
2024 Lexus NX 350h Luxury AWD review showcasing hybrid performance and upscale design
The 2024 Lexus NX 350h Luxury AWD demonstrates how a luxury compact crossover can blend refinement, utility, and eco-conscious performance into one dynamic package. Designed as the hybrid variant of Lexus’s NX lineup, the 350h places itself strategically between the more economical NX 250 and the performance-heavy NX 450h+. With confident styling, impressive hybrid fuel economy, and Lexus-grade sophistication, this mid-range marvel is crafted to meet—and often exceed—the demands of both families and driving enthusiasts.
Lexus touts this model as its “middle child,” aiming to balance utility and excitement in the brand’s compact utility vehicle (CUV) segment. But this is no average middle child. Balancing quirks with fun, comfort with capability, and performance with savings at the pump, the NX 350h is a compelling contender that beckons a closer look.
Design: A Sculpted Statement of Contemporary Luxury
Exterior Styling
From every angle, the 2024 Lexus NX 350h states its presence with confidence. The evolving Lexus spindle grille design is flanked by sharply sculpted LED headlights and daytime running lights that add a futuristic flair. Slightly aggressive fenders, a tapered roofline, and intricately detailed tail lamps ensure that this hybrid crossover turns heads while staying true to the brand’s stylistic continuity.
- Overall Length: 183.5 inches
- Width: 73.4 inches
- Height: 65.4 inches
- Wheelbase: 105.9 inches
The Luxury AWD trim offers exclusive styling accents including chrome-trim touches, upgraded 20-inch alloy wheels, and unique paint options like Nori Green Pearl and Redline. A panoramic glass sunroof adds light and refinement to the otherwise athletic silhouette, reinforcing this model’s premium identity.
Interior Design and Cabin Comfort
Step into the cabin of the NX 350h Luxury AWD, and you’re met with Lexus’s signature attention to detail. The Tazuna cockpit concept places controls intuitively within the driver’s reach while combining rich wood trims, soft-touch surfaces, and plush NuLuxe synthetic leather seats for a high-end ambiance.
- Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
- Cargo Space: 22.7 cubic feet (behind the rear seats)
- Standard Luxury Features: Heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and a power liftgate
Noise insulation is one of the NX 350h’s quiet triumphs. Even during elevated highway speeds, road and wind noise are kept to a minimum, enriching the overall driving experience. There’s no denying the Lexus DNA inside — meticulous craftsmanship and driver-oriented ergonomics dominate every inch of the space.
Performance and Hybrid Efficiency
The 2024 NX 350h pairs a 2.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine with two electric motor-generators for a total hybrid system output of 240 horsepower. While that number lands safely in mid-tier performance territory, what sets the NX 350h apart is its seamless hybrid integration and all-wheel-drive confidence.
Powertrain Highlights
- Engine: 2.5L Inline-4 gasoline paired with electric motors
- Total System Horsepower: 240 hp
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Drivetrain: Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Lexus’s eAWD system contributes to added traction and agility in varied driving conditions without increasing weight or draining efficiency. The CVT transmission, while not engineered for sporty shifts, remains impressively smooth and discrete—almost invisible to the driver in everyday use.
Fuel Economy
This is where the 350h truly shines. Delivering an EPA-estimated 41 MPG city and 37 MPG highway, the NX 350h outpaces most rivals in fuel economy without the range anxiety of plug-in hybrids.
- Combined MPG: 39
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gallons
- Estimated Range: Over 550 miles on a full tank
For car buyers looking for an upscale hybrid crossover that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or range, these figures alone position the NX 350h as a standout option.
Technology and Infotainment
Tech gets a big boost in the 2024 NX 350h thanks to Lexus’s newest interface, built for clarity, connectivity, and minimal distraction. Standard and optional features cater to the modern driver’s digital lifestyle, while thoughtful touches elevate user friendliness.
Key Technology Features
- Infotainment Display: Standard 9.8-inch touchscreen or available 14-inch High-Definition Touchscreen
- Infotainment System: Lexus Interface with cloud navigation
- Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth
- Audio: Available 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound system
- Voice Assistant: “Hey Lexus” voice command system
The infotainment layout is intuitive, with minimal physical buttons and a customizable digital gauge cluster. Gesture controls and over-the-air updates ensure the experience remains up-to-date and adaptive throughout ownership.
Safety & Driver Assistance
In line with Lexus’s reputation for safety, the NX 350h comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This suite includes a host of ADAS technologies aimed at minimizing human error and enhancing driving confidence.
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Proactive Driving Assist with Curve Speed Management
Available options like a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, and 360-degree camera extend situational awareness and visibility. With multiple IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings in recent years, the NX continues that legacy into 2024.
Driving Experience
While Lexus models are rarely tuned for track-level performance, the NX 350h does an admirable job merging ride comfort with responsive handling. Acceleration is sufficient at around 0-60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and the regenerative braking blends seamlessly into traditional braking feel—no jerky surprises here.
Steering is tuned light for city maneuverability while remaining competent in highway sweepers. Adaptive dampers are not offered in this trim, but suspension tuning successfully balances road feedback and bump absorption, bolstering daily driveability without wallowing through corners.
Comparison Against Rivals
In today’s surge of hybrid SUVs, how does the 2024 Lexus NX 350h compare? Here is a quick performance and feature comparison with several key competitors:
Model | Powertrain | MPG (Combined) | Horsepower | Starting MSRP (est.) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lexus NX 350h | Hybrid AWD | 39 MPG | 240 hp | $46,000 |
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | Hybrid AWD | 40 MPG | 219 hp | $34,000 |
Acura RDX | Gasoline AWD | 24 MPG | 272 hp | $44,000 |
Volvo XC60 Recharge | Plug-in Hybrid AWD | 28 MPG / 35 EV miles | 455 hp | $57,000 |
The NX 350h is most advantageous for drivers prioritizing fuel economy and Lexus-quality luxury, without stepping into plug-in or all-electric territory.
Target Buyers: Who Should Choose the NX 350h?
The 2024 Lexus NX 350h is aimed at buyers who value a sophisticated crossover with low emissions, smooth performance, and top-tier reliability. Whether you’re a family seeking practical luxury or an eco-conscious professional looking for a smart urban commuter, this vehicle provides:
- Low running costs combined with high comfort
- Hybrid efficiency without daily charging demands
- Advanced technology and standard safety features
It’s particularly appealing for dealerships interested in offering a hybrid option that bridges the gap between economy and luxury buyers. With expanding consumer preferences for green vehicles, it’s an easy inclusion in any forward-thinking showroom lineup.
Final Verdict: A Standout Hybrid Crossover
The 2024 Lexus NX 350h Luxury AWD delivers what Lexus promises: a well-rounded middle option that’s anything but average. Blending elevated design with top-notch hybrid efficiency and everyday practicality, it makes a strong case for itself in the highly competitive luxury crossover arena.
It is an inviting option for those ready to make a conscious choice without compromising on comfort, capability, or technology. Dealerships and buyers alike have every reason to give this middle child the attention it deserves.
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