We have spent some time with the 2021 Lexus NX 300h and have come away not only impressed, but we also feel educated. We feel educated because we learned that the NX 300h beats to the sound of its own drum as compared to the other vehicles in Lexus’ lineup as it’s fun-to-drive nature and fuel-sipping hybrid powertrain sets it apart from its stablemates. Aside from the usual safety aids and the fantastic Mark Levinson 14-speaker sounds system, there are a few interesting features that we found.

Center console mirror

This is perhaps one of the weirdest features we have seen on a car, but if you look to the left of the cupholders on the Lexus NX300h, then you’ll find a small pull tab made of cloth. When you pull on it, it will reveal that it’s connected to a small, leather-backed cover with a mirror on the other side of it. Below that mirror is a tiny cubby hole that’s big enough to store a ring box, or perhaps, some make-up. Whatever it’s for, you can at least use the mirror to make sure that your hair and face are in order while at a stoplight and, if you want to be really discreet, then you can possibly even hide a piece of proposal jewelry for that special someone in your life. 

Hybrid powertrain

The Lexus NX 300 is currently available with either a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque or a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain that produces a combined horsepower rating of 194. Our test car had the latter setup and it didn’t disappoint when it came to achieving great mileage.

According to the EPA, the Lexus NX 300h is able to get up to 33 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, and in our testing so far, which has mainly consisted of around-town driving, the NX 300h has averaged 29 mpg. That’s close enough as far as the estimates go, and considering the car only has 550 miles currently on the odometer, it’s probably not even done breaking in yet.

Infotainment touchpad

We actually complained about Lexus’ use of a touchpad to control the infotainment system before, however, we might actually be starting to like it. Or maybe we’re just getting used to it. In either case, it seems to fit right in with the NX300’s center console layout and falls right in place with your right, or left hand, when you need to toggle through the screen on the infotainment system.

Interesting features

Overall, the Lexus NX 300h is much better than we could have ever expected. Not that we were expecting it to be a bad car, but we didn’t think that it could be a comfortable, quirky cruiser for anyone that’s shopping for a small SUV in the luxury category. And while it’s standout styling and fun persona might not be for you, one test drive in an NX 300h and you’ll at least be taken aback by its interesting features.