--- title: "The 2018 Lexus NX300h Hybrid Group Review: Heated Opinions of a Tiny, Fancy Crossover" description: "How does Lexus's compact hybrid crossover hold up against the judgmental eyes of our ever-critical staff?" date: "2018-02-12" modified: "2018-02-15" authors: - name: "Cait Knoll" job_title: "Supervising Video Producer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/cait-knoll" - name: "Mike Spinelli" job_title: "VP of Content" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/mike-spinelli" - name: "Will Sabel Courtney" job_title: "Contributor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/will-sabel-courtney" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/18381/the-2018-lexus-nx300h-awd-hybrid-group-review-heated-opinions-of-a-tiny-fancy-crossover" categories: - "Car Reviews" - "Lexus NX" - "Lexus Reviews" tags: - "car review" - "crossover" - "hybrid" - "Lexus" - "luxury" - "nx" - "SUV" - "suv/crossover" --- # The 2018 Lexus NX300h Hybrid Group Review: Heated Opinions of a Tiny, Fancy Crossover ![]() *\www.thedrive.com\* *Three of* The Drive*’s staffers—*[*Mike Spinelli*](), [*Will Sabel Courtney*]()*,* *and* [*Cait Knoll*]()—*recently spent time with the* [*2018 Lexus NX300h AWD*]()*. They discussed the finer merits and detractors of this hybrid crossover via* [*Slack*]()*, an instant message program with a fun ability to summon random gifs based on what users type. The following is a partial transcript of that conversation.* *---* ***willscourtney:*** Well, hello there, everyone. Let's talk about the Lexus NX Hybrid. Which we all drove recently. Now, admittedly, you guys both drive SUVs more than I do, since you each own one, so I'm particularly curious to know what you thought. **caitknoll:** Spinelli basically owns the LESS FANCY version (the RAV4)... **willscourtney:** Spinelli actually owns TWO RAV4s, IIRC. But maybe we shouldn't tell that to the Internet. **caitknoll** ![giphy-downsized.gif]() *called out, *GIPHY** **mikespin:** Yeah, actually the new RAV4's interior is better than a Lexus interior from five years ago, so the intense competition with Hyundai is bearing fruit. What I like most about Lexus is that they build cars to who the user is, not who he or she thinks they want to be in some alternate universe. Like, 65-series tires are standard. In the city, sidewall deflection is a good thing. Potholes are the death of sexy tires. And now the Jag's jealous. THANKS GUYS. **caitknoll:** I will agree that the interior on the NX Hybrid left A LOT to be desired. **willscourtney:** Agreed. It's oddly dated for such a futuristic-looking car. **caitknoll:** ALL THE ANGLES. **mikespin:** With Infiniti and Audi crushing the interior game in that space, Lexus has to refocus on interior luxury. **caitknoll:** I can't say I hated how it drove, though. And the fiancée said, "This feels very safe and comfortable." But she also hated the infotainment. She is now even judgier (is that a word?) than I am when it comes to these cars. **willscourtney:** I'll allow that word. **mikespin:** It's interesting that design aggression is a reverse function of how desperate a brand is for market share in the compact SUV market. ***willscourtney:*** ![giphy-downsized.gif]() **deep thoughts*, *GIPHY** ***mikespin:*** Lexus is killing it, and is the most aggro. [Infiniti really needs the QX50]() to pick up sales, so they went kind of halfway in. [Audi REALLY needs to match BMW](), so it's the most conservative. ***caitknoll:*** Right, though... because that thing ain't cheap. **willscourtney** No, it's not. Especially for such a small SUV. **willscourtney:** The NX Hybrid starts at $39,330, but ours was up close to $50K. ![message-editor%2F1518453610597-2018\_lexus\_nx\_300h\_002\_43f45e8aaa7f5edd6fe58ba58245d283518e700a\_low.jpg]() *Lexus* ![message-editor%2F1518453622321-2018\_lexus\_nx\_300h\_006\_44537adc178fac4fb21d1e9d7f4b1dca07017c0c\_low.jpg]() *Lexus* ![message-editor%2F1518453632044-2018\_lexus\_nx\_300h\_005\_651793aef072fbd8564c3e52d1ff7278a3513665\_low.jpg]() *Lexus* ***caitknoll:*** How pricey do you think this car would be if you had the Infiniti interior...