2024 Lexus NX350h - 16 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Summary

In this episode of Downshift, Matt and Paulo review the Lexus NX 350 Hybrid, a compact crossover SUV that shares components with the Toyota RAV4. They highlight the vehicle's 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, offering 239 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency. The interior's luxurious features, including exquisite leather work and genuine wood, are praised, as are the tech advancements like the 14-inch touchscreen and digital rearview mirror. Despite the car's elegant design and comfortable ride, they note the NX 350h's lack of sportiness and power, suggesting the 450h hybrid for those seeking more performance. The review concludes with the car's price point, starting at $45,000 and reaching $58,000 in their test model, emphasizing it as a stylish, comfortable, and efficient choice for luxury SUV buyers.

Takeaways

• 📕 The Lexus NX 350 Hybrid is considered the 'sweet spot' among the four different powertrain options available for the NX series.
• 💵 The NX 350 Hybrid is a compact crossover, positioned between the larger RX and smaller UX models, and shares many components with the Toyota RAV4, including the same wheelbase.
• 🔅 Under the hood, the NX 350 Hybrid features a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, three electric motors, and a battery, producing 239 horsepower without a plug-in option.
• 💲 The vehicle offers an estimated 38 MPG fuel efficiency, which the hosts found to be accurate during their test drive, achieving around 36-38 MPG.
• 💵 The NX 350h is the only standard hybrid in its segment, distinguishing it from competitors like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes, which offer 48-volt mild hybrids or plug-in hybrids.
• 💵 The interior of the NX 350 Hybrid is luxurious, with high-quality materials, real wood, and leather work that sets it apart from competitors like the Alpha Tonali.
• 💲 The NX 350 Hybrid comes with a range of comfort features, including heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and an optional heated rear seat.
• 💵 The vehicle offers a high level of technology, including a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and over-the-air updates.
• 💲 The NX 350 Hybrid has a starting price of $45,000, but the fully optioned model tested reaches up to $58,000.
• 💵 The hosts appreciated the vehicle's self-awareness as a Lexus compact SUV hybrid, praising its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and comfortable interior, making it an excellent choice for those seeking style, class, and comfort.

Q & A

What is the Lexus NX 350 Hybrid's position among other powertrains in the NX series?

The Lexus NX 350 Hybrid is considered the 'sweet spot' among the four different powertrain options available for the NX series. It is a normal hybrid and is likely the best choice for those who are not completely sold on the F Sport body styling.

How does the Lexus NX 350 Hybrid compare in size to other Lexus models?

The Lexus NX 350 Hybrid is a compact crossover, making it smaller than the RX and larger than the UX within the Lexus lineup.

What is the significance of the NX 350 Hybrid sharing componentry with the Toyota Rav 4?

The NX 350 Hybrid shares its wheelbase with the Toyota Rav 4 and is slightly longer, suggesting a similar but slightly more spacious platform. This indicates a close relationship between the two models, with the NX offering a more premium experience.

What powertrain does the NX 350 Hybrid use, and how does it differ from competitors?

The NX 350 Hybrid uses a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine combined with three electric motors and a battery, offering 239 horsepower. It's the only normal hybrid in its segment, distinguishing it from competitors like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes which offer 48-volt mild hybrids, or alternatives like the Alfa Tonali which offers a plug-in hybrid option.

What is the estimated fuel economy for the Lexus NX 350 Hybrid?

Lexus claims a fuel economy of 38 miles per gallon for the NX 350 Hybrid, with the hosts of the transcript reporting around 36 to 38 miles per gallon during their testing, which aligns closely with the official estimate.

How does the interior of the Lexus NX 350 Hybrid reflect the Lexus brand?

The interior of the NX 350 Hybrid is luxurious and reflects the Lexus brand with exquisite leather work, genuine open-pore wood, and high-quality materials. It is considered a step above competitors like the Alfa Tonali in terms of interior luxury.

What unique features does the NX 350 Hybrid offer in terms of comfort and convenience?

The NX 350 Hybrid offers features such as heated and cooled seats, an autoclimate concierge, a heated steering wheel, and available heated rear seats. It also has a digital door handle with a mechanical failsafe and a lit-up kick plate with the Lexus logo.

How does the trunk space of the NX 350 Hybrid compare to the Toyota Rav 4?

Despite being a couple of inches longer than the Toyota Rav 4, the NX 350 Hybrid has 23 cubic feet of trunk space, which is smaller than the Rav 4's 37 cubic feet. With the rear seats down, the NX 350 Hybrid offers 44 cubic feet of space, still smaller than the Rav 4.

What are some of the tech features found in the Lexus NX 350 Hybrid?

The NX 350 Hybrid includes a fully digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, a 14-inch touchscreen with Toyota's latest infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, over-the-air updates, dual Bluetooth connection, and a digital rearview mirror.

How does the exterior design of the Lexus NX 350 Hybrid stand out, and what are some of its distinctive features?

The exterior design of the NX 350 Hybrid is elegant and instantly iconic as a Lexus, featuring a spindle grille, sharp checks with triple beams, and a full-width tail bar with an overlapping design. It was also the first Lexus to get the script spelled out on the back tailgate.

What are the safety features of the Lexus NX 350 Hybrid?

The NX 350 Hybrid includes advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control with lane change assist, bright headlights with proximity and turn indicators, and touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel that integrate with the head-up display for controlling various vehicle functions.