Main Navigation beebs
Skip to main content

2023 Lexus NX 250 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

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)

Price
Year

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

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?

  • Enhanced safety features including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist now standard.
  • New infotainment system with a larger touchscreen and improved connectivity options.
  • More efficient engine options introduced, offering better fuel economy and performance.
  • Available all-wheel drive has been expanded to more trims for improved versatility.

2023 Lexus NX 250 trims

Curious how Lexus NX 250 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 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:

Luxury:

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. 

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

2 customer reviews

Lexus NX 250 features and specs

Premium 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

  • Leatherette Seats
  • Traction Control
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Mirrors
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rear View Camera
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • ABS Brakes
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Remote Start
  • Side Airbags
  • Rear Defroster
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Automatic Transmission
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Head Up Display
  • Leatherette Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Tow Hitch
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Navigation System
  • Mark Levinson Sound

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 37.1"/R 38.1"

Front tires

P235/60HR18

Rear tires

P235/60HR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

200/2000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Lexus NX 250 FAQ


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.