Lexus reimagined and redesigned the second generation NX from the inside out for 2022 – even adding some models and trim levels.
The new model 2022 NX 350 AWD is on a new platform – bigger, wider and taller – with more luxury, technology and convenience features than the previous generation.
Yes, it still looks like the NX we know, but looking again, you see a softer styling approach to the sharp-edged signature look of NX.
In particular, the signature spindle grille features an updated three-dimensional look with tall U-shaped blocks framed on the top with L-shaped daytime running lamps and optional three projector headlamps.
The 2022 NX 350 is AWD and comes in three trim levels for 2022.
Lets take a look at the Luxury trim.
2022 Lexus NX 350 AWD Luxury as Tested
Our test vehicle MSRP – with the Luxury Package – was $50,075. With a couple of optional features, the delivered price was estimated to be $54,150.
In a few words, it was downright handsome with its refined Caviar exterior and refined – yet bold- interior fitted out in Rioja Red and Black Leather with Open Pore Wood Trim and new Textured Piano Black accents.
Riding proud and tall on distinctive 20-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels in a silver finish, this NX 350 NX got lots of second looks during our week-long test drive in and around Austin, Texas.
Powertrain and Mechanical
The 2022 NX 350 AWD is powered by an all-new 2.4L Turbo in-line 4-cylinder gas engine producing 275 horsepower with 317 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is delivered to the AWD through a very efficient 8-speed multi-mode electronically-controlled automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Available Drive Modes include NORMAL, ECO and SPORT.
This baby was pretty quick – 0-60 mph acceleration in the 6.6 second range and topping out at 124 mph. Fuel economy is rated at 22/28 mpg City/Highway and 25 mpg combined.
Underpinnings of the new longer and wider platform deliver a refined yet responsive ride. The wider track suspension is MacPherson strut front and Trailing Arm type double wishbone rear. The electric Power Steering and ventilated disc brakes combine to delivered a nice ride around town or up in the hills.
Exterior
The previous sharp-edged styling has been ‘softened’ and presents, we think, a more appropriate profile befitting a premium crossover.
Notably the Signature spindle grille has been updated with tall U-shaped blocks and an incorporated Lexus logo to give a three-dimensional effect. The rear of the NX 350 features new block letter Lexus badging and a full-width tail lamp.
Other elements of note include a subtle restyling of the LED headlights, LED tail lights and Daytime Running Lights.
Interior
The big ‘wow’ for the new NX 350 AWD is in the cabin. Larger and more comfortable with new and improved technology convenience functionality, the new NX 350 is truly premium at all levels.
Luxury level premium materials include the two-tone leather seating with unique chevron quilting. Black Open Pore wood trim with distinctive Black Prism accents richly compliment the seating décor.
NOTE: The advanced looking Black Prism accents feature Piano Black texture with a three-dimensional fractal giving a high-tech appearance and touch. Really nice!
Adding to the luxury ambiance was a new Panoramic Moonroof for passengers both front and rear plus new 14 theme and 64 color interior lighting.
OF NOTE: A very clever innovative new Digital Latch for door entry and exit puzzled us for a couple of seconds on our first drive. In particular, the exit pull lever was actually a flush mounted push button. Very neat – and sensible.
Technology / Infotainment
Most importantly (for many) is that the ‘evil’ console mounted ‘Touch Controller’ is gone.
Instead, our NX 350 featured the all-new – customizable – Lexus Interface Multimedia System with 14-inch touchscreen display. Using the touchscreen plus a selected group of dial controls for frequently used functions is easier to use and less distracting than the old touch controller.
In addition, the new 10-inch Heads Up Display enables alternate/additional feature control via steering wheel controls – reducing the distraction of having to look to the touchscreen display when making adjustments.
Some notable features on our NX 350 included Lexus Cloud Navigation with Google POI data, Intelligent Virtual Assistant and Destination Assist, plus Over-the-Air Updating, Digital Key and access to other Lexus Drive Connect programs.
As you would expect, other infotainment and convenience features include Bluetooth Handsfree connectivity, Wi-Fi Connect w/AT&T Hotspot, HD Radio, SiriusXM, Wireless Charging, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB input connections and more.
Safety
The new Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 on the 2022 NX 350 adds advanced safety features. They include Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection /Braking, Right/Left Turn Pedestrian Detection/Braking and Dynamic Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management.
OF NOTE: Our NX 350 was equipped with the highly desirable Adaptive Front Lighting System with auto-leveling lamps
Other standard features are: Safe Exit Alert, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision Brake Assist, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Steer Assist, Intelligent High Beam, All-Speed Dynamic Cruise Control and Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring,
OF NOTE: The Safe Exit Alert should be on all vehicles. It assists passengers and drivers to avoid accidental contact with vehicles and cyclists when opening the door to exit the vehicle.
2022 Lexus NX Lineup
For 2022, Lexus not only improved their NX lineup, but also added to it.
In addition to the NX 350, offerings include the NX 250 (FWD and AWD) powered by a 203-horsepower inline 4-cylinder engine. The FWD MSRP begins at $49,025 with the AWD MSRP $40,625.
NX also comes as a hybrid with the NX 350h available in three trims. The AWD hybrid powerplant produces a combined 239 horsepower and has a starting MSRP of $42,125.
The NX 450h comes in a Luxury trim level only. Its AWD plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power plant produces a combined 302 horsepower. The MSRP is $56,635.
Since you will ask, yes, the NX 350 and NX 450h both offer an F Sport Handling Package option. MSRP $51,025 and 57,975 respectively.
See all of the 2022 Lexus NX-Series offerings here: https://www.lexus.com/models/
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KEY DATA 2022 Lexus NX 350 AWD Luxury
- Model: NX 350
- Trim: Luxury
- Class: Compact Crossover SUV
- Seating: Five
- MSRP: $50,075
- As Tested: $54,150
- Powertrain: 2.4L Turbo I4
- Horsepower: 275 @ 6,600 rpm
- Torque: 317 lb.-ft.@ 1,700-3,600 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed Automatic w/Paddle Shifters
- Drive Modes: Normal/ECO/Sport
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph 6.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 124 mph
- Drive System: AWD
- Suspension: MacPherson Strut (F) / Double Wishbone (R)
- Steering: Electric Power Steering
- Brakes Ventilated Disc front and rear
- Wheels: 20-inch Alloy
- Tires: 235/50 R20 All-Season
- Fuel Economy: 22/29 mpg City/Highway 25 mpg Combined
- Fuel Tank: 14.3 gallons
- Range: 400 miles Highway
