2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

Lexus, Toyota’s upscale sub-brand, is among the few luxury automakers that successfully merges technologically-advanced designs with consistently great reliability. Interiors are quiet and finished with finely-crafted materials. The engines are generally smooth and powerful. Many of its cars and SUVs are available with more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains. Lexus continues to sell sedans, with its ES, IS, and top-shelf LS models. Most of its SUVs have done well in our testing, including the NX, RX, and TX. The brand’s first all-electric vehicle, the RZ, is a luxury version of the Toyota bZ4X EV. Lexus also sells two-door coupes and convertibles, the RC and LC. Multiple Lexus models have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendation for used cars.

The NX is a pleasant compact luxury SUV. Handling is responsive, and the ride is firm. The cabin is quiet. The NX 300h hybrid gets an impressive 29-mpg overall, but it feels underpowered and tends to be noisy during acceleration or hill-climbing. The NX 300's 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder provides ample acceleration and delivers 24 mpg overall. Snazzy details lend the interior a high-tech appeal and anime style, but the cockpit is snug. Elbow room is a bit tight, and the styling compromises rear visibility and crimps cargo space. The fussy touchpad that's used to interact with the infotainment screen is frustrating and distracting to operate. FCW and AEB with pedestrain detection are standard from 2018. Standard BSW and RCTW are added from 2021.