Seven years after its last major overhaul, Lexus has returned to the compact luxury SUV battlefield with the second-generation NX. In a segment crowded with fourteen rivals, the 2022 NX arrives armed with four distinct powertrain choices—more than any other Lexus model to date—and a sharpened design that goes beyond the brand’s signature oversized grille. The NX350, positioned above the entry-level NX250, takes center stage with a new 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. These figures mark a notable leap from the previous generation’s 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft, signaling a clear intent to elevate performance alongside refinement.
In instrumented testing, however, the NX350’s acceleration did not outpace all expectations. The AWD variant reached 60 mph in 7.3 seconds, trailing the less powerful NX350h hybrid, which posted a 7.0-second sprint thanks to its electric assist. The hybrid’s advantage underscores the efficiency of its torque delivery, while the turbocharged NX350 earns praise for minimal turbo lag—a common complaint in forced-induction engines. This responsiveness aligns with Lexus’s longstanding reputation for smooth, predictable drivetrains.
When benchmarked against competitors, the NX350’s performance sits mid-pack. Acura’s 2020 RDX Advance AWD achieved 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, and Audi’s 2021 Q5 AWD managed an even brisker 5.7 seconds. Some evaluators described the Lexus engine as “peppy, punchy, and eager to rev,” while others found it “merely adequate for the segment.” The variance in perception reflects how direct exposure to rivals can recalibrate expectations in this fiercely contested category.
On public roads, the NX350 delivers confident, measured dynamics. Steering is well-weighted, and handling remains composed, but it lacks the playful edge that encourages detours through winding terrain. For those seeking the most engaging drive within the NX family, the NX450h+ plug-in hybrid stands out, though its price point above $50,000 narrows its audience.
Ride quality presents a mixed picture. Over typical surfaces, comfort is acceptable, yet impacts from rough pavement reveal a firmness that borders on harsh. Compounding this, body control over abrupt elevation changes could be tighter. During evaluation, a slight steering wheel vibration was noted in one test vehicle, hinting at potential fine-tuning opportunities in NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) management.
The figure-eight handling course provided a more complete measure of the NX350’s capabilities, integrating acceleration, braking, and transitional behavior. Here, the Lexus posted a 27.3-second lap at an average of 0.63 g—matching the 2020 RDX’s performance and improving on the 2018 NX300 FWD’s 27.8 seconds at 0.62 g. It remained behind the Audi Q5’s 26.5 seconds at 0.67 g, a testament to the German SUV’s sharper dynamics. At the limit, the NX350 revealed a balanced chassis, with enough grip to sustain interest and throttle-steer adjustability on the skidpad. Transmission programming proved competent, complementing the engine’s willingness to rev.
From an engineering perspective, the NX350’s advancements reflect incremental refinement rather than radical reinvention. The adoption of a new turbocharged engine architecture delivers stronger output while controlling lag, a challenge often addressed through careful calibration of boost curves and wastegate actuation. Chassis tuning emphasizes stability and predictability, traits that resonate with Lexus’s brand identity, though they inevitably temper the excitement factor sought by performance purists.
For technically minded observers, the NX350’s story is one of balancing competing priorities: power versus efficiency, comfort versus control, and refinement versus raw engagement. In a segment where milliseconds and g-forces can sway perceptions, Lexus’s latest compact SUV stakes its claim on composure and breadth of capability rather than outright dominance.