2024 Lexus NX 350h: Quick review

The Lexus NX, sharing components with the top-selling Toyota RAV4, faces high expectations. Fortunately, the Japanese manufacturer has fully committed to enhancing the latest iteration of this luxury compact SUV.

The NX350h is the single hybrid offering in the line-up (if we're not considering the almost impossible to get plug-in hybrid 450h+). It's been proven a popular choice by buyers due to its economical powertrain and sleek design.

Yet, in a competitive luxury market, what sets the NX350h apart?

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Pricing and features

The Lexus NX 350 sits smack bang in the middle of the compact SUVs line-up. It's available in either a petrol or hybrid powertrain– which adds the 'h' marque.

It is also the only hybrid offering in the range, apart from the NX450+ plug-in hybrid that at one point had such a considerable wait time it was removed from their website.

The 350h however is a tempting and more practical offering when you consider the charging requirements for the 450+ which requires plug-in charging.

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Priced at $71,600 before on-road costs, the 350h is available in three trim grades: Luxury, F Sport and Sports Luxury. They come with the choice of all-wheel drive as well which will add $4800 to the price-tag.

All variants share the same 2.5-litre 4-cylinder hybrid powertrain. The petrol engine delivers 140kW and 239Nm of torque, and the electric engine offers 134kW and 270Nm for a total power output of 179kW. A total torque value for the system is not provided.

The winning piece of the package is the 5.0L fuel economy per 100km, a key selling point of the 350h.

Standard in the NX 350h Luxury you'll get:

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Moving up to the F Sport adds performance enhancements including front and rear dampers, adaptive variable suspension and a Sport+ drive mode.

The sportiness is extended to the design as well with the addition of F Sport exclusive trim, ornamentation, grille and wheels. You'll also get a larger 14-inch infotainment screen, heads up display, wireless phone charger and more.

If it's additional luxury you're seeking, the Sports Luxury offers similar additions to the F Sport but with a focus of creature comforts such as 17 premium speakers, a digital rear view mirror and ventilated front seats.

All paint colour options besides Onyx Black and Caliente Red are charged at $1825. Inside the cabin you'll get the choice of four leather trim options, available in black, cream, tan and red, or for F Sport models, three exclusive trims.

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Safety

The NX range was awarded a five-star safety rating by ANCAP, following its launch evaluation in early 2022.

For adult occupant protection, it secured a 91% score, achieved 89% in child occupant protection, and earned a commendable 92% for its safety assist systems.

All versions of the NX are equipped with dual frontal, side chest, side head, centre and driver knee airbags.

Across its entire range, the NX350h features a broad suite of safety functionalities through the Lexus Safety Sense package, ensuring comprehensive protection.

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2024 Lexus NX Safety System features:

• Automatic High Beam
• Blind Spot Monitor
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert
• Lane Tracing Assist
• Pre-Collision Safety System
• Road Sign Assist
• Parking Support Brake
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Safe Exit Assist

Both the F Sport and Sport Luxury variants adaptive high beam and a panoramic view monitor.

Key rivals

The NX350h competes with other luxury compact SUVS, but doesn't have any direct rivals, with many competitors having only petrol, plug-in hybrid or electric powertrains.

• Audi Q5
• BMW X3
• Volvo XC60
• Mercedes-Benz GLC
• Genesis GV70
• Audi Q5

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Should I put it on my shortlist?

The NX350h has plenty to offer, regardless of which trim you end up choosing. Arguably, it's the pick of the NX range as the perfect blend of economy and luxury.

As fuel prices continue to creep up, Lexus is producing hybrids that make the initial upfront const an easy decision.

If a luxury SUV is on your horizon for the new year then the 350h is popular for a reason and could be your ideal family car. But if you are interested in picking one up you might want to join the queue alongside everyone waiting for their own hybrids.