Lexus IS 300 vs. Lexus NX 300
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lexus IS 300 and Lexus NX 300 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Lexus IS 300 and the Lexus NX 300.
When we compare the Lexus IS 300's and the Lexus NX 300's specifications and ratings, the Lexus IS 300 has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The Lexus NX 300 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Lexus IS 300 and Lexus NX 300 have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the Lexus IS 300's and the Lexus NX 300's specifications and ratings, the Lexus NX 300 is a better car than the Lexus IS 300.
Pricing: A used 2021 Lexus IS 300 ranges from $28,000 to $36,496 while a used 2021 Lexus NX 300 is priced between $27,998 to $37,497.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lexus IS 300 loses 40.1 percent of its value and the Lexus NX 300 loses 38.5 percent of its value. This means the Lexus NX 300 retains 1.6 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Lexus IS 300.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lexus IS 300’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the Lexus NX 300 base engine makes 235 horsepower. Both the IS 300 and the NX 300 are rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 539 and 445 miles respectively. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Lexus IS 300 and Lexus NX 300 are comparable in regards to front head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Lexus IS 300 and the Lexus NX 300 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$39,050
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$44,749
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$26,100 - $75,400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$37,610
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$46,334
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$31,800 - $73,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$32,269
Price Range:
$28,000 - $36,496
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$37,986
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$24,001 - $72,125
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
70
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
43,668
# Good or Great Deals:
23
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$32,753
Price Range:
$27,998 - $37,497
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$38,577
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
$27,756 - $58,293
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
571
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
39,098
# Good or Great Deals:
144
Lexus IS 300 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Lexus NX 300 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lexus IS 300
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
5.1 - 11.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
18.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lexus NX 300
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
9.3
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
7.7 - 10.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1 - 28.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
4.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact SUVs)
1.1 - 17.7
Lexus IS 300 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 36Ranking
2 out of / 12Ranking
4 out of / 36Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
28 out of / 36Ranking
30 out of / 36Lexus NX 300 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 29Ranking
2 out of / 68Ranking
6 out of / 29Ranking
15 out of / 29Ranking
17 out of / 68Ranking
18 out of / 29Ranking
21 out of / 29Ranking
22 out of / 29Ranking
23 out of / 29Ranking
26 out of / 29Ranking
40 out of / 68Ranking
45 out of / 68Ranking
46 out of / 68Ranking
49 out of / 68Ranking
55 out of / 68Ranking
59 out of / 68Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Lexus IS 300 Trim Levels
Base
Lexus NX 300 Trim Levels
Base, F SPORT, Luxury
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1650 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.065 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
235 hp @ 4800 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1650 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.060 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
21 / 31 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
365 / 539 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 445 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.4 inches
Cargo Space:
10.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
90.2 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
17.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
54.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3715 lbs
Width:
72.4 inches
Height:
56.5 inches
Length:
185.4 inches
Wheelbase:
110.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3940 lbs
Width:
83.9 inches
Height:
64.8 inches
Length:
182.3 inches
Wheelbase:
104.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.9 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
Not yet available
Wheel Type:
Not yet available
Tire Size:
Not yet available
Exterior Colors
Black
Caviar
Blue
Grecian Water
Gray
Cloudburst Gray
Red
Matador Red Mica
Silver
Atomic Silver / Iridium
White
Eminent White Pearl
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Caviar
Blue
Not available
Gray
Nebula Gray Pearl
Red
Matador Red Mica
Silver
Atomic Silver
White
Eminent White Pearl
Green
Nori Green Pearl
Orange
Cadmium Orange
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/Black Metallic Trim
Brown
Glazed Caramel w/Black Metallic Trim
Red
Rioja Red w/Black Metallic Trim
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/Dark Umber Trim
Brown
Glazed Caramel w/Dark Umber Trim
Red
Rioja Red w/Dark Umber Trim
Beige
Crème w/Dark Umber Trim
