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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Hybrid |
| Base Price | $39,985–$47,344 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.2/10, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earns a Recommended rating among the hybrids we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.2/10, while Reliability at 6.6/10 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 rate reliability at 6.6/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.5/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.1/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 8.2/10 — 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 $39,985–$47,344, 36 MPG, seating 5, the Lexus NX Hybrid sits in the mid-market bracket of the hybrid segment. Value lands at 7.2/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. 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.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability 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 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid ranks #51 of 135 hybrids in the Carivo database — better than 63% of the segment. Its 8.2/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 8.2/10. Its $39,985 starting price is about 27% above the segment's median of $31,584.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Hybrid ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Lexus NX Hybrid scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 8.2 — and starts roughly $4,000 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) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8.4/10 | $45,258 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.3/10 | $43,940 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.3/10 | $42,621 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.1/10 | $41,303 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 8.2/10 | $39,985 | |
| 2020 | 8.2/10 | $38,667 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 8.1/10 | $37,349 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 8.0/10 | $36,030 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 8.0/10 | $34,712 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.9/10 | $33,394 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.9/10 | $32,076 | Read review → |
Other hybrids at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Lexus models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
