The 2020 Lexus NX lasts around 300,000 miles, with some minor paint and window issues reported. At $31,850 to $39,615, it’s a great value for a compact luxury SUV that will out-last the competition.
Is the 2020 Lexus NX a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 9/10 – 2020 is a great year for the Lexus NX since it’s luxurious and affordable to own long-term. Owner reviews praise the efficient engine, advanced safety technology, and the smooth suspension on rough roads.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for a small SUV, the seats offer great support on long drives, cargo space is also decent for the size.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2020 Lexus NX. In general, models from 2015–2022 are all extremely reliable small luxury SUVs.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the four-cylinder engine, although it’s not as fast as some of the German luxury SUVs.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2020 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 a blind spot monitoring system.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is fine at up to 25 MPG, offering 397 miles of range from the 15.9 gallon tank. Gas costs are $9 higher than average at $249 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2020 Lexus NX is less expensive than some other compact luxury SUVs with low depreciation rates, making it an excellent value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Lexus NX?
- Consumer Reports says the 2020 Lexus NX offers a luxurious ambiance for the money, with very high owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Lexus NX at 4.1/5, enjoying the standard high-tech safety features, but doesn’t like that it’s not as sporty as some of the competitors.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the NX a 4.5/5, praising the overall pleasant driving experience for a small SUV, but owners don’t like the limited interior room.
What Common Problems Does the 2020 Lexus NX Have?
Common problems reported on the 2020 Lexus NX include chipping paint on the front bumper, windows failing to roll up or down, and some stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other small luxury SUVs on the market, leading to lower repair costs as an NX ages.
Chipping paint on the front bumper is the most widespread complaint from 2020 NX owners, showing up within the first 10,000 miles. The sharp angular design of the front bumper makes it prone to stone chips. Some owners do touch up paint, which costs around $150, while others repaint the front bumper for around $1,000.
Windows failing to roll up or down is another problem mentioned by some 2020 NX owners at roughly 30,000 miles. Window regulators are a known weak spot in many Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The only way to fix the problem is by replacing the parts, which cost around $650.
Stereo system issues also show up on some 2020 Lexus NX models within the first 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo system, which improves its reliability. Most dealerships will install these updates for free during normal servicing, while others charge around $50 for labor.
There are no recalls on the 2020 Lexus NX, which is better than most other small SUVs on the market. Since there are no recalls, it simply means none of the issues have affected the safety or overall reliability of the SUV.
How Long Will the 2020 Lexus NX Last?
A well-maintained 2020 Lexus NX can last around 300,000 miles, which is longer than other compact luxury SUVs, including the BMW X3. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $418 per year.
As a used 2020 NX reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the engine oil level sensor costing $550, knock sensor costing $650, along with the A/C compressor, which costs around $1,000.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great, and includes an 8-inch central display screen with Apple CarPlay and Android auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a 14-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system.
Standard safety technology is better than other small SUVs with:
- Rearview camera
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Bicyclist detection
- Lane keep assist
- Traffic sign recognition
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Front and rear parking sensors
Is the 2020 Lexus NX a Good Value?
Yes, the 2020 Lexus NX is a great value if you’re looking for an upscale compact SUV with excellent long-term reliability ratings. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $31,850 to $39,615, making it more than an Audi Q3 or Cadillac XT4. When new, the price range was $36,870 to $45,360. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Lexus NX?
There are three main models of the NX offered, including the base 2020 Lexus NX 300, the NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300 Luxury. All models come standard with front-wheel drive, while all wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Lexus NX 300 is the entry-level model with:
- 17-inch wheels
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning and mitigation
- Lane departure warning and intervention
- Keyless ignition and entry
- Power-adjustable front seats
- Simulated-leather upholstery (NuLuxe)
- 8-inch infotainment display with Remote Touchpad
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility
- Eight-speaker sound system
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Reclining rear seats
- Bluetooth and a USB port
- Wi-Fi hot spot, HD Radio
- Standard driver assistance features (rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, bicyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition) as part of Lexus Safety System+ 2.0
Lexus NX 300 F Sport is a step up, adding:
- 18-inch wheels
- Special exterior styling elements
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Aggressively bolstered seats
- Sport steering wheel
- Two additional drive modes
- Unique styling elements
- Black grille surround
- Front sport seats with enhanced bolsters
Lexus NX 300 Luxury is the flagship model, which has:
- Heated steering wheel
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Moonroof
- Optional packages (e.g., Comfort, Premium, Navigation)
- Optional 14-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system
- Available power liftgate
- Optional panoramic view monitor
- Optional upgraded LED headlights
- Available adaptive suspension dampers (F Sport only)
What Engines Come In the Lexus NX?
