DecodedCars2020 Lexus NX
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 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
- Horsepower
- 235 hp
- 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
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 31 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2020 small SUV (23.5 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 235 hp, versus about 363 hp for similar 2020 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 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), 32% better than the 2020 small SUV average of 23.5 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 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 28 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the fuel/propulsion system.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 NX — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 NX →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Miyawaka, Fukuoka · Tahara, Aichi
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2020 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 | +32% | $2,150 | 285 |
| NX 300 | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | -2% | $3,300 | 358 |
| NX 300 AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 24 | +2% | $3,400 | 362 |
| NX 300 AWD F Sport | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | +2% | $3,400 | 374 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2020 Lexus NX.
Similar 2020 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Lexus NX (this car) | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Tesla Model Y | 316 mi | ★★★★★ | 24 |
| 2020 Land Rover Defender | 19 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2020 BMW X3 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 16 |
| 2020 Porsche Macan | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2020 Audi Q5 | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2020 Volvo XC60 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Lexus NX.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 Lexus NX is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Lexus NX buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- 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.
- Engine — 8 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Visibility/Wiper — 4 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,300 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 2020 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 |
| 2019 NX | 31 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 44 |
| 2018 NX | 31 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 26 |
| 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 →