2022 Lexus NX 350h | Review & Road Test

For the latest Lexus NX pricing and information:

This compact premium crossover seats five and this version that I’m testing is the hybrid AWD. Lexus also has a base 250, the 350 without the hybrid as well as a 450+, which is a plug-in hybrid and a first for the high-end Toyota cousin.


Up front I’m comfortable, no issues here with leg or head room. My elbows are pleased with the position of the arm rests because I’ve got a lot of the extras on this car. When I get into the back, I’m still okay for my dangerously average lady height, but the middle seat isn’t somewhere I’d like to sit for an extended period of time. Head room is good, even with the sloped roofline and overall the comfort back here very satisfactory.


Speaking of some of those extras, let’s dig into the stuff in the interior. Standard on all NX models you’ll find push button start, dual zone climate control, power adjustable heated front seats and a leather trimmed steering wheel.

A 9.8-inch touchscreen as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the Lexus Safety System that includes adaptive cruise control with a curve speed management feature as well as blind spot monitoring and emergency braking assist.

It also gets a fair amount of cargo space for a vehicle this compact (46.9 cu-ft/22.7 cu-ft). That’s less than the RDX but about in line with the XT4.

The base 250 gets a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (203 hp/184 lb-ft torque). That 250 comes with either front or AWD. Move up to the 350 AWD and you’ll get a boost in power with a turbo (275 hp/317 lb ft torque). The 450h+ AWD gets an electric drive motor with the 2.5L that gets you a cumulative 304 horsepower.


I’m driving one that’s in between those, which is the 350h, the hybrid that’s not a plug in. This one gets that base 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, but I also get the hybrid electric drive. That gets me from 0-60 in 7.2 seconds. In the scheme of things, that’s not super quick, but it’s improved over the previous NX model.


The hybrid powertrains all get the same 14.9 gallon gas tank but thanks to that hybrid motor you’re going to see greatly improved fuel economy numbers. (NX 250 26 city/33 hwy; NX 350h 41 city/37 hwy). If you get the more powerful 350 you will take a hit at the gas pump. (22 city/25 hwy) But the plug-in 450+ will really change things up (84 eMPG combined)


It’s paired to a CVT that’s effective, but painfully loud. It has stopped conversations and someone I was on the phone with me asked what that noise was. CVTs are getting better, but this one is not one of those quite yet. It’s still obtrusive and droning and for a premium car, I expect more.

I get paddles if I want to change the gears myself, but the non-hybrid versions have 8-speed transmissions and those should perform better for you.

Brakes are good but bite at the top of the pedal. Would like something more smooth and progressive. Shifter feels unintuitive and backward. D should be forward and R back.


The NX now rides on the global TNGA-K platform that underpins the Camry, Highlander and RAV4 as well as the Lexus ES. The suspension under the NX is a MacPherson strut set up in the front and a trailing arm double wishbone in the rear, but it’s not cutting the mustard for me.

It’s not as smooth or compliant as I think a car in a premium segment should be.

It handles okay around turns, but there is definitely torque steer and if you do manage to take a turn too quickly the NX feels as though it reaches its limit quickly.

To me, the Acura RDX handles corners with more composure and is a better overall driving experience. I will say that the steering feels good and the size of the steering wheel in my hand is just right.


Pricing on the Lexus NX starts on the 250 at $39,025, (Add AWD for: $1600) that doesn’t include taxes, license or destination fees. The 350h starts at $42,125, and the plug-in 450+ starts much higher at around $56,800.


There are so many options when it comes to a premium crossover and not just brands anymore, but hybrid and electric choices. The Lexus NX comes with great powertrain options, and excellent standard feature set and improved interior design over the previous model. If you’re in the market don’t envy you, you have your work cut out for you.

00:00 2022 Lexus NX
0:40 Exterior
1:00 Competitors
1:32 Interior
5:26 Engine Options
5:55 Driving Impressions

[samersimsim]

I bought my NX 350h, 3 months ago and I am super happy with my purchase. Exterior is very slick. Interior is very nice especially the touch screen. Very good saving on gas. Car is nice for young, old drivers. Not sure what she is talking about. Try the car yourself and you will love the experience. Final note: I recommend black exterior color for the NX and you like sporty young feel, try red interior.

[pamkoakes]

I’m very happy with my 2022 NX 350h. I have no complaints and I don’t feel the transmission is loud. I did a lot of research before buying and this is an awesome suv!

[alwaysiyi]

This has to be one of the few negative reviews I’ve seen of the NX, I’ve driven a 450h+ and it was super quiet, the drivetrain was refined and it rode like butter. The interior was better than the last RDX I was in, although I would say the RDX handles slightly better than the NX

[Mister_H]

When has drive ever been forward of reverse? Shifters always go down from PRND.

[carvalhoau]

Driving NX350h AWD for the last 4 months. Simply love it. Comments are negative.

[william]

I have had my NX 350h premium for 3300 miles now. I get 41 to 44 mpg depending on 87 or 91 octane. It is smooth and quiet to me so not sure what this reviewer is saying. Perhaps my 18 inch wheels make a difference. The infotainment system is a vast improvement.

[bajabret]

Nice review. Thanks for not making it a 45 minute documentary like some others (that I avoided watching) and also thanks for not saying "CVT transmission" :)

[awolryan]

Lyn - Glad to see this review in more your natural speaking style and not mirroring Micah’s which feels forced or rehearsed. This felt more like a natural, personal convo. Nice job and will watch more often now.

[AllStars]

Great review! I'm considering this so your review is very timely! I Those run flat tires probably cause the rough ride and road noise. Too bad about the ECVT noise. I'm anxious to see your review of the '23 RX.

[msengtan]

We have been driving our 350H for about over a month. We have been recording 37 to 39 miles per gallon for most trips. The transmission is very quiet and cabin road noise is minimal. I am a little nervous about the run-flat tires, but we purchased all protection/full replacement tires for 5 years from the dealer.

[ahmedsyed]

Of course sounds and touch of a luxury car are important. For me a good door closing sound is a must.

[MHassan]

That turn signal stalk complaint sounded something Jeremy Clarkson would say in his review. Reminded me of his exclamation point complaint when he reviewed Audi R8. Bravo Lynn. lol

[MichaelGolpe]

New to the channel: great review! Thank you!

[sunny-sqci]

i actually bought three 2023 model of this exact spec at the lexus dealership. it was a demo car, and so far after a month of daily driving it, it's a huge step up from the 2013 rogue i was driving. I've been regularly getting better fuel mileage then was posted, averaging 34mpg.

[markherrmann]

We just got this car and like it. Her review hits the mark on some things (brakes, touch pad, turn signal and controls on steering wheel) and is honest however I disagree with the road noise and transmission sound. You want to hear loud? We have a 2019 accord hybrid and that thing sounds horrible going up hills at high speeds. Totally different car but I find the Lexus to be pretty quiet.

[BadDriversofMaryland]

I don't think I've heard such a pessimistic review from Lyn Woodward, but I must say, it was professional, honest, and sincere. I think a lot of people who are loyal to the Toyota/Lexus brand are disappointed with the new NX in numerous ways, myself included. We've seen Toyota make excellent products over the years, and so all the ways that this vehicle misses the mark cannot be overlooked simply because it's pretty.

[mikemoletski]

I picked my 350h up two weeks ago and love how it runs and drives..I just got 48.5 mile to the gallon on a 200 mile trip. Maybe this persons test car had problems as my cars transmission is whisper quiet. I have very little cabin noise.I especially love how it drives by gas stations selling gas over 5 bucks. sure European cars are more fun to drive but I was looking for a reliable hybrid that would save thousands over the life of the vehicle So far it has been a lot of fun to drive and practical. The only thing i do not like are the run flat tires.

[AllStars]

Shocking Lexus didn't nail it! Great, great review!!

[alexanderfilippov]

Thank you for the honest review!
I think that this is the first review from KBB where you guys are not afraid to say what you really feel. Way to go, KBB!

[AntonioAvila]

With the mark ups on the RAV4 I find myself looking at the nx 350h. Anyone else? Did you make that transition? Are you happy ? Lol