Lexus NX300H vs Lexus RC350
What's the difference?

Lexus NX300H

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2022 price

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Lexus RC350

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2020 price

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Summary

2022 Lexus NX300H

2020 Lexus RC350

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Justin Hilliard

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.5L

V6, 3.5L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

9.4L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Powertrain choice
Cabin presentation
Design

Striking exterior design
Feels rather luxurious
Unrivalled value for money

Dislikes

Still some road noise
Some fiddly dashboard switchgear remain
Australian road tuning would make it even better

Infuriating multimedia system
Token second row of seats
Not very fuel efficient

2022 Lexus NX300H Summary

One of the great, unsung success stories over the last few years has been the Lexus NX.

Out since 2014, it turned Toyota's ailing luxury brand around, connecting with buyers gravitating towards luxury midsized SUVs like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC60. Today, no school run is complete without them!

Now there's an all-new one. And, as Lexus' bestseller by far, any new NX is a big deal. The recipe is much the same – including petrol, turbo and hybrid versions – but with fresher and better ingredients. Plus, there's also a new plug-in hybrid flagship to really shake things up.

Is it time to cancel your order for that German, British or Swedish luxury midsized SUV? Keep reading to find out...

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Interested in a Lexus NX300H?

2020 Lexus RC350 Summary

If it wasn’t for this review appearing on your screen right now, would you have even remembered the Lexus RC was a thing?

At the time of writing, the RC is actually the fifth most popular model in its sports car segment. Yep, only the two-door versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class, and BMW 4 Series and Z4 sell better.

So, why is the RC seemingly invisible? But more importantly, does it deserve to be? Let’s test the RC 350 F Sport to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2022 Lexus NX300H 2020 Lexus RC350

Verdict

The all-new NX is a massive step forward over its popular predecessor.

In every way, it is an improvement, with better refinement, comfort, performance, efficiency, safety and choice.

Indeed, look out, Audi, BMW, Mercedes and Volvo: the NX has finally come of age. If we were in the market for a luxury medium-sized SUV, we'd definitely have the Lexus on our shortlist, especially the incredibly efficient hybrids.

Europe, you've been warned.

Verdict

If you’re a buyer that thinks with their head, the RC 350 F Sport is the obvious choice when compared to its direct rivals.

After all, it looks great (at least to these eyes), feels luxurious in more ways than one, and is unrivalled when considering value-for-money.

But, if you think with your heart instead, it’s clear it is isn’t on the same level dynamically and therefore doesn’t feel as sporty to drive as its name suggests.

So, don’t let its sports car classification fool you, the RC 350 F Sport is more of a grand tourer, or a comfortable cruiser, to be precise, and an underrated one at that.

Lexus NX300H vs Lexus RC350 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Lexus NX300H vs Lexus RC350
What's the difference?