carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $37,469–$48,549 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Lexus NX at 8.0/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 8.6/10, while Safety at 7.0/10 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. We score reliability at 7.9/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.0/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.6/10. The Lexus NX delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.3/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $37,469–$48,549, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus NX sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The 7.7/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Lexus NX is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
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 2021 Lexus NX ranks #180 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 93% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $37,469 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 2018 Lexus NX scores 7.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.0 — 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 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $37,469 | |
| 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 | 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.