Lexus NX 300h

The 2021 Lexus NX 300h is a compact hybrid SUV that's comfortable, fuel-efficient, and built with a wealth of high-quality materials in the cabin. It comes packed with all sorts of standard safety tech such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and forward collision mitigation. There are lots of options to choose from too, including heated and ventilated front seats, a 360-degree parking camera and even a 14-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. Clearly, there's a lot to like about the NX 300h. But it's not without fault.

The NX 300h's tech interface is its Achilles' heel, and even the most tech-savvy person will find it difficult to use. Cargo space is also limited in the NX, with only 16.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and a sloping rear roof that makes it more difficult to accommodate large items. These drawbacks aren't deal-breakers, though. We still enjoy driving the 2021 Lexus NX 300h, and we're impressed by its ride comfort, fuel economy and build quality.

Which NX 300h does MatoCar recommend?

The 2021 Lexus NX 300h is a five-seat compact hybrid SUV that's available in three trim levels: base 300h, Luxury and F Sport Black Line. All trim levels come with a hybrid system that includes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and delivers a total of 194 horsepower. The NX 300h is available only with all-wheel drive.

Standard equipment on the base 300h includes:

• LED headlights, foglights and running lights
• Automatic dual-zone climate control
• Power-adjustable front seats and a power-adjustable steering wheel
• Simulated leather upholstery (Lexus' NuLuxe)
• 60/40-split folding and reclining back seat

For tech features, the base 300h includes:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• 8-inch infotainment display with a touchpad interface (Remote Touch)
• Eight-speaker sound system

Standard safety features include:

• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Lexus and the car in front)
• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the NX 300h back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)

The Luxury trim level comes with:

• 10.3-inch display with navigation
• Upgraded leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Power-sliding moonroof

On top of the base items, the F Sport Black Line adds:

• Sport-tuned suspension
• Unique exterior trim including a unique front grille and color-matched fenders
• Blue interior accent stitching and sport front seats
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Heated steering wheel

Most options are available across all trim levels in packages or as stand-alone items and include: 

• Towing package with a 1,500-pound towing capacity
• 360-degree parking camera
• Adaptive headlights
• Power-folding and -reclining rear seats
• 10-speaker premium or 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system