2021 Lexus NX — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Lexus NX is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) / 25 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 29–37 mpg (UK) across all configurations. A hybrid version is also listed by EPA (2.5L 4-cyl), returning around 37 mpg (UK) combined. Owners often keep a Lexus NX workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Lexus NX: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 30 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Premium Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 30 combined / 26 urban / 34 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 25 combined / 22 city / 28 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 223 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2021 Lexus NX across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 24 to 31 mpg (US), or 29 to 37 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (22/28) | 224 | $3,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/28) | 223 | $3,300 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl (Hybrid) | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 37 | 31 (33/30) | 177 | $2,150 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Lexus NX
Running Costs: 2021 Lexus NX
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Lexus NX at 30 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,212 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Lexus NX Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Lexus NX as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 17 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Lexus NX. The most-reported areas are Engine (3), Visibility (3), Fuel/propulsion system (2). Complaints include 1 reported crash, 1 reported fire, 2 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 18 complaints across the 12 Lexus NX model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Lexus NX
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine (3 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Visibility (3 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Fuel system (2 owner complaints) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Electrical system (2 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Lexus NX compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 30 mpg figure is 3 mpg better than that average. Its 223 g/km CO₂ figure is 30 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Lexus models in our database average about 28 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Lexus NX's 30 mpg is 2 mpg above that make average. Its 223 g/km CO₂ figure is 29 g/km lower than the 252 g/km Lexus average.
Of the 12 Lexus NX model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 5th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (30 mpg UK combined, against a high of 34 mpg). See every Lexus NX year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Lexus NX
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Lexus NX have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Lexus NX: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Lexus NX?
The most efficient configuration returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, or 25 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 29 to 37 mpg. The hybrid version returns around 37 mpg (UK) combined.
How much does the 2021 Lexus NX cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Lexus NX have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Lexus NX have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Lexus NX as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Lexus NX?
Among the 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (3 complaints), Visibility (3 complaints), Fuel/propulsion system (2 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Lexus NX's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 30 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.