Back in 2022, Lexus reimagined and redesigned the second generation NX from the inside out adding models and trim levels for a more complete offering for the compact SUV (crossover) buyer.
For 2024 Lexus fills out the lineup as part of their “Lexus Electrified” vision to include both hybrid and plug-in hybrid offering their NX ‘nimble crossover’ with four powertrains that now include two hybrid electric models.
We admit we are partial to hybrids due to the improved fuel economy hybrid they offer. Given a choice of plug-in or not, we prefer to not deal with the inconvenience of a plug-in.
That makes our choice the 2024 NX 350h. Lexus was gracious enough to loan us one for a week recently here in Austin to confirm our choice.
“Spoiler Alert” – choice confirmed.
Let’s take a look.
2024 Lexus NX 350h AWD Luxury as Tested
Our test vehicle base MSRP was $48,795. The Luxury Package added another $6,660. A group of available options added $1,840. With a select group of many optional features added, the ‘in our garage’ price was $58,445.
The 2024 NX 350h test vehicle was clad in a bright ‘Redline” finish with black accents and running on 20-inch silver finish wheels mounted with 235/50R20 all-season tires. Inside, this NX 350h was fitted with Palomino NuLuxe and stippled black trims – beautiful, functional and technology rich.
Powertrain and Mechanical
The 2024 NX 350h AWD Luxury is powered by an a 2.4L 4-cylinder hybrid system delivering a more than adequate 240 horsepower.
Power is delivered by the two electric motor generator drive train through an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) with paddle shifters. Electronic power splitting provides drive control ranging from all-wheel to front-wheel only based on road/drive condition. Available Drive Modes include NORMAL, ECO and SPORT.
This baby was quick enough – 0-60 mph acceleration in the 7.2 second range and topping out at 124 mph. A proven Lexus (Toyota) hybrid, the NX 350h is a fuel sipper with fuel economy rated at 39/41 mpg City/Highway and 37 mpg combined.
Its underpinnings delivered both a nimble and refined ride. Suspension up front is MacPherson strut with Trailing Arm type double wishbone rear. The electric Power Steering and ventilated disc brakes – with the 20-inch wheels – combine to delivered a nice ride around town or out in the hills around Austin, Texas.
NOTE: The 2024 NX 350h can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped making – if desired – bringing along light trail or water sports gear no problem.
Exterior
Lexus softened the sharp-edged styling of the NX 350 a couple of years back. It is a very complimentary profile for this luxury compact SUV.
Elements of note include 20-inch Wheels and Mudguards, Triple Beam LED Headlights w/Cornering Lamps, LED tail lights, LED Foglamps, Roof Rails and Cross Bars, Daytime Running Lights, Illuminated Door Sills, Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers w/Deicers, Kick Sensor Controlled Rear Hatch w/Puddle Lamp and Illuminated Cargo Sills,
Of note is the 7.2-inch ground clearance which makes the step-in height ‘easy’ for drivers and passengers of all sizes and ages.
Interior
In the cabin, the 2024 NX 350h features generous spaces (both front and rear) loaded with plenty of convenience functionality integrated with premium comfort treatments.
Luxury level premium materials include the two-tone Palomino NuLuxe leather seating with chevron quilting. Black Open Pore wood trim with distinctive Black Prism accents richly compliment the seating décor.
Adding to the luxury ambiance was the Panoramic Moonroof for passengers both front and rear plus new 14 theme and 64 color interior lighting.
We continue to be impressed with the Digital Door Latch introduced in 2022. The door ‘handle’ is actually an exit pull lever activated by a flush mounted push button. Very neat – and sensible plus it has Safe Exit Assist that will not let the door open if there is traffic looming alongside.
In particular, we noted the perfect closure and ‘seal’ of all of the doors. Without a doubt, this tight fitting of the doors contributed largely to the quietness of the cabin.
Other elements included 10-way power, heated and ventilated front seating and heated power folding rear seating.
Technology / Convenience and Infotainment
Our NX 350h featured the – customizable – Lexus Interface Multimedia System with 14-inch touchscreen display.
Vehicle operational data is displayed on the very bright 7-inch display mounted above the steering column with a 10-inch Heads Up Display to enable ‘eyes on the road” visibility.
Entertainment functionality was ably delivered through a Mark Levinson 17-speaker Premium Audio system.
Notable features on our NX 350h 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.
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, Wireless Charging, USB input connections and the Advanced Park System that now enables remote parking of the vehicle using a ‘digital key’ (smartphone).
Safety
The 2024 NX 350 features the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 advanced safety suite. Included are 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.
Other features include: Panoramic View Monitor w/Lane Change Assist and Front Traffic Alert, Triple Beam Headlights w/Washers and Cornering Lamps, 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.
2024 NX 350 Line-up
The 2024 NX 350 is offered as the NX 350 AWD (in three trim levels including the “h” we test drove) with MSRP starting at $43,965 and the NX 350 F SPORT Handling AWD (MSRP $49,065).
Go to https://www.lexus.com/models/NX for details on the NX 350 trim levels.
2024 NX Line
A part of the “Lexus Electrified” initiative, the 2024 NX is largely a carryover from 2023. In addition to the NX 350 models, the NX line provides a range of powertrain options – available AWD – with enhanced levels of driving performance and advanced technologies.
The NX 250 and NX 350 offer a duo of gas powertrains plus available AWD starting at MSRP $40,250 while the NX 450h+ offers a plug-in electric powered model starting at MSRP $59,905.
See them all at your local Lexus dealer or go to https://www.lexus.com/models/NX for more information.
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KEY DATA 2024 Lexus NX 350h AWD Luxury
- Model: NX 350h
- Trim: Luxury
- Class: Compact Crossover
- Seating: Five
- MSRP: $48,795
- As Tested: $58,445
- Powertrain: 2.5L Hybrid
- Horsepower: 240 Combined
- Transmission: ECVT
- Drive Modes: Normal/ECO/Sport
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph 7.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 124 mph
- Drive System: Electronically Controlled AWD
- Suspension: MacPherson Strut (F) / Double Wishbone (R)
- Steering: Electric Power Steering
- Towing: 2,000 lbs.
- Brakes Ventilated Disc front and rear
- Wheels: 20-inch Alloy
- Tires: 235/50 R20 All-Season
- Fuel Economy: 41/37 mpg City/Highway 39 mpg Combined
- Fuel Tank: 14.5 gallons
- Range: 565 miles combined
Sources: Lexus Marketing and PR Materials combined with Test Drives
