Loading

Is the Lexus NX 300 a SUV?

Yes. The Lexus NX 300 is a compact luxury crossover SUV within Lexus's NX lineup.


The NX naming has varied by generation and market. In the United States today, Lexus does not offer an NX 300; the current NX range is typically listed as NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. The NX family covers gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants, all built as unibody crossovers rather than traditional body-on-frame SUVs. Historically, the NX 300 name appeared in some markets or generations for turbo or intermediate variants, but it is not a distinct current model in the U.S. lineup as of 2024–2025.


What the NX 300 means in Lexus' lineup


The NX 300 designation has served as a marker within Lexus' compact luxury SUV family, signaling a variant in different markets and generations. Below are key characteristics that describe how the NX 300 fits into the broader lineup and how naming has evolved.



  • Body style: compact luxury crossover SUV, typically five seats, built on a unibody platform.

  • Platform and design: later generations use Lexus GA-K architecture, with a focus on efficiency, comfort, and urban practicality.

  • Drivetrain options: offered with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on trim and market; powertrains have included turbocharged gasoline engines and hybrids in various NX models.

  • Naming history: the NX 300 name has appeared in some markets or older generations; the current U.S. lineup uses NX 250/350/350h/450h+ instead of NX 300.

  • Market availability: not all regions offer a model specifically named NX 300 in the latest generation; the NX family remains a core line of compact luxury crossovers for Lexus.


Taken together, the NX 300 anchors the NX family’s SUV identity, even as the exact naming and powertrain options shift by generation and market.


Current lineup context and naming nuances


In the United States, the latest NX models are typically labeled as NX 250 (gasoline), NX 350 (gasoline with turbo), NX 350h (hybrid), and NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid). The NX 300 name is not used for the current US lineup. In other regions, older generations or different configurations may have used the NX 300 designation, reflecting regional naming conventions rather than a single global standard.


Historical naming notes


During Lexus’s first-generation NX era, markets outside the U.S. sometimes used NX 200t (turbo) and NX 300h (hybrid). When Lexus redesigned the NX for the 2022 model year, the brand shifted to the newer NX 250/350/350h/450h+ naming in many markets, which contributes to the current absence of NX 300 in the core lineup.


Summary


The Lexus NX 300 is an SUV by definition, specifically a compact luxury crossover within the NX family. In today’s U.S. market, however, the NX 300 is not a current model name; buyers are presented with NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Across other regions and older generations, the NX 300 has appeared as part of Lexus’s varied nomenclature, reflecting shifts in powertrain strategies and market practices. The NX remains a five-seat, premium crossover designed for urban use with available hybrid and plug-in options.

Is the Lexus NX a full size SUV?


The Lexus NX is a compact SUV that offers an attractive blend of luxury and innovation.



Is a Lexus NX 300 a SUV?


The Lexus NX (Japanese: レクサス・NX, Hepburn: Rekusasu NX) is a compact luxury crossover SUV sold by Lexus, a luxury division of Toyota. Introduced in late 2014, it is positioned between the subcompact UX and the mid-size RX in Lexus' crossover SUV lineup.



What are the NX 300's common problems?


The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

  • Brakes.
  • Noises/Leaks.
  • Engine Major.
  • Climate System.
  • Electrical Accessories.
  • In-car Electronics.
  • Drive System.
  • Suspension/Steering.



Is the Lexus NX considered a small SUV?


The 2025 Lexus NX, NX Hybrid, and NX Plug-In Hybrid are the second-smallest Lexus SUV models; they are five-seat compact crossovers that measure 183.5 inches long. The 2025 Lexus RZ is the third-smallest Lexus SUV; it's a compact all-electric crossover with five seats and 189.2 inches of length.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.