Which Years Of Used Lexus NX Vehicles Are Most Reliable?
The Lexus NX is a luxury compact crossover SUV that’s part of the Lexus lineup. Introduced in 2014, it’s known for its sleek design, advanced technology, and premium comfort features – pretty much most of the good things you can expect from a luxury crossover. The NX stands for “Nimble Crossover,” a reference to its agility and performance.
Within the Lexus lineup, the NX sits between the smaller UX and the larger RX. It offers a balance of size, luxury, and price, making it a selling point for those looking for a premium crossover without moving into the full-size SUV category. Plus, the hybrid option also appeals to those seeking fuel efficiency without compromising on luxury. As such, the NX competes with the likes of BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Acura RDX and is undoubtedly a strong contender in the segment.
If you’re looking to buy a used Lexus NX, you’ve come to the right place. For today’s post, we’ll walk you through the most reliable Lexus NX year models and offer insights into why they’re worth your time and money.
2015-2021 Lexus NX (1st Generation)
The first-gen Lexus NX, launched in 2015, marked Lexus’s entry into the compact luxury SUV segment. With its bold design, sharp lines, and signature spindle grille, it quickly became a standout. Under the hood, the NX offered both turbocharged and hybrid powertrains, providing a blend of performance and efficiency.
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Buy: 2015 Lexus NX
Although we often advise our readers to steer clear of the first production years due to potential issues, we make an exception for the 2015 Lexus NX. Despite being almost a decade old, the 2015 NX offers strong reliability ratings and has little to no owner complaints. CarComplaints.com has documented only 30 complaints and a single recall for the 2015 NX. Many user complaints were about the A/C system, but it’s not a widespread issue.
With that said, Consumer Reports has given the 2015 Lexus NX a perfect reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0 and a “CR Recommended” badge. According to CR, the 2015 Lexus NX exhibits a blend of sharp handling and responsiveness, although it falls slightly short of its German competitors in handling and braking.
Add in the advanced safety features and strong safety scores; the 2015 Lexus NX is a well-rounded package of fun driving dynamics and practicality.
Buy: 2017 Lexus NX
The 2017 Lexus NX is another highly-rated and well-received iteration of the luxury crossover. Reliability is also on-point because this model year has very few complaints and no recalls. There are a few reports of interior accessory issues and engine problems, but no indication that they’re more than isolated incidents.
THE LEXUS NX YEARS TO AVOID
By understanding the Lexus NX years to avoid, you can bypass potential disappointments and expenses down the line.
The 2017 NX has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235 horsepower, providing solid acceleration and a smooth ride. The fuel economy is also impressive, estimated at 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. The NX is designed for comfortable daily driving with a cushioned ride, though it’s not the most athletic SUV in its class.
Reliability-wise, the 2017 Lexus NX scored a respectable 87 out of 100 from J.D. Power, with an overall 82 out of 100 rating. Moreover, Consumer Reports has also rated this NX model with a perfect reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0 and a “CR Recommended” badge. Regarding safety, the 2017 NX received five out of five stars overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was also named a 2017 IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
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Buy: 2018 Lexus NX
In terms of pure reliability, the 2018 Lexus NX is another winner in our books – thanks to its excellent reliability track record and being just a great luxury crossover in general. Like the previous models on this list of the most reliable Lexus NX year, the 2018 NX has strong reliability scores and only a handful of complaints.
The NX300 comes with a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Plus, It offers front-wheel or all-wheel drive options. While the acceleration is sufficiently peppy, it doesn’t match the speed of rivals like BMW, Infiniti, and Mercedes-Benz. Meanwhile, the hybrid NX300h is smooth and fuel-efficient but less powerful.
While it’s a top-notch crossover overall, the common complaint about the 2018 NX is its frustrating infotainment system, top-heavy cornering, and so-so acceleration. It does the job of a daily driver but might not be the best option if you want a more spirited drive.
Buy: 2019 Lexus NX
The 2019 model is another year that’s worthy of being called the most reliable Lexus NX year. Once again, the 2019 NX impresses with its robust reliability and safety scores. Plus, it’s yet another model year that received a perfect score of 5.0 out of 5.0 in reliability from Consumer Reports.
Furthermore, the 2019 NX stands out with its edgy styling and well-appointed interior. Unfortunately, many critics and owners alike have complained about the unwieldy nature of its infotainment system. In other words, it’s hard to operate due to the stock touchpad interface. Thankfully, it does come with standard Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa connectivity features.
The 2019 Lexus NX is a decent used luxury compact SUV that offers a comfortable ride, good gas mileage, and an exceptional predicted reliability rating. Just keep in mind that it’s not as athletic as its segment rivals, like the BMW X3.
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Avoid: 2021 Lexus NX
The 2021 Lexus NX is a good luxury crossover with excellent long-term reliability in a vacuum. However, it is hard to recommend this model year since it has failed as a segment competitor. Compared to its rivals, the 2021 Lexus NX can be underwhelming, especially in terms of performance. So if you’re paying a premium for a luxury SUV, you might as well settle for the best – and the 2021 Lexus NX is not it.
But don’t get us wrong because, reliability-wise, the 2021 Lexus NX is top-notch. It received a perfect reliability verdict from Consumer Reports and a “CR Recommended” badge.
Frequently Asked Questions: Most Reliable Lexus NX Years
Q: What are the most reliable Lexus NX model years?
A: The 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Lexus NX models are considered the most reliable. They have excellent reliability ratings, few owner complaints, and minimal recalls.
Q: Is the 2015 Lexus NX a good choice despite being the first production year?
A: Yes, unlike many first-production-year models, the 2015 Lexus NX has proven reliable. Consumer Reports gave it a perfect reliability score of 5.0 out of 5.0 and a “CR Recommended” badge.
Q: How reliable is the 2020 Lexus NX?
A: The 2020 Lexus NX continues the model’s excellent reliability trend. It has received high marks from reputable sources like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power, and few issues have been reported. The 2020 model also benefits from the improvements and refinements made throughout the first generation’s production run.
Q: Are there any Lexus NX model years to avoid?
A: While the 2021 Lexus NX has excellent long-term reliability, it may not be the best choice compared to its rivals regarding performance and overall value.
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