*and* everything else it already comes with? **mikespin:** Good question. Lexus already has everything else wired up. The sales and after-sales experience is tremendously good. So even if the interior is sub-par, or even par, for a $50K car, Lexus has less to win through interior design. But to actually answer the question, I'd say $65K. **caitknoll:** Yikes...that's...a lot. I would not pay $65K for that car, even if it had a nicer interior. I actually felt like it was too small for my life. But again, I DID like how it drove. But since we factor all kinds of other things in these days (e.g. would I like this car for \[INSERT ACTIVITY HERE\]?), I'm a little torn. Will, you're quiet. But also tall. You said earlier "such a small SUV." How did you do in that thing? **willscourtney:** Not great, Bob. Especially when I got into it right after Spinelli and the seat powered back to his driving position. Nearly crushed my legs. But it actually wasn't too bad once I got situated. I doubt there was much room behind me, though. **caitknoll:** Right...so a full family car, this is not. ![message-editor%2F1518453686211-2018\_lexus\_nx\_300h\_012\_33d271616cf0e11a8fe9b5b073f5148f941b5050.jpg]() **Lexus** **willscourtney:** But I generally liked the size of it overall. Easy to park, easy to maneuver. **caitknoll:** Agree, and agree on park/maneuver. **willscourtney:** Makes a lot of sense for urban life. I can see why people like these compact crossovers. And the hybrid powertrain makes it almost zippy around town. (Though the 0-60 time is quoted as 9.1 seconds, so it's not really quick in real-world terms.) **caitknoll:** It did feel zippy! But I did mostly drive it in the confines of the city... ...and to beat someone to an Ikea parking spot. **willscourtney:** ![giphy-downsized.gif]() **ikea*, *GIPHY** That is me every time I've bought Ikea furniture, BTW. ***mikespin:*** It's definitely more responsive than I'd expected. We tend to think of hybrid systems staying the same, but they've really advanced the driving experience with the ICE and the rear-driven electric system. Even the CVT doesn't feel as much like driving a run-on sentence as it once did. ***willscourtney:*** Yeah, but it still kinda sucks. It's not bad, but I do think a regular transmission would improve the drive. ***mikespin:*** It only sucks if you care, Will. ***willscourtney:*** Truth. ***mikespin:*** But yes, it's not a dynamic driving experience. ![message-editor%2F1518453718995-2018\_lexus\_nx\_300h\_019\_c4f659148321ba37276350e6c0ea35332959559d.jpg]() **Lexus** ![message-editor%2F1518453760262-2018\_lexus\_nx\_300h\_020\_2a5e939eabedcfe8d462f3e3f26e03964d81add2.jpg]() **Lexus** ***willscourtney:*** That said, for a smaller hybrid, 33 city / 30 highway doesn't seem all that great. The 4,180-pound curb weight probably doesn't help in that regard. ***mikespin:*** True. Also, as far as hybrid systems go, this one is more of a mild hybrid, with less emphasis on utter economy. ***caitknoll:*** "mild hybrid" ***mikespin:*** Ha. Sounds quaint now, but that what we called those old "toe in the water" hybrids like the Saturn Vue. ***willscourtney:*** ![giphy-downsized.gif]() *old man, *GIPHY** ***mikespin:*** ![giphy-downsized.gif]() *eat a dick, *GIPHY** ***willscourtney:*** For Average Joe and Jane Consumer, the whole "mild hybrid" setup makes a ton of sense. It improves gas mileage around town, but doesn't force people to change their driving habits one iota. But when you market a car as the "hybrid" version of a regular one, you create the expectation of way better gas mileage. And a lot of times, it doesn't deliver. ***caitknoll:*** What kind of mileage does the non-hybrid version get? ***willscourtney:*** 22 city, 28 highway. ***mikespin:*** I'd really like test out this hybrid AWD system in the snow. ***willscourtney:*** Ooh, me too. ***mikespin:*** To see if the rear-driven electric gear really improves traction in really low mu conditions. ***willscourtney:*** ![giphy-downsized.gif]() *nerd alert, *GIPHY** ***caitknoll:*** He's got a point, though... ***willscourtney:*** He does. And I bet it would. ***mikespin:*** µ (Mu) – Greek letter for the coefficient of friction. ***willscourtney:*** I repeat: ![giphy-downsized.gif]() *nerd alert, *GIPHY** Can we blast through the requisite discussion of Lexus's infotainment system really quickly? Since it is terrible, and everyone should be reminded of that. ***caitknoll:*** Ugh. The trackpad thing. No. ***mikespin:*** I'm really surprised they're not further out ahead in that area. They've doubled-down on their walled-garden system and that's holding them back compared with VW Group. ***willscourtney:*** And everyone else, really. Have you seen the new system in the latest Hondas, like the Accord? ***mikespin:*** Infiniti's in the same spot, though. ***willscourtney:*** At least Infiniti doesn't make you use a cursor at 60 mph. ***mikespin:*** haha ![giphy-downsized.gif]() *truth, *GIPHY** ***caitknoll:*** I really can't believe the cursor thing...The sensitivity seems a little more calibrated. But it still hurts my head that that is a thing in a modern car. ![message-editor%2F1518453745246-2018\_lexus\_nx\_300h\_016\_41b75fa48d7448d6a21b9a518fec75d9366f6f04.jpg]() **Lexus** ***willscourtney:*** It's honestly a big enough ergonomic flaw that it keeps me from recommending Lexuses to people.I think they make a ton of sense for a lot of people; they're reliable, a lot of them get decent fuel economy, and I actually dig the looks. But I can't tell people to buy a car that makes them take their eyes off the road that much just to fiddle with the radio or work the nav. ![giphy-downsized.gif]() *that's a dealbreaker, *GIPHY** But other than that...yeah, I kinda dig this l'il Lexus. All right, let's wrap things up. Final thoughts? ***caitknoll:*** I did enjoy it in a city setting, as I said, but I don't love the price tag. And I'm not sure I'd ever want this over the Toyota version...I don't know if that's helpful. But that's just how I feel. SORRY ![giphy-downsized.gif]() *SORRY, *GIPHY** ***willscourtney:*** I hear ya. Especially since the RAV4 hybrid gets better mileage...and starts at 11 grand less. ***caitknoll:*** Exactly. ***mikespin:*** The luxury compact SUV market is a strange space. Car companies are sometimes unsure of the luxury/utility balance. I think the NX gets a lot of the tradeoffs right, except in tech. I'm not so bothered by the lack of interior plushness. As far as the hybrid vs. ICE decision, I feel like Lexus found a strange positioning equilibrium by offering the hybrid for only $1,000 more than the regular version—if you drive mostly in cities, 11 extra mpg is a solid benefit—but if you drive on highways, even part of the time, you don't feel like you're getting screwed completely. ***caitknoll:*** If I were in the market (and had the money) for a compact luxury SUV, I'd get [a Volvo XC60](). ***mikespin:*** Good point @caitknoll. There are some much cooler players entering this space, like the Volvo and [the Jaguar E-Pace](), that will compete with this Lexus for leases. Still, that Lexus sales experience is going to crush those guys for a while. ***willscourtney:*** True. And that's one aspect we never get to experience as journalists. ***caitknoll:*** Very good point. ***willscourtney:*** All right. Good review, everyone. ![giphy-downsized.gif]() *good game good game, *GIPHY** ***caitknoll:*** ![giphy-downsized.gif]() *obv, *GIPHY** ## The 2018 Lexus NX300h AWD, By the Numbers: **Base Price (Price as Tested):** $40,695 ($51,187) **Powertrain:** 2.5-liter inline-four and permanent-magnet electric motor, 194 horsepower; continuously-variable automatic transmission; all-wheel-drive **Fuel Economy:** 33 mpg city, 30 mpg highway (EPA) **0-60 MPH:** 9.1 seconds (manufacturer figures) **Top Speed:** 112 mph (manufacturer figures) **Number of Laps of Manhattan You Could Do on One 14.8-gallon Tank of Fuel, Given the City Mileage Rating:** 18.4 ## Author With a penchant for Pittsburgh sports and cold beer, Cait Knoll spent three seasons as a lead producer at *MLB.com* fighting with guys about baseball before helping launch *Skratch TV*, a millennial-focused video venture from the PGA Tour. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [Twitter]()