That is the 2024 Lexus NX 350h AWD Hybrid, a compact and upscale SUV with extra know-how than an area shuttle, nevertheless it presents in an easy-to-use method. Pricing for the NX 350h begins at $44,205, which is simply $200 greater than the non-hybrid mannequin, and it will get double the EPA-rated gasoline mileage on paper. The automotive we present is priced at $56,855 which incorporates the supply, processing, and dealing with charges. The principle improve comes courtesy of the Luxurious Package deal with some extra goodies the Premium package deal doesn’t supply. 

Exterior

This Lexus NX 350h AWD is completed in Cadmium Orange, including $595 to the value, nevertheless it rewards you with a surprising metallic orange that can make your car straightforward to seek out. The NX 350h has an aggressive look due to a large stance, indignant Lexus entrance grille, and the upgraded 20-inch premium alloy wheels. Up entrance, one can find the elective triple LED headlights together with LED fog lights for improved visibility. You’ll additionally discover roof rails on both sides of the panoramic roof, and an influence kick door within the rear for simple loading when your arms are full. Keyless entry is extensively obtainable lately, however the Lexus Good Key card goes an extended approach to make utilizing your automotive extra handy with a slick key that would match within the area of a bank card.       

Inside

The inside is the place the premium worth for a Lexus turns into obvious, and this 2024 NX 350h advantages from a driver-focused interface with new know-how. The match and end feels strong with tactile suggestions from the buttons and switches within the automotive, together with a responsive 14-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The premium inside options perforated leather-trimmed seats with chevron patterns, a leather-based steering wheel, and black open-pore wooden. The seats are powered and obtainable with reminiscence settings, as anticipated, however the Luxurious package deal offers you powered rear seats which may be lowered or raised on the contact of a button, both via the touchscreen or rear cargo buttons. This NX 350h makes use of digital door releases (don’t fear there are mechanical releases in case of emergencies) that permit the SUV to test your blind spots when opening doorways and can present a warning if it senses a automotive or bicycle owner going by, which may actually prevent some complications. Extra options embrace Lexus Security System 3.0, energy tilt and slide moonroof with electrical sunshade, ambient lighting which is customizable however dim, and a digital rearview mirror.    

Powertrain

Energy comes from a 2.5 liter inline-4 which is paired with an ECVT transmission and two electrical motors, producing a mixed 240 horsepower, 35 hp lower than the usual NX 350. The NX 350h is just supplied with all-wheel drive that’s made potential by inserting one electrical motor on every axle, although it’s primarily front-wheel drive, utilizing the rear electrical motor when accelerating from a cease or in conditions requiring extra traction. The hybrid drive prepare permits the NX 350h to attain 0-60 in 7.2 seconds, the identical as the brand new Prius, and attain a prime pace of 124 miles per hour. Greater than sufficient energy to drive round your city, however it will probably really feel sluggish totally loaded or uphill.  

Economic system

Maybe an important facet of any hybrid is gasoline financial system. The EPA ranking for the NX 350h AWD is 41 mpg metropolis, 37 mpg freeway, and 39 mixed. In our time with the car, we by no means managed to common above 31 mpg with a mixture of metropolis and freeway driving in Phoenix, however that’s higher than the highest EPA rankings for the non-hybrid mannequin. On the time of this assessment, we had been in the course of the brand new “best variety of days over 110 levels” report so the AC and ventilated seats had been all the time on full blast whereas driving, which will surely put some pressure on our gasoline financial system. With some extra relaxed driving, and higher climate circumstances, I think about the effectivity might be improved.  

Drive

This Lexus Luxurious SUV gives a balanced driving expertise with easy-to-use know-how. The steering offers first rate suggestions together with strong brake strain that may be sensitive, as hybrids are with regenerative braking. The seats are snug and supply good high-up visibility together with straightforward blind spot checks, together with blind spot monitoring. The NX 350h makes for a fantastic every day driver and it has some pickup when wanted (apart from hilly areas). In the end, it would be best to take a look at drive one at your native Lexus seller to verify it’s a good match. 

Conclusion 

The Lexus NX 350h AWD delivers the standard that you just count on from Lexus with the additional advantage of easy-to-use know-how and driving aids that make interacting with the SUV a pleasure. Whereas our expertise with the gasoline financial system was beneath the EPA rankings, it’s an enchancment over the non-hybrid mannequin and simply justifies the $200 worth distinction in case you don’t thoughts ECVT transmissions. The Luxurious Package deal gives quite a lot of fascinating options in case you’re keen to splurge over the lower-cost premium package deal and even base trim.