The 2022 Lexus NX 350h Luxury is a mid-size luxury SUV that manages to distinguish itself
from the crowded category.
After being introduced in 2014, the NX 350h enters its second generation of production with a
new design, powertrain, connectivity, safety, and convenience technologies, in addition to
improved dynamic performance.
My tester happened to be a plug-in hybrid model that achieved 41 miles per gallon fuel
economy in city driving conditions.
Powered by a 2.5-liter hybrid engine paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission,
the all-wheel driver generates 239 horsepower, a 24 percent increase. Lexus accelerates from
0-to-60 mph in 7.7 seconds.
The NX 350h has a towing capacity of 3,300 pounds and a cavernous cargo area that
accommodates four full-size golf bags without fanfare.
NX 350h features the “Drive Mode Select” and a “Shiftmatic” system with paddle shift control for
manual-like shifting. The lithium-ion battery pack is located beneath the rear seats, positioned
as low and close to the center of the vehicle as possible, creating a low centre of gravity and
optimum front/rear weight balance to benefit handling.
The exterior benefits from the Lexus hallmark spindle grille. Other highlights include an
elongated hood, L-shaped all-LED rear light clusters, 20-inch alloy wheels with 10-spoke
design, roof rails, and a “Grecian Water” coat of enamel.
My tester came equipped with more than $6,000 in options. My favorites were a crystal-clear,
Mark Levinson 17-speaker premium audio system, panoramic moonroof, heated rear seats,
cold area package, and triple beam headlights with washers and cornering lights.
The luxurious cabin features leather-trimmed front seats, dual-zone climate control with an
interior air filter (perfect for smoky days), heads up display, 14-inch color multi-information
display, ambient lighting, smartphone connectivity, and more.
More than any of that. I was most impressed with the NX 350h’s quiet cabin. Conversations
were easy, road noise was virtually non-existent, and tunes ruled the roost. Horace Silver and
Art Pepper blasted away without competition.
It’s also the first vehicle in its class to provide cloud navigation as standard (in markets where
the service is available). That means navigation is always connected, providing live information
on traffic events, accidents and road conditions. Up-to-the minute information makes for more
efficient journey planning to avoid aggravating backups.
The new NX is the first model to feature the third generation of Lexus Safety System+,
equipping it with a comprehensive package of active safety and driver assistance features.
Suite highlights include a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control,
lane departure alert, intelligent high beam headlights, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert,
backup camera, safe exit assist, road sign assist, lane tracing assist, and more.
If you’re looking for luxury, practicality and value, a test drive of the Lexus NX 330h is in order.
It might be your last.
Base Price: $49,575
Price As Driven: $55,645
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List
price may vary at local dealerships.
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