The first-generation NX, which was sold for the 2015 to 2021 model years, was Lexus' first crack at the small luxury SUV segment. While the NX was competent and competitively priced, a few drawbacks limited its appeal compared to rival SUVs such as the Acura RDX and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Those drawbacks included a small cargo area and a distracting-to-use infotainment interface. Thankfully, Lexus upped its game when designing the second-generation NX.
The NX's model designations refer to what's under the hood, and the NX 350 gets a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This is an increase of 40 hp and 59 lb-ft from the old NX 300 that had a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Lexus says the extra grunt is good for a 6.8-second sprint from 0 to 60 mph, and our first impressions tend to support that claim. If that proves to be accurate (we'll know for sure once we do our own independent testing), the NX 350 should be respectably quick and on par with rivals such as the Acura RDX and BMW X3 xDrive30i.
Ride quality is understandably affected by the F Sport's suspension, but thankfully it's not so stiff as to significantly degrade comfort. You'll simply feel more bumps in the road, but even the bigger cracks and potholes won't send jolts into the passenger space. If you have a preference for comfort over sportiness, we suggest skipping the F Sport. The ride quality is noticeably smoother in the base model.
The first thing you'll notice upon entering the cabin is the wide central display canted toward the driver. A 9.8-inch touchscreen is standard, and you can upgrade to a 14-inch screen with a combination of virtual and physical controls for the climate system. This is a massive departure from other Lexus models, which usually are equipped with a central display mounted far from the driver and controlled by touchpad. Behind the wheel is a fully digital instrument panel that completes the NX's high-tech look.
The NX is the first vehicle from the manufacturer to get the latest infotainment system, fittingly named Lexus Interface. It marks a significant step forward from the previous system, which we often referred to as the worst in the industry. The new interface screen is within easy reach, and the sharp graphics are easy to read with a quick glance. The overall menu structure isn't all that intuitive, however. In our initial testing, we sometimes struggled to find some basic functions such as destinations for navigation. This new system does include voice activation that can be summoned by saying, "Hey, Lexus" and then directed by natural speech commands. It alleviates the effort needed to find certain functions, though it does take several seconds for the commands to be processed.
Cargo capacity behind the rear seats maxes out at 22.7 cubic feet. That represents a sizable increase of 28% compared to the last-generation NX. This larger space now makes the NX competitive with other small luxury SUVs, though not quite as roomy as the BMW X3 or Volvo XC60. Helping matters is a shallow storage bin underneath the cargo floor and available power-folding rear seats. Storage for personal items for front passengers is also adequate but not generous. A wireless charging pad frees up the cupholders for drinks or other items, and the door pockets and center armrest bin are about average in size.
Edmunds saysThe fully redesigned 2022 Lexus NX 350 represents a huge improvement over its predecessor, but to be frank, that's a rather low bar. This new NX is noticeably better to drive, has a much larger cargo space and will not send you into fits when you use the infotainment center. It may not feel quite as special as a Mercedes-Benz GLC or BMW X3, but it's not as expensive either. It's worth checking out if you're shopping for a small luxury SUV.
The least-expensive 2022 Lexus NX 350 is the 2022 Lexus NX 350 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $41,950.
Other versions include:
