The Lexus NX will celebrate its sixth anniversary this year and the company has announced a series of changes for 2021.
Starting with the exterior, the model is instantly recognizable as there are no significant changes.
However, the 2021 NX has a new “low profile wiper blade design” and newly standard power folding side mirrors with auto-dimming and reverse tilt functions. The crossover also has an updated color palette which adds Nori Green Pearl while dropping Blue Vortex Metallic.
Also Read: 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid F Sport Black Line Comes Fully Loaded With Gear
Interior changes are also minor as buyers will find a revised tachometer and a new horn pad. The updates are virtually unnoticeable, but the 2021 NX does gain a newly standard blind spot monitoring system with rear cross traffic alert.
Other changes include an upgraded Mark Levinson premium audio system and a revised navigation package which now includes HomeLink.
Engine options carryover, so the standard NX 300 has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that develops 235 hp (175 kW / 238 PS) and 258 lb-ft (349 Nm) of torque. It is connected to a six-speed automatic transmission which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.
This setup enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 7.2 seconds. With all-wheel drive, that number drops to seven seconds flat. However, both a limited to a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).
Customers can also opt for the eco-friendly NX 300h. It has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system with three electric motors. This setup gives the crossover all-wheel drive as well as a combined output of 194 hp (145 kW / 197 PS).
The dash to 60 mph (96 km/h) takes 9.1 seconds and the top speed is limited to 112 mph (180 km/h). Both those figures are worse than the NX 300, but the hybrid has an estimated fuel economy rating of 33 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 31 mpg combined. For comparison, the all-wheel NX 300 returns an estimated 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and 24 mpg combined.