DecodedCars2018 Lexus NX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 300 4dr SUV AWD, 300h 4dr SUV AWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 31 combined · 33 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,869–4,046 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 34% better than the average 2018 small SUV (23.2 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 Lexus NX is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 73 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,869 lb (300 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 31 MPG combined (33 city / 30 highway), 34% better than the 2018 small SUV average of 23.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 NX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 NX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Miyawaka, Fukuoka
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2018 NX configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300 4dr SUV AWD | 182.3 in | 72.8 in | 65 in | 104.7 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 3,869 lb | 59/41 |
| 300h 4dr SUV AWD | 182.3 in | 72.8 in | 65 in | 104.7 in | 62.2 / 62.2 in | 4,046 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX 300h AWD Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 33 / 30 / 31 | +34% | $2,150 | 283 |
| NX 300 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | 0% | $3,300 | 360 |
| NX 300 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +3% | $3,400 | 363 |
| NX 300 AWD F Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +3% | $3,400 | 374 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Lexus NX.
Similar 2018 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Lexus NX (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2018 BMW X3 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2018 Porsche Macan | 22 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2018 Audi Q5 | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2018 Volvo XC60 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2018 Acura RDX | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2018 BMW X4 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Nov 4, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V682000 · 1,525,742 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Risk
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Not every 2018 Lexus NX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2018 Lexus NX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 8 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Service Brakes — 5 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 4 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 17,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Lexus NX. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other NX years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 NX | 40 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2025 NX | 39 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 18 |
| 2024 NX | 39 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 6 | 48 |
| 2023 NX | 39 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 5 | 18 |
| 2022 NX | 39 | 183.5 in | Not rated | 7 | 31 |
| 2021 NX | 31 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 17 |
| 2020 NX | 31 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 28 |
| 2019 NX | 31 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 44 |
| 2017 NX | 31 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 30 |
| 2016 NX | 32 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 27 |
| 2015 NX | 32 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 47 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →