This week I bring you the 2024 Lexus NX 350h - a hybrid but not a plug-in hybrid like the NX 450+ I reviewed earlier this year. My timing couldn't be better as this review comes hot on the heels of September sales results. Overall NX sales were up 64.8 percent last month (and 63.3% YTD) and both the NX hybrid and PHEV both had their best-ever September sales.
Exterior
The stylish NX was redesigned in 2022. My test vehicle wears a Redline hue and features a list of exterior upgrades. They include Triple-Beam Headlamps, 20-inch silver finish alloy wheels (the largest ever on the NX), mudguards and cross bars.
Standard features include LED fog lights, a blade LED tail lamp, and roof rails.
Powertrain
The NX 350h's 2.5-liter 4-cylinder hybrid system delivers 240 horses. I'm not loving the horsepower because, perhaps unfairly, it really can't compare to the 304 horses you get with the 450+ AWD plug-in hybrid. To get an idea of the difference in acceleration between the two: Lexus cites a 0-60 time of 7.2 seconds for the 2024 350h AWD and 6 seconds for the 2023 450h+ AWD. Both models are mated to a continuously variable transmission. Of course I must mention Lexus has a long history of reliable and reputable hybrid powertrains, as does its sibling Toyota, which is a huge plus here.
Interior
My NX's driver-focused cabin impresses with its soft-touch materials, black open pore wood trim and premium switchgear. Lexus craftsmanship is, as always, impeccable.
The Luxury grade's well-designed and comfortable 10-way power Palomino leather-trimmed chevron front seats are a highlight. Both front seats are heated and ventilated. As goes with a compact SUV, legroom up front could be cramped for someone who's very tall, but headroom is great.
The leather-trimmed and optionally heated steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters -- and the leather really feels terrific. Above it your eyes meet a 7-inch colorful gauge cluster with driver information.
A cabin highlight is the 14-inch responsive dash-integrated touchscreen that runs Lexus's fantastic new multimedia system with great graphics and mapping. You'll control many of the vehicles functions through system, including the heated steering wheel. (However don't worry you also have large dials for the dual zone climate control and a volume knob on the center stack.) The multimedia system is compatible with Bluetooth, SiriusXM along with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The "Hey Lexus" Intelligent Assistant is incredible as well. Other features include an 4G AT&T WiFi HotSpot and over-the-air updates.
The drive mode control knob located in between the center stack and console is placed within easy reach. To the right, you find an optional wireless charger (shouldn't that be standard in Luxury vehicle these days?) along with USB and USB-C ports.
Lower on the center console you find a leather-trimmed gear shift knob, two cupholders and various controls. New for 2024, Lexus added color-keyed elements to the passenger side center console and glove box on the Palomino interior.
Premium materials extend into the 60/40 split second row. Seats are comfortable, but you do lose some headroom due to stadium seating. Back seat passengers get A/C vents and a cushiony drop down center armrest (with cupholders) along with device charging ports. The surprise back here is a power heated rear seat upgrade.
Moving to the cargo area, the Luxury's power kick sensor lift gate opens and closes at a nice speed. Cargo space was good and a standard tonneau cover hides valuables. My test vehicle includes some nice options that add a premium look, they include a carpet cargo mat, cargo and illuminated cargo sills .
Safety
The 2024 NX lineup is equipped with Lexus' most updated suite of driver assistance systems. Lexus Safety System 3.0+ includes Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision system with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam Headlamps.
Blind Spot Monitor is also standard along with Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist.
Front Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist and Panoramic View Monitor are bundled as an optional upgrade.
Luxury Grade
The Luxury package nets you a power moonroof, power rear door with kick sensor, rain sensing wipers, power steering column, driver seat memory, intuitive parking assist, leather-trimmed heated and ventilated power front seats, thematic ambient illumination, head-up display and black open pore wood trim.
Options
Lexus has a thing for options. There are typically a lot of them. Options on this model include Cold Area Package (heated steering wheel/wiper/window de-icer) ($250), Advanced Park ($480), 20-inch alloy wheels ($1,310), Digital Rearview Mirror ($200), Triple-Beam Headlamps ($850), Panoramic View Monitor/ Lane Change Assist/Front Cross Traffic Alert ($1,070), Mark Levinson Premium Audio ($1,020), power-folding heated rear seats ($1,030), wireless phone charger/digital key ($450), illuminated cargo sills ($300), carpet cargo mat ($130), cargo net ($25), rear bumper protector ($75), rear puddle lamp ($460), crossbars ($395) and mudguards ($165).
The optional Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium audio system is, as you'd expect with 17 speakers, fabulous.
Advanced Park
I also must make a special mention of Advanced Park, Lexus' automated parking feature, which worked as designed QUITE impressively in the 350h, as you'll see in both shared videos below.
Ride and Drive
The NX hybrid delivers an enjoyable, smooth and quiet ride and drive, and it certainly checks off the boxes that make it a great daily driver that's easy to park and maneuver. Its 39 MPG combined is also terrific. However, it lacks the initial off-the-line acceleration of the 450+ plug-in hybrid that I enjoy. I must also make mention of its 7.7 inches ground clearance. It makes for great visibility, though could cause entry issues for those with mobility issues.
Verdict
The 2024 Lexus NX 350h is a luxurious compact SUV that brings a lot to the table -- including great tech and safety, and some outstanding options on top of that. It's a great way also to transition out of a gas-only model without having range anxiety.
- What I liked most: Leather-trimmed seats, wood trim, Mark Levinson audio
- What I would change: Too many options. Simplify ordering.
- MSRP: Base price $48,795. As equipped $58,445 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 41 city/37 highway/39 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 9,424 miles.
- Weight: 4,080 pounds.
- Spare Tire: None. Run-Flat tires.
- Length-Width-Height: 183.5” long/73.4” wide/65.8” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.53 gallons with fuel filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Redline.
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds with additional equipment.
- 2024 Lexus NX 350h Luxury in a few words: A luxurious compact SUV with terrific technology and fuel economy.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty, 8-year-year/100,000 Mile Hybrid Warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada.
- Manufacturer's website: Lexus
