2022 Lexus NX 350h Review

Fully redesigned for this year, the Lexus NX lineup includes a mix of gas-powered, hybrid and, for the first time, plug-in hybrid models. The 2022 NX 350h represents the conventional hybrid, pairing a four-cylinder gas engine with a dual-motor electric powertrain, and replaces the outgoing NX 300h. By nearly every metric, the NX 350h is an upgrade. It packs more punch, now with 239 horsepower, while achieving an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined. Lexus says it's quicker too, able to dash from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, a marked improvement on the 8.4 seconds that the NX 300h required in our last testing.

Length and wheelbase are only slightly extended — the wheelbase is just an inch longer — but there's about 5 more cubic feet of cargo space behind the upright rear seats, giving the NX more utility than before. Inside the cabin, passengers gain more overall headroom and legroom, and there's a complete overhaul of the previously clunky infotainment system. A 9.8-inch standard touchscreen replaces the previous NX's awkward joystick touch-controller interface that we found distracting to use while driving. There's even an optional 14-inch touchscreen if you feel compelled to drop a laptop-size display in your dash.

The new NX still looks much like its predecessor, which remains a love-it-or-loathe-it proposition. The trademark spindle grille is back and more Predator-like than ever, but with some revisions. The checkmark turn signals are now incorporated into the headlights — which kind of resemble furrowed brows — and a new full-width taillight makes the back end more distinctive at night.

More power, more room and a long-overdue infotainment upgrade make the new NX 350h a compelling choice for luxury SUV buyers seeking hybrid efficiency. The NX doesn't face stiff competition, as most luxury alternatives cost significantly more, while more economy-oriented options lack the same kind of premium features. We're looking forward to getting behind the wheel to see just how significant the new NX's improvements actually are.

The NX 350h is available in a single trim level. (Lexus offers a sport-tuned F Sport Handling trim on the other NX models but not here.) Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid powertrain that combine to produce 239 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard. Standard and optional feature highlights include: