2015
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015

Lexus NX Change Vehicle

The NX's looks promise good performance, and its handling is indeed sharp. Responsiveness is good compared with a typical Lexus, but handling and braking are a notch below competitors from Germany. The NX doesn't deliver the quiet, calm, and serene ride you might expect from a Lexus either. Inside the cabin, you're not cosseted with parlor-room luxury.
Alerts
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
2015
New 2020 2019
Used 2018 2017 2016 2015

Lexus NX

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver Good
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit,
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
NA
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
NA
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
NA
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
NA
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
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Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags standard.
Road Test

The NX's looks promise good performance, and its handling is indeed sharp. Responsiveness is good compared with a typical Lexus, but handling and braking are a notch below competitors from Germany. The NX doesn't deliver the quiet, calm, and serene ride you might expect from a Lexus either.

Inside the cabin, you're not cosseted with parlor-room luxury. Many parts and panels look and feel cheap, costing the NX points for fit and finish. The bolstered seats are supportive, but lumbar-support adjustment is limited. The rear is adequate for two. The cargo area is also quite limited, making us question the "utility" part of this SUV.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
AWD , Front
Warranty

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door SUV
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed Automatic
  • CVT
Engines Available
  • 2-liter 4 turbo (235 hp)
  • 2.5-liter 4 hybrid (194 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Lexus NX owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

Display screen difficult to see

"Recalled and replaced by dealer"

Anonymous, NY (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Screen became distorted, apparently from the effects of sun exposure. Dealer replaced it under warranty and we began to use a sun screen over the windshield when car parked"

J J., FL (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Screen goes blank"

Anonymous, MA (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Display screen is not shielded so constant changes in the outside lighting conditions (shade to bright sunshine) can make the screen display very difficult to see at times. Constantly changing brightness/contrast manually is not a vivable option whil"

Anonymous, VA (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Display screen freezes up

"Our dash and info displays have frozen more than once. We also really prefer the touch screen in the Highlander versus the remote touch pad in the Lexus. It is distracting"

Anonymous, NC (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"While tuning to the radio, the entire infotainment system froze when attempting to turn the volume up using the steering wheel controls. The steering wheel controls would not effect any change to the Display screen, and neither would the touchpad"

Anonymous, NC (2015 Lexus NX 200t F Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"Radii control stopped working entirely"

Anonymous, MA (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
In-dash navigation system (GPS)

"Terrible. Hard to use with or without voice"

Lawrence B., CT (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"The nav system is inferior in every way to Apple Maps and to Google Maps: (1) it does not respond quickly to changing traffic conditions; (2) it's guidance display is inferior; it's routing capabilities are inferior"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"infotainment sytem froze up , just like consumer reports 200t nx did. it was replaced and no problem since!"

Colleen C., IN (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The gps is very basic, and cannot find locations that are eaisiky found with our iPhones.mit does not respond to voice commands and is awkward to use with the touch pad. It's very sad to have such a poor system in a new car"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Lexus NX 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"See comments above. The amount of data presented is overwhelming. There comes a point where the information available is difficult to manuval through the screen to obtain. This is especially true if one is driving"

Anonymous, VA (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Radio

"Signal cutting out. Lexus still investigating"

Dean S., TX (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"It takes 2 to 4 steps to switch from an AM station to an FM station"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Voice control commands

"When using navigation, response is nothing close to command"

Lawrence B., CT (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Not intuitive at all. You can get caught in endless loops that are difficult to get out of without manually finding an exit on the screen using the touch pad. A total waste of time, money and a safety issue because it raises your anxiety and distraction levels"

Anonymous, ON (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"no very good"

Tony B., FL (2015 Lexus NX 200t F Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Even after "training" the voice control does not recognize voice commands. The navigation system is rudimentary at best, unable to find things"

Anonymous, CA (2015 Lexus NX 300h 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

"I have never named a car. I have named this car "Rattle Bucket". Numerous rattles and Lexus cannot seem to fix them. I gave up and can't wait to turn it in at the end of the lease"

Bruce F., TX (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"I bought this car in November o 2015 and I already listen to a few noises while driving it. I think the car is fairly new and shouldn't have the noises"

Anonymous, UT (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"A lot of interior buzz, passenger seat rattle, and other small annoying sounds"

Anonymous, NC (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Dashboard rattles, both rear windows rattle when cracked"

Anonymous, WI (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"I hear too many rattling noises in the car while driving. It is not like my previous LS or RX 350"

Anonymous, GA (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Cabin road noise is louder than it was on my 2001 Toyota Highlander. Definitely not what I had expected from a Lexus. For this reason, I will not buy Lexus again. Apparently Lexus does not maintain the same standard of cabin soundproofing on all their various models. Very disappointing"

Anonymous, TN (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Very poor engineering. Toyota esthetic concerns more important than interior noise"

Anonymous, RI (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Wind and Tire noise unbearable"

William G., RI (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
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Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Keyless entry

"emergency flashers went off and I could not open the driver's door without the key"

Anonymous, CT (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"i gave you this answer already"

Anonymous, CT (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

"The sunroof motor has failed two times. The entire sunroof has been replaced once. The car has been to the service department 6 times for work on the sunroof"

Anonymous, LA (2015 Lexus NX 200t F Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Hatchback stuck in open position and wouldn't close. I had to force a closure which broke a valve and caused expensive repair charge"

Thomas S., TX (2015 Lexus NX 200t 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Electronic ignition

"Car didn't start after sitting in driver seat for 2 hrs. Got out of the car and re entered and car started"

Anonymous, HI (2015 Lexus NX 300h 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

"In the manufacturing process Lexus did not run enough carpet up behind the break pedal to the top of the interior firewall. I am 6'03" so my foot was constantly touching the uncarpeted area and causing the insulation to fall into the driver's footwell. After numerous service visits, and the involvement of the regional service rep. the interior had to be removed and carpeting replace and a new section cut and added on the firewall"

Anonymous, LA (2015 Lexus NX 200t F Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Parking brake

"A sensor in the parking brake system was on recall brought it to Lexus they fixed it everything now is good"

Ed L., NJ (2015 Lexus NX 200t F Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

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