The 2020 Lexus NX 300, with its 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, gets a combined fuel economy of 25 MPG. This places it in the middle of the compact luxury SUV group, and for Lexus buyers, practicality and reliability matter more than saving gas. They want a refined experience, Lexus dependability, and unique styling, qualities where the NX excels, and are okay with average fuel consumption.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the 2020 Lexus NX 300 gets 22 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The city number shows the effect of stop-and-go traffic on the engine, with frequent acceleration and braking. The NX’s six-speed automatic transmission is set up for smooth, predictable power, even if it’s not the most advanced. The turbocharger gives enough torque to move the NX quickly in busy cities, which can lower MPG. On the highway, the 28 MPG estimate is due to more consistent speeds and less aggressive driving. The NX’s aerodynamic shape and light build help it get good gas mileage on the highway.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,300 for the 2020 Lexus NX 300. This is based on driving 15,000 miles a year, using the EPA’s combined fuel economy rating, and assuming a national average fuel price. What you spend on fuel depends on your driving, the roads you drive on, and fuel prices in your area. Drivers who mostly drive in the city and accelerate quickly could spend more, while those who mainly drive on highways at steady speeds could spend less.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA estimates are a good guide, real-world fuel economy can be different. For the NX 300, expect to see numbers that are a few MPG higher or lower, depending on how and where you drive. Short trips in town will probably give you lower fuel economy than long highway drives. Hard acceleration and braking can also lower your MPG a lot. Regular maintenance, like changing air filters and checking tire pressure, helps the NX 300 run well and get the best fuel economy.

How it compares

The 2020 Lexus NX 300’s fuel economy is competitive within its class. The 2020 Acura RDX (FWD), a sporty option, is rated at 22 MPG combined. The BMW X3 sDrive30i gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG combined. The Audi Q5 also gets a combined 25 MPG. Buyers of the NX 300 might value its reliability and luxury over slightly better fuel economy in some rivals. For those worried about fuel costs, looking at NX MPG across all years can help you decide. See all Lexus fuel economy data to see how the NX fits into the Lexus lineup.

Tips to Maximize Efficiency

Avoid hard acceleration and braking. The NX 300’s turbocharged engine works best with a light touch, so increase speed slowly and watch traffic to avoid hard stops. Driving smoothly saves gas and makes the driving experience better, which fits with the Lexus focus on a quiet, comfortable ride.

Keep your tires inflated properly. Check your tire pressure often and keep it at the recommended level, shown on a sticker inside the driver’s side door. Tires with low pressure increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and use more fuel.

Reduce extra weight. Too much cargo in your NX 300 adds weight, which lowers fuel economy. Take out anything you don’t need, especially heavy items. Even small weight reductions help improve efficiency over time.

Use cruise control on the highway. Keeping a steady speed on the highway saves gas and reduces driver fatigue. Cruise control keeps your speed steady, preventing extra acceleration and deceleration.

Keep up with regular maintenance. Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance keep the NX 300’s engine running well. A well-maintained engine burns gas better, which leads to better fuel economy and a longer engine life.