Lexus NX 350h

The 2022 Lexus NX 350h revitalized model is more streamlined than its NX 300h predecessor, sporting stylish new LED headlamps and a more aggressively slanted windshield. With a spacious, luxurious new interior, excellent driver assistance features, All Wheel Drive, 240 Total System Hybrid Horsepower, and an EPA-Estimated 39 MPG Combined, this refreshed NX Hybrid is ready to do battle with rival small luxury SUV hybrids.

As part of its major NX redesign, Lexus is offering an NX 450h Plug-In Hybrid, reviewed separately.

Discussing its NX redesign, Lexus says: “Ushering in a new era of luxury, Lexus is embracing electrification, intuitive technology, performance, and design. The all-new 2022 Lexus NX delivers a long list of firsts, including the all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system designed with the North American market in mind. With a lower center of gravity and stronger stance, the all-new NX embodies powerful design, intuitive innovation and boundless utility. The most notable update is the introduction of Lexus Interface, the integrated multimedia and digital support on the optional 14-inch touchscreen display. It offers available over the air updates, wireless charging and untethered smart phone connection to the user’s unique profile. This is paired with the introduction of standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, plus Blind Spot Monitor. Additionally, Safe Exit Assist and the innovative Digital Latch system are designed to make exiting the vehicle safely even more effortless.”

Vinay Shahani, Lexus VP of Marketing: “The 2022 NX includes the most technological vehicle changes since we launched Lexus 32 years ago. With the all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system and a variety of customizable features, NX is an exciting first step in a series of 20 all-new or updated Lexus vehicles by 2025.”

The 2022 NX Hybrid comes in one trim: 350h AWD (MSRP: $41,050).

The standard 9.8-inch touchscreen in the e-mobility car’s center stack puts an array of multimedia features within easy reach. A first for NX, an optional 14-inch touch screen delivers an immersive multimedia experience. Dials are still available for climate control and media volume. Comfort features like heated seat selection are now more readily accessible. New NX Hybrid enhancements combine to create a more user-friendly, digital in-vehicle experience.

Discussing its new Lexus Interface, Lexus says: “The all-new, North American-developed Lexus Interface multimedia system allows the NX to seamlessly integrate and navigate life’s twists and turns. The eye-catching standard 9.8-inch touchscreen provides intuitive technology at the occupants’ fingertips. The screen’s new Human Machine Interface (HMI) enhances user interaction through sight, touch and voice, while balancing accessibility needs. An optional 14-inch touchscreen maximizes the experience with integrated automatic climate control functions.”

Lexus: “Lexus Interface also incorporates a new Voice Assistant developed with a human-centered approach. The Voice Assistant is intended to be the primary way guests interact with the new multimedia system. Designed with dual microphones, enhanced noise-cancellation, seat detection and speaker location capabilities, the system enables a voice-first approach allowing front seat occupants an expanded and interactive experience to access navigation, media, phone and certain vehicle settings such as climate control and window opening/closing.”

Lexus: “With the ubiquitous use of smart phones, an intuitive and simple guest experience is now possible with Lexus Interface. With the Lexus Interface User Profile feature, the driver’s personalized settings and experience can be retained in the cloud and accessible on the go in other Lexus Interface equipped vehicles. Once a profile is created in the Lexus App, guests can use a Bluetooth handheld device, smart key or manual login to access it.”

Lexus: “An extension of the User Profile feature, Digital Key allows guests the ability to lock/unlock and start/stop their vehicle through their smartphone when within Bluetooth proximity. In the future, the Digital Key will be able to be shared with up to seven additional guests, creating a seamless experience for users registered on the Lexus App.”

2022 NX 350h safety features include:
• Lexus Safety System 3.0: All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management
• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support
• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0: Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0: Lane Tracing Assist
• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0: Road Sign Assist
• Lexus Safety System+ 3.0: Intelligent High Beams
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• 7.0-in multi-information display
• 8 airbags
• Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system
• Backup camera
• Vehicle Stability Control
• Direct Tire Pressure Monitor System
• Traction Control (TRAC) system
• Brake Assist
• Smart Stop technology
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system

Says jdpower.com reviewer Ron Sessions: “Although the 2022 Lexus NX has the slightly elevated driving position coveted by SUV buyers, ingress and egress are a breeze. There is no step up; you simply slide right in. The NX sports new exterior door handles that are touch-sensitive. You don't pull on the handle to unlatch the door. Merely touch the inboard surface of the handle, it unlatches electrically, and then you pull open the door as you would before. To exit the NX, you touch another flat sensor pad above the door armrest, and the door unlatches so you can push it open. The driver and front passenger enjoy comfortable, form-hugging bucket seats offering decent support for thighs and lower torsos. Standard fare includes heated cushions and power adjustments for both the driver and front passenger. Upper trims also offer ventilated cushions. Seat coverings consist of NuLuxe faux leather in most trims with real leather upgrades in higher trims.”

Says kkb.com reviewer Nick Kurczewski: “When compared to luxury compact SUVs, the NX continues to be a good value. It is in line with comparable models of the Acura RDX and Volvo XC60, and continues to undercut German rivals like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.”


WRITTEN DECEMBER 2021