Lexus NX 350h 2022 review: snapshot

The NX 350h is the series-parallel petrol-electric hybrid version of the second-generation Lexus NX range, and is expected to be by far the most popular. Beginning from $65,800 and stretching to $77,900 (both before on-road costs), it is powered by a frugal 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to either a single motor on front-wheel-drive versions, or two electric motors in the all-wheel-drive versions that cost $4800 extra, using a CVT automatic.

Standard equipment is the Luxury grade includes LED lights with auto high beams, keyless entry and start, a 9.8-inch touchscreen, ‘Hey, Lexus!’ always-on voice command, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, digital radio, a power-adjustable steering column, electrically-actuated front seats with heating, dual-zone climate control, a powered tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels running on runflat tyres.

Stepping up to the Sports Luxury from $73,100 ushers in tri-beam LED adaptive headlights, leather upholstery, ritzier cabin materials, a 14.0-inch touchscreen, 20-inch alloys, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, surround-view cameras and a 17-speaker audio system upgrade.

Explore the 2022 Lexus NX range

• Lexus NX 2022 review: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, NX 450h+ F Sport
• Lexus NX 250 2022 review: snapshot
• Lexus NX 350 2022 review: snapshot
• Lexus NX 350h 2022 review: snapshot
• Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 review: snapshot
• Lexus NX 2022 review: 450h+ plug-in hybrid
• Lexus NX 2022 review: 350h Luxury long-term | Part 1
• Lexus NX 2022 review: 350h Luxury long-term | Part 2
• Lexus NX 250 2023 review
• Lexus NX 2023 review: 350 AWD F Sport

For a racier look and feel, there’s the F Sport grade (also from $73,100), which scores most of the Sport Luxury fittings (minus the audio/speakers upgrade and digital rear-view mirror) and then adds adaptive dampers, sports suspension, extra configurable driving modes, a unique body kit and alloy wheel design, sports seats and blacked-out cabin trim. 

ANCAP has yet to award a rating to the second-generation NX, but expect a five-star result. You’ll find eight airbags (providing coverage to all outboard occupants, also taking in dual-front occupant knees and centre item to stop lateral head strikes), autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with intersection assist and pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection, lane-keep and steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality, auto high beams, road sign recognition, front/rear cross-traffic alert, reverse parking cameras, all-round parking sensors, tyre pressure monitors and Safe Exit Assist – which won’t allow doors to open if passing cyclists or pedestrians are in danger of being struck.