Lexus NX 300 2020 Review

The 2020 Lexus NX 300 Luxury on test here is at the very base of the Lexus NX range. It’s a front-wheel-drive model powered by the more affordable turbocharged engine in entry-level trim.

What that means is a starting price of $57,500 before on-road costs – and before you add options such as metallic paint at $1500 and an enhancement pack (basically a moonroof) for $2500.

Pricing recently increased across the board for the Lexus NX, but even with the higher starting mark (+$1800) and with options fitted, the NX 300 Luxury still sits well below the luxury car tax threshold.

This car on test was vanilla spec, however. No options fitted. Even the colour was a solid black for no extra charge.

Standard equipment in this grade of Lexus NX 300 runs to a 10.3-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, 10-speaker audio with digital radio, satellite navigation, climate control, keyless entry/starting, tyre pressure monitoring and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Lexus has also recently upgraded the safety equipment for the NX (see below).

The warranty for the Lexus NX 300 is limited to four years and 100,000km, whichever occurs first, with the NX 300 supported by roadside assistance for four years. Lexus recommends servicing at 15,000km or 12 months.

In 2019, the Lexus NX range underwent a program to improve its safety systems.

At that time, the autonomous emergency braking and forward collision alert systems embraced cyclist detection for all variants, including the 2020 Lexus NX 300 Luxury. Lexus also introduced lane tracing assist, which tracks the path of the vehicle in front as well as monitoring line markings on the road to keep the NX in its lane and steering smoothly through bends.

Another feature adopted is parking support brake, which relies on information from the ultrasonic detectors around the car to apply braking and limit engine output at low speeds to avoid ‘touch’ parking.

Finally, the NX scored road sign assist, which like practically every other system of the type offered by Lexus and other brands, works well most of the time, but treats school zones as 40km/h-limited zones, even late at night.

Other standard safety features offered in the Lexus NX 300 Luxury include: automatic high beam, trailer sway control, reversing camera, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert and a tyre pressure warning system, plus a full complement of airbags – among them one each for driver and front passenger’s knees.

The engine powering the 2020 Lexus NX 300 Luxury is agreeably punchy and responsive. There’s plenty of torque on tap right up to the 6500rpm redline and the turbo-petrol four-cylinder is refined right through the rev range – including the upper reaches, where it sounds a bit meaty at wide-open throttle.

At 100km/h there is no powertrain noise or vibration, with the engine running at 1800rpm. We did note that from a cold start turbo whine is conspicuously present at lower speeds.

It’s not a particularly economical powerplant, given its displacement and the fact it’s propelling a medium SUV through the front wheels alone. Even with an idle-stop system to save fuel when the Lexus is sitting in traffic, consumption was on the high side.

Over the course of a country run, the Lexus posted a fuel consumption figure of 10.4L/100km.

The engine drives through a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. This gearbox shifts smoothly and quickly, but like most Toyota/Lexus units it’s calibrated to resist changing down if the engine is already revving above 4000rpm.

It also changes up automatically at the redline, even when it’s in manual mode and the driver is using the shift paddles.

This particular 2020 Lexus NX 300 Luxury on test was a visual knockout. The black really sets off the car’s lines, and the tan upholstery inside provides an aesthetic lift matched by the functional but stylish centre fascia, console and instrument binnacle.

Drivers fresh from a lower-riding passenger car will be immediately struck by the elevated driving position. In the Lexus, it’s not just that the hip point is age-appropriate for older buyers, the cowl seems low as well, so the field of vision ahead will likely suit shorter drivers.

The comfortable front seats also hold the occupants securely in place under high lateral loads and provide enough adjustment in every dimension. And seat heating was welcome on a cold day, too.

A stylish dash and fascia combine in an ergonomically acceptable layout. The infotainment screen is large, but not especially easy to comprehend until you’re familiar with the graphic icons and what they represent.

The starter button on the dash is clearly visible and easily within reach. Major instruments are easy to read and most controls operate conventionally. The indicator stalk and the gated gear shifter are soft-damped and light to use, but with a pleasing action.

And then there’s Lexus’ problematic Remote Touch single point infotainment controller...

This has become our number-one gripe concerning current Lexus models, and unfortunately it’s no better in the NX 300.

It’s over-sensitive and ultimately imprecise. It quickly becomes a frustration if in use for any function that’s not replicated by switchgear on the steering wheel or in the centre fascia.

The Lexus NX 300 is roomy in the rear for adult passengers, and there are adjustable vents but no USB ports for the rear-seat occupants.

The centre-rear position has the seatbelt mounted in the roof, rather than draped over the seat. This is an aspect of the car’s design also common to Subarus reviewed recently and it’s bound to be an annoyance for owners if they frequently use both the centre seat for passengers but also lay the seats down for larger loads.

In the case of the NX 300, you may have to lower the seats more frequently (and remove the cargo blind as well) because the load space at the rear of the vehicle is quite shallow, even with a space-saver spare under the floor.

If the 2020 Lexus NX 300 is a mix of good and not-so-good, it compensates in the driving. The suspension borders on firm, by Lexus standards, but it’s not unacceptable, and translates to impressive levels of cornering grip, straight-line braking and traction.

The NX remains poised in bends or under brakes, without obvious signs of roll or dive. Steering is also reasonably communicative, too.

With its respectable brake pedal feel, the NX 300 will roll to a stop softly on its Bridgestone Dueler 225/60 R18 tyres. While the brakes are sufficiently powerful for emergency stops, the pedal is not too firm or heavy.

When the vehicle runs over the speed set using the active cruise control, as it can do on downhill slopes, an audible alert cheeps three times. On undulating roads, this quickly becomes tiresome.

While the headlights are effective, the auto high beam is slow to dip the lights until an oncoming car is well within 200 metres range.

In quite a few ways, the 2020 Lexus NX 300 Luxury is a bit of a charmer. Not everyone cares for the Lexus family looks, but the test vehicle scrubbed up pretty well.

And for a $57,500 car, the interior is undeniably appealing. It’s roomy and comfortable, fairly well equipped and safe, with reasonable driving dynamics and refined performance.

We’d rate the NX 300 more highly were it more economical, but what you gain with the alternate hybrid NX 300h you would lose in terms of power delivery and driving enjoyment.

Maybe the imminent Lexus NX 450h will be worth the wait.

In a broader context, the NX is deservedly the best-selling model in the local Lexus range.

Perhaps even the Remote Touch infotainment controller would not be a deal breaker, for the right person.

How much does the 2020 Lexus NX 300 Luxury cost?
Price: $57,500 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder
Output: 175kW/350Nm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.7L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 178g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five-star (ANCAP 2017)