Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Lexus NX
The 2016 Lexus NX is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.6/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.7/10, while Reliability at 6.7/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.7/10 for reliability, this suv trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. On safety, it scores 8.5/10 in our assessment. Always confirm the official crash-test results for your exact trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.7/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining suvs to actually drive. At 7.2/10 for technology, the infotainment and driver-assist package does its job without setting benchmarks — check which features cost extra on lower trims.
Priced from $31,293–$41,301, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus NX sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Its value score of 8.1/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2016 Lexus NX will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on reliability if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good suv should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2016 Lexus NX ranks #737 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 70% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.2 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $31,293 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 13%.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which NX Year Should You Buy?
Across the NX model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Engaging driving dynamics with class-leading power and handling
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2016 Lexus NX (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Side/window 31/01/2018 · 18V085000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2016 Toyota Prius and Lexus RX 350, RX 350 F Sport, RX 450h F Sport and RX 450h vehicles and 2015-2016 Lexus NX 200T, NX Turbo and NX 300h vehicles. The air bag pressure sensors and/or…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2016 Lexus NX that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2016 Lexus NX
Is the 2016 Lexus NX reliable?
We rate the 2016 Lexus NX's reliability 6.7/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2016 Lexus NX have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2016 Lexus NX worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #737 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 70% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2016 Lexus NX cost?
The 2016 Lexus NX starts at $31,293 and ranges up to $41,301 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which NX years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest NX years we've rated are 2016 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.2/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2016 Lexus NX have?
The documented issues for the 2016 Lexus NX are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Lexus NX
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More Lexus Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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