2023 Lexus NX 250 review
Lexus NX 250 highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Roomy and handsome cabin
- Packed with standard features
- Solid fuel economy
Cons
- The engine makes less power than its competitors
- Cargo space is lacking compared to its rivals
- A paid subscription is needed for navigation
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 32 highway, 28 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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The 2023 Lexus NX 250 offers the latest tech, refinement, and value
If you want a Lexus SUV but find the UX 250h too small and the RX 350 too big, the NX 250 is worth considering. This compact SUV is the entry point for the NX lineup, which includes the more powerful NX 350 and two hybrid models, the NX 350h and NX 450h+, which we review separately.
Some shoppers might want to consider the more powerful NX trims, given the NX 250's modest 203 horsepower from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It is fuel-efficient (EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined), but it can't match the power of rivals such as the Genesis GV70, BMW X3, and Acura RDX. Fuel economy figures are based on EPA estimates for when vehicle sold as new. Fuel economy may vary for reasons like driving conditions and vehicle history. Unless specified, figures are for vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. See fueleconomy.gov.
Only a year removed from its debut, the Lexus NX 250 sees no major changes for 2023. Overall, the NX 250 is a comfortable SUV and should appeal to buyers more interested in value and fuel economy than performance and handling.
All Lexus NX 250 years
What is new for the 2023 Lexus NX 250?
- The NX 250 is available in a new trim called the Luxury.
- NX 250 trims have been upgraded with Remote Start, A/C Seat(s), Parking Sensors, Head Up Display, Leather Seats, Satellite Radio Ready, and Navigation System as standard equipment this year.
- Panoramic Sunroof and Mark Levinson Sound features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Premium trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters, Power Locks, Side Airbags, Automated Cruise Control, Rear Defroster, Overhead Airbags, Alloy Wheels, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto as standard equipment.
- The Base trim now comes with 4WD/AWD as standard equipment.
2023 Lexus NX 250 trims
Curious how Lexus NX 250 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesBase:
- 203-hp, 184-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Power Mirrors
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Traction Control
- Power Seats
- Leatherette Seats
- Automated Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Smart Key
- View our Lexus NX 250 inventory
Premium:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- Memory Seats
- Sunroofs
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- View our Lexus NX 250 Premium inventory
Luxury:
- Includes all features available on the Premium
- A/C Seats
- Parking Sensors
- Head Up Display
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
What We Like
Impressive infotainment: Edmunds' test vehicle was equipped with the available 14-inch touchscreen. The graphics are sharp and easy to read, and the touchscreen has a fast input response time. However, the software is fairly menu-heavy, so it might involve a slight learning curve.
Plentiful driver aids: Lexus' suite of driver aids is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, adaptive headlights, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. Parking sensors and an upgraded 360-degree backup camera are available on Premium and Luxury trim levels.
Good visibility: The NX 250 has good front and lateral visibility. Its curved rear styling does cut into visibility a bit when you're glancing over your shoulder, but the side mirrors are big enough to help mitigate the blind spots. The rear camera resolution is clear and the view is even better on the larger center screen.
What Needs Improvement
Cargo capacity: With 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the NX 250 doesn't offer the same cargo capacity as many of its rivals. The BMW X3, for example, offers 28.7 cubic feet and the Acura RDX offers 29.5 cubic feet. That said, the NX 250's cargo area is wide and mostly flat, making it easy to load large or bulky objects.
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Ratings & reliability
Lexus NX 250 features and specs
Curious how Lexus NX 250 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Base 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Front Seat Heaters
- Heated Mirrors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leatherette Seats
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Traction Control
- Full Roof Rack
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Leatherette Seats
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Run Flat Tires
- Sunroof(s)
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
203
Torque (ft-lbs)
184
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
14.5
Wheelbase
105.9"
Overall length
183.5"
Width
73.4"
Height
65.4"
Leg room
F 41"/R 36.1"
Head room
F 38.3"/R 38.5"
Front tires
P235/60HR18
Rear tires
P235/60HR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
200/2000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2023 Lexus NX 250 FAQ
The 2023 Lexus NX 250 is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- Premium: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- Luxury: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
The 2023 Lexus NX 250 has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2023 Lexus NX 250:
- Remote Start
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Parking Sensors
- Navigation System
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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