The standard engine in the 2020 Lexus NX is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers a robust 235 horsepower. This engine is paired with a smooth six-speed automatic transmission and provides a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG (22 city/28 highway for the FWD model). When it comes to acceleration, this variant can go from 0 to 60 MPH in a respectable 7.2 seconds, offering a balance between efficiency and responsive performance.
What Colors Does the Lexus NX Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Lexus NX?
The 2020 Lexus NX scores highly on the comfort scale, solidifying its position as a luxury compact SUV. From the moment you step inside, the NX envelops you in a cocoon of comfort with its meticulously crafted cabin. The seating in the Lexus NX is particularly noteworthy, featuring well-padded, supportive seats upholstered with high-quality materials that make both short commutes and longer journeys a pleasure. The front seats are designed with ample adjustability and, in higher trims, include features such as heating, ventilation, and memory settings, providing personalized comfort for the driver and front passenger.
The ride quality is smooth, thanks to the vehicle’s suspension system adeptly absorbing most bumps and dips in the road, providing a serene driving experience typical of the Lexus brand. Noise insulation is also top-notch in the NX, with very minimal road or wind noise entering the cabin, even at higher speeds. This tranquility enhances overall comfort, allowing passengers to enjoy conversation, listen to music, or simply appreciate the quietness during their journey.
Rear-seat passengers haven’t been overlooked either, as they enjoy a generous amount of legroom and headroom, making the space cozy for adults as well as children. The climate control system, which maintains the interior at an ideal temperature, is a notable feature, with rear vents making sure those sitting in the back are just as comfortable as those in the front.
How Much Storage Space Does the Lexus NX Have?
The 2020 Lexus NX is a luxury compact SUV that skillfully combines an elegant design with practical utility. When it comes to storage space, this model offers decent capacity for its class, although it’s not the most spacious option available. Specifically, the Lexus NX provides 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. This space is suitable for your everyday needs, such as accommodating a couple of medium-sized suitcases, a stroller, or a week’s worth of groceries. For larger transport needs, the rear seats can be folded down, expanding the cargo area to 54.6 cubic feet. This larger space can hold bulkier items like bicycles, large boxes, or even small pieces of furniture.
In addition to the main cargo area, the Lexus NX caters to storage and organization with various small interior storage compartments. These include a glovebox, a reasonably-sized center console bin, door pockets in the front and rear doors for smaller items like bottles or umbrellas, and cup holders for both front and rear passengers. The central armrest also provides additional space, perfect for tablets, books, or other items you want to keep handy. Additionally, under the cargo area floor, there is a small hidden compartment where you can store items out of sight or keep valuables. While the Lexus NX isn’t the leader in its segment for cargo space, it smartly balances luxury and practicality, offering multiple storage solutions for an organized and comfortable ride.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Lexus NX was introduced for the 2015 model year as a new small SUV.
2015: First model year for the Lexus NX, which is a more budget-focused SUV in the Lexus lineup.
2016: Lexus Enform apps added to have better smartphone integration than in earlier years.
2017: Scout GPS Link navigation system is standard on all models.
2018: Renamed to NX300, larger central screen added, and Safety System+ is now standard on all models.
2019: No updates from earlier years.
2020: More driver assistance features added, Android Auto now offered, optional Mark Levinson stereo system available.
2021: Blind spot monitoring and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are standard on all models.
How Does the Lexus NX Compare to the Competition?
The 2020 Lexus NX is a great compact luxury SUV since it pairs a lot of advanced technology with some of the highest long-term reliability ratings on the market.
The Lexus RX is a larger competitor, which costs about $5,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Lexus RX, while the Lexus NX feels more nimble and responsive to drive. We recommend the Lexus RX for most people, but both are very good SUVs worth testing to see which you prefer.
The Acura RDX is another small luxury SUV which can be found for about $1,500 less. The cargo space is slightly better in the Acura RDX, while the Lexus NX comes standard with more safety features. We recommend the Lexus NX since it has lower predicted ownership costs as it ages.
