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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $36,234–$46,742 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.9/10, the 2020 Lexus NX earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.7/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 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. Reliability comes in at 7.2/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.7/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 8.7/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $36,234–$46,742, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus NX sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.7/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2020 Lexus NX as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in value and performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 →
The 2020 Lexus NX ranks #293 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 88% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $36,234 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $36,079.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Lexus NX scores 7.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting 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 (this review) | 7.9/10 | $36,234 | |
| 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 | 7.6/10 | $31,293 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.7/10 | $30,057 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.