2020 Lexus NX Interior

According to most critics, the 2020 Lexus NX looks good inside, and the cabin incorporates plenty of premium materials. However, a few reviewers note that the cabin contains a few cheap touches. The seats are comfortable and reasonably spacious, and the interior remains quiet even at highway speeds. Many rivals have more cargo space, however, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a more frustrating infotainment system.

• "The inside of the 2020 NX is full of classy materials arranged in designs that bear some distant relation to the exterior's lines." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "The standard simulated-leather upholstery looks and feels like the genuine article. Common touch points are well-padded. Other interior materials are good-quality and tightly fitted for a solid feel." -- Edmunds (2019)
• "Forget about Lexus's traditionally cosseting, parlor-room luxury. The NX is surprisingly hard-edged, including its cabin. Protruding contours and a jumble of multiple panels give it a high-tech anime feel. Don't confuse that with austerity, however. After all, there are numerous padded surfaces and lines of decorative stitching providing relief from all of the blackness. But too many parts are hard plastic, including multiple dash panels and the interior door latches. Worst, those parts look cheap, costing the NX our top score for fit and finish." -- Consumer Reports (2018)

Seating

The NX 300 seats five and comes standard with synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and reclining rear seats. Leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, front sport seats, and a heated steering wheel are available.

This Lexus has comfortable front seats that provide plenty of space and good support. The center console makes the driver's seat feel snug, but some people may actually prefer that cockpit-like feeling. Small windows and large roof pillars limit rearward visibility, though. The rear seats are reasonably comfortable, and they're larger than in some competitors.

There are two full sets of LATCH connectors for installing car seats. The middle-seat tether anchor is a bit hard to find, but there are no other issues with the NX's LATCH system.

• "The front seats offer plenty of room and adequate support for a variety of body types. The optional front-seat ventilation further enhances long-distance comfort. The rear seats are also accommodating for adult passengers." -- Edmunds (2019)
• "Sitting behind the steering wheel feels tight. You're hemmed in by a tall, wide center console that protrudes into right knee space. Combine this with the small windows and the cabin can feel either a bit snug or claustrophobic (pick your poison). The short left foot rest means your toes might hit a panel above it." -- Consumer Reports (2018)
• "However, the NX should be praised for its interior comfort, both in the front and back. Strip away the sporty branding and this is yet another luxurious, comfortable Lexus SUV. Rear passengers come in for special treatment, as Lexus has managed to incorporate more rear legroom than most rivals." -- Autotrader (2017)

Interior Features

Standard features in the NX include dual-zone automatic climate control, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and an infotainment system with an 8-inch display, Bluetooth, a USB port, Apple CarPlay, a Wi-Fi hot spot, an eight-speaker audio system, satellite radio, HD Radio, smartphone app navigation, and smartphone integration via the Enform App Suite.

Standard driver assistance features include a rearview camera, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, bicyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. Some of these features are part of the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0.

Available features include a moonroof, a 10-speaker sound system, a 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a 10.3-inch infotainment display, and navigation. Available active safety features include blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, a surround-view parking camera system, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking.

Most rivals have much better infotainment systems than the NX. Its touchpad controller is difficult to use, and while there are physical controls for some functions, even those are inconveniently located. To make matters worse, the interface itself is confusing to some. Apple CarPlay can make life easier for iPhone users, but the NX doesn't offer Android Auto.

See 2020 Lexus NX specs »

• "The Remote Touch trace pad interface is easily the worst in the industry. Its controller is hard to manage, and it distinctly lacks intuitive menus and buttons. Unfortunately, it's mandatory for the 2018 NX 300." -- Edmunds (2019)
• "Even the seemingly simple conventional knobs and buttons are a challenge to use. Climate controls are tightly packed together, and the radio's volume and tune knobs are tucked low on the dashboard, beneath an overhanging ledge. Climate switches get round dials for 2018. Frustrations grow when you get to the touchpad controller. … The problem isn't the screen design; it has large fonts and simple enough logic. Actually making selections is the challenge. Rather than simply tapping the screen, you're required to use the aforementioned console-mounted touchpad. Scroll your finger on the pad and an on-screen cursor follows, much like using a computer mouse, eventually landing on the desired on-screen 'button.' Tracking where the cursor is and moving it to the desired goal, takes a lot of time and attention." -- Consumer Reports (2018)
• "The improved touch-pad interface for the Remote Touch is clever, but still not as intuitive as touch-screen or knob-based systems." -- Kelley Blue Book (2018)

Cargo

The NX gives you 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Many class rivals provide more space, and to make matters worse, the NX's sloping roofline makes it tough to transport bulky items. There's also not a ton of small-item storage in the cabin. A power liftgate, a hands-free liftgate, and power-folding rear seats are available.

• "The NX's 17.7-cubic-foot cargo space behind the rear seats is smaller than competitors' and is further hampered by the sloped rear window. That window also limits bulky items with the seats folded, even though volume is competitive." -- Edmunds (2019)
• "Neither model's space is that great, and the sloped roof compromises practicality a little further." -- Autotrader (2017)
• "Lexus says four golf bags fit behind the rear seats. If that's the case, certain competitors must be able to fit the bags plus a caddy." -- Cars.com (2015)