Topic: 2024 Lexus NX 350h Executive pkg

[Blueprint]

My only previous seat time in an NX was with the previous gen, a '21 F-Sport hybrid whose looks I liked, unlike its "ergonomics" or fuel economy. The new one came out in '22 and is the brands biggest seller in Quebec, where the RX is scarce. I had a bunch of complaints with the '21, so let's play in the snow and see if Lexus tackled them.

https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/20240213/lexus-nx-350h-2024-essai-hivernal/

[Blueprint]

Looks:

This one was actually designed for that nose, and it shows. As a whole, while derivative of the previous gen it's more cohesive, and elegant. The NX shares its platform with the RAV4, but no one can tell as they are in entirely different styling postal codes - for the better.

[Blueprint]

Interior:

Gone is the touch pad. Cue Leonard Cohen! The screen borders on stupid-huge, but it works. Lots of piano black though for something this expensive, and I would have preferred a bit more buttons, especially as the screen's "glove mode" was rubbish. Seats were excellent, unlike the old F-Sport vice-grip-like buckets that were too narrow for a big chunk of the population. These still felt supportive despite the added comfort - nice colour pairing too.

[Blueprint]

Power:

Moah power! The hybrid now pumps up 240 hp combined, 43 more than before, and it makes this rig competitive with most of its competitors, thanks to a 7.5 s 0-60. The new mill also adds 500 lbs to the towing capacity, now set at 2,000 lbs. The planetary CVT always has the drivetrain in the right spot, so just ignore the floppy paddles. Too bad that the ICE is so gruff, sounding less refined and louder than it is in a Camry Hybrid - bit of a fail here.

[Blueprint]

Driving:

No secret handshake required - pop the traