Review - Lexus NX350h

More specifically, the Lexus NX350h is one of the leading variants within the NX range, offering a clever hybrid powertrain that maintains a handsome power figure while significantly reducing the fuel economy. The NX is a hugely significant car for Lexus, accounting for more than one-third of overall sales here in Australia, so how does the latest generation NX hold up to its legacy, and what changes have been introduced in the latest NX350h? Let’s find out. 

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Lexus NX350h (LUXURY HYBRID 2WD) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Lexus NX350h car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The NX350h is an updated series of models that largely replaces the existing NX300 range, which is priced from $57,500 for the entry-level NX300, with the cheapest hybrid of last year’s model range receiving a price tag of $60,500. 

While Lexus is yet to reveal official prices for the NX350h, we do know that it will command a premium over the existing NX300 lineup. Prices are expected to sit around the $70,000 mark for the entry-level NX350h, with the F Sport and Luxury variants bringing the price tag up to anywhere between $80,000 - $90,000. 

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What Features Does the Lexus NX350h Have?

The entry-level Lexus NX350 Luxury comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, and receives automatic LED headlights with a set of fog lamps, leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, a powered boot lift, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, a set of heated eight-way power adjustable front seats and a 9.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation and voice recognition, as well as a comprehensive array of active safety technologies. 

Moving to the NX350 F Sport adds a larger set of 20-inch alloy wheels and an upgraded 14-inch infotainment system, tri-beam LED headlights, surround view camera, wireless smartphone charging, a head-up display, ambient lighting package, a set of ventilated front seats, an F Sport body kit, adaptive suspension with front and rear performance dampers and a set of sports seats. 

Finally, the NX350 Sports Luxury adds an upgraded 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system and a digital rear-view mirror.  

Range Features: 

• 18-inch alloys

• Automatic LED headlights 

• Powered boot lift 

• Adaptive suspension 

• 9.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, DAB+ and sat-nav

• Keyless entry & start 

• Heated front seats 

• Dual zone climate control 

• Leather upholstery 

• 14.0-inch infotainment system (F Sport)

• Surround-view camera (F Sport) 

• 20-inch alloys (F Sport) 

• Tri-beam LED headlights (F Sport) 

• Ventilated front seats (F Sport) 

• Adaptive suspension with performance dampers (F Sport) 

• F Sport body kit styling (F Sport) 

• Sport seats and interior tweaks (F Sport) 

• Digital rear-view mirror (Sports Luxury)

• 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system (Sports Luxury) 

Lexus NX350h Colours

Is it Comfortable to Drive? 

The all-new Lexus NX350h is a wonderful update for an already impressive midsize SUV. In its most recent form, the NX350h receives an upgraded hybrid powertrain that offers even more power and added fuel efficiency. This engine proves a welcomed addition to the NX’s established reputation for smooth, relaxed and refined driving, making it a more attractive offering than ever before, with the added bonus of 24% more power than its predecessors. 

At speed, the NX350h feels motivated for its size, although there’s not much excitement on offer, which adds to the overall sense of relaxation that Lexus is aiming for with the entire NX range, but especially in the hybrid variant. A 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit with an electric motor on the front axle in the standard NX350h, while the all-wheel drive variant receives another smaller electric motor on the rear axle for added power. Power is sent to the wheels via an e-CVT system that works away offering seamless gear shifts, and is perfectly suited to the hybrid powertrain recipe that Toyota has been cooking up for years now. 

Overall, there’s more than enough power on offer to get you up to speed in a relaxed manner, although the noise produced by the petrol engine can detract from the overall driving experience. The driving position is extremely comfortable, with a great view out of the front windshield with no major obstructions. 

On the road, Lexus’ attention to detail is clearly on show with how the NX350h rides over bumps and irregularities, making the cabin an exceptionally comfortable and relaxing place to sit on short trips around town and long roadtrips alike. The steering remains lightweight, making the process of three-point turns and squeezing in and out of tight car parks a simple task, making for a more accommodating urban commuter that is easy to pilot. 

