2022 Lexus NX 350h Review: The Affordable Fuel-Sipper

The Lexus NX would not ooze luxurious or sportiness like a few of its higher-end counterparts do (i.e.: the Genesis GV70). However even on this hyper-competitive section, the little Lexus brings so much to the desk. It combines a snug trip, environment friendly powertrain choices, and usable tech right into a bundle that is priced competitively.

And the 2022 Lexus NX 350h particularly has an edge over the competitors for one easy purpose: it is the one non–plug-in hybrid within the class (though a type of is on the market too). Which means you’ll be able to have your effectivity and afford it too, with as much as 39 miles per gallon mixed and a beginning value of $42,700.

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• Exterior Colour: Cloudburst Grey
• Inside Colour: Black
• Wheel Measurement: 20 Inches

The 2022 NX shares plenty of visible cues with its predecessors. The large spindle grille is comparable and the slim headlights bear equal hook-like LEDs – though now these accents are embedded throughout the lighting fixtures reasonably than beneath them. Even the silhouette is nearly an identical.

However with new mesh and a revised form, the spindle grille is much less imposing. And even with out the F Sport bundle, the grille now extends all the way in which right down to the bottom of the bumper reasonably than curving inward like earlier than. The LED gentle bar within the rear might be the largest improve of all although, joined by a “LEXUS” wordmark unfold throughout the trunklid. It makes the NX a lot sleeker from behind.

The inside is extra noticeably improved. The structure has much less litter with fewer knobs and buttons, and better of all, no extra touchpad within the middle console. Even the shifter is a tinge smaller to assist shrink the general footprint. There’s extra leather-based, too, with the black and cream combo on this tester jutting upward from the middle console alongside the motive force’s aspect, to create a partition between the shift knob and the brand new central touchscreen.

• Seating Capability: 5
• Seating Configuration: 2 / 3
• Cargo Capability: 22.7 / 46.9 Cubic Ft

The entrance seats within the new NX are straight-up cozy. With actual leather-based on this tester included as a part of the $7,450 Luxurious trim, the chairs are comfortable and supportive with ample aspect bolstering, wonderful lumbar assist, and 10-way energy adjustability, and seat warmth in addition to air flow if you choose the $3,050 Premium bundle (this automotive does with out it). The second row is cozy too, with greater than sufficient headroom and legroom on your 6-foot-tall writer.

Solely the F Sport fashions get an adaptive suspension, however even with out it, the NX has an opulent trip that performs nicely over damaged and imperfect pavement. The NX is extraordinarily quiet too, with barely any wind or tire roar at larger speeds.

As one of many smallest choices within the section, although, the NX does fall a bit quick in cargo area. Although it good points an extra 5 cubic ft of trunk room in comparison with its predecessor, its diminutive measurement nonetheless places it on the decrease finish of the luxurious section.

• Heart Show: 14.0-Inch Touchscreen
• Instrument Cluster Show: 8.0 Inches
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay / Android Auto: Sure / Sure

That is one space the place the Lexus NX improved tenfold. The dreaded touchpad is gone, as is the monolithic display. As a substitute, the NX makes do with a stunning 14.0-inch touchscreen show (as a part of the Luxurious bundle) and the newest and best infotainment system baked-in. There’s additionally a ten.0-inch head-up show and a completely digital cluster behind the steering wheel, and each are configurable sufficient to show all of the options you would possibly want.

As for that new infotainment system; it is the closest factor to an Apple or Android interface on your automotive with out really plugging in. A minimalist structure, glossy graphics, and on the spot touch-responsiveness make it extraordinarily straightforward to navigate options. There may be some litter once you dive deeper into the choices, and the shortage of a house button is form of annoying – however these are minor gripes. That is nonetheless among the finest new infotainment programs on the market.

• Engine: 2.5-Liter I4 Hybrid
• Output: 240 Horsepower / 167 Pound-Ft
• Transmission: Repeatedly Variable

So far as premium crossovers go, the Lexus NX is middling within the efficiency division. The two.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine pumps out a mixed 239 horsepower, with the engine provding 167 pound-feet of torque. An electrical motor on the rear axle offers the NX commonplace all-wheel drive.

The NX hybrid is not fast, agile, or a lot of something thrilling, however it’s nice sufficient to putter round city in. The steering is light-weight, the suspension is plush, and the brakes are completely compliant. If you need extra enjoyable, the non-hybrid F Sport has additional energy and adaptive drive modes that notch issues up a bit, or there’s a plug-in hybrid choice with but extra grunt.

• Driver Help Stage: SAE Stage 2 (Palms-On)
• NHTSA Score: Not Rated
• IIHS Score: Not Rated

Each NX comes commonplace with Lexus Security System+ 3.0. That features adaptive cruise management, computerized emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane centering, emergency steer help, and a bit extra. And all of it works precisely as marketed; the NX involves a full cease in visitors jams and the lane-assistance tech retains the automotive completely centered within the lane at freeway speeds.

• Metropolis: 41 MPG
• Freeway: 37 MPG
• Mixed: 39 MPG

Even with out the hybrid powertrain outfitted, the Lexus NX is already essentially the most environment friendly car within the section with as much as 28 miles per gallon mixed. As the one conventional hybrid choice within the class (not counting plug-ins), the Lexus has an much more vital leg up over its non-hybrid opponents.

• Base Worth: $38,475 + $1,075 Vacation spot
• Trim Base Worth: $50,150
• As-Examined Worth: $52,150

The non-hybrid Lexus NX undercuts each different compact luxurious crossover with a sub-$40,000 beginning value. However the hybrid choice remains to be one of the crucial reasonably priced choices within the class, too. The NX 350h with commonplace all-wheel drive has a base value of $42,700 with the $1,075 vacation spot payment; solely the GV70 and RDX are cheaper to begin (and much much less environment friendly as well).

The automotive examined here’s a cool $52,150 as examined, with the $7,450 Luxurious trim and some choices outfitted. However choosing the Luxurious mannequin offers you entry to issues like 20-inch wheels, actual leather-based seats, an even bigger touchscreen, and a head-up show. The ability moonroof is one other $1,100 on high of that, the Cloudburst Grey paint is $500, and the facility liftgate is $400.

The 2022 Lexus NX 350h isn’t flashy – nor does it look all that totally different from the one it replaces. But it surely nails the fundamentals; a snug cabin, superior expertise, and effectivity and pricing that outpace almost the whole lot within the section. For luxurious buyers wanting a wise fuel-sipper, the NX 350h is the crossover to get.