives smoothly, looks amazing, and has top of the line safety features.