2016 Lexus NX — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV

2016 Lexus NX

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $31,293–$41,301
Fuel Economy 20 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,625/yr

Key Specifications — 2016 Lexus NX

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$31,293–$41,301

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%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →

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.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2026 8.2/10$42,410 Read review →
2025 8.2/10$42,410 Read review →
2024 8.2/10$41,175 Read review →
2023 8.1/10$39,939 Read review →
2022 8.0/10$38,704 Read review →
2021 8.0/10$37,469 Read review →
2020 7.9/10$36,234 Read review →
2019 8.0/10$34,998 Read review →
2018 7.9/10$33,763 Read review →
2017 7.8/10$32,528 Read review →
2016 (this review) 7.6/10$31,293
2015 7.7/10$30,057 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2016 Lexus NX

✓ What it does well

  • 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 by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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.

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.

Owner Essentials — Lexus NX

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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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.