The NX350h, then, remains perfectly suited for those looking for a comfortable and practical daily driver around town, and while the updates to the engine are more evolutionary rather than revolutionary, they have culminated in no doubt the smoothest and most refined midsize SUV that Lexus has so far created. 

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

Lexus is a brand famous for its well-crafted interiors that offer real-world practicality and ample amounts of luxury in their vehicles, and the latest NX350h is no exception. It takes only seconds behind the wheel to realise Lexus’ attention to detail when it comes to interior design and packaging, with a futuristic cockpit welcoming the driver and front passenger. Better still, considering that this is technically a Toyota vehicle, the NX350h offers real-world, family-friendly practicality. 

This means that the front of the cabin houses a huge range of user-friendly touches in a luxurious setting, while retaining the ability to house and accommodate a growing family and their belongings. The front cabin features the usual set of door bins for large drink bottles, while the central console houses a set of large cup holders with a small storage area and wireless charging pad meeting the rising dashboard. A large folding armrest sits between the driver and front passenger, offering a significant amount of storage for the larger loose items that you might accumulate throughout your daily errand run.

Moving to the rear of the cabin presents you with a set of extremely comfortable leather-wrapped seats with a sizable amount of leg and headroom for passengers seated in the second row. If you have a growing family, you won’t have any problems getting your kids comfortable in the rear of the cabin, with more than enough legroom for even full-sized adults and no issues in terms of headroom, either. For a midsize SUV, there’s an impressive amount of space in the second row of the NX350h’s cabin, which is primarily thanks to Lexus’ clever interior packaging design. Those growing families will be glad to find out that the ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts are easily accessible in the second row, with no problems in terms of squeezing in even the largest of child seats into the cabin.  

In terms of family-friendly and practical touches for the boot, design tweaks have resulted in a larger amount of cargo storage in the rear of the NX350h’s cabin, although Lexus is yet to confirm the exact specs for the boot space. For reference, the previous generation NX350h had a boot rated at 475L, which is slightly smaller than the leading midsize SUVs on the market, but remains large enough for the majority of family duties. 

Is it Safe? 

The latest generation Lexus NX range is yet to receive an official ANCAP safety rating, however, the NX was tested back in 2017 and received a five star safety rating from ANCAP. As standard, the Lexus NX350h receives autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as intersection support, an adaptive cruise control system, emergency steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assistance and a series of electronic latches for the door handles with a safe exit assist system. 

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Lexus says that the latest generation NX350h is rated at just 5.0L per 100km on a combined cycle, making it an exceptionally fuel-efficient midsize SUV. Real-world driving conditions with any significant stop-start traffic will likely see these numbers rise, however, the Lexus NX350h remains one of the best options in the midsize SUV segment when it comes to fuel economy. 

Our Verdict: Is the Lexus NX350h Worth it? 

With the latest generation NX350h, Lexus has improved upon an already impressive product and gifted its midsize SUV with an impressive petrol-hybrid engine that increases both power and fuel economy figures. Lexus upholds its reputation of impressive cabin designs with a clean, modern design aesthetic packed with technology and family-friendly features, making it a great option for the midsize SUV segment. 

If you’re looking for a midsize SUV, we highly recommend adding the Lexus NX350h to your shortlist. On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. 2.5-litre petrol paired with two electric motors 

2. 134kW front motor and 40kW rear motor

3. e-CVT gearbox 

4. Fuel economy stands at 5.0L/100km 

5. No official ANCAP safety rating yet; 2017 model was rated 5 stars

Pros 

• Exceptionally well-crafted interior design

• Spacious second row for teenagers and adults alike 

• Impressive economy figures for a midsize SUV

Cons

• Unexciting engine note 

• Engine needs to be pushed at times for added power 

• Some noticeable body roll while cornering 

OnlineAuto Rating: 8.5/10

Lexus NX350h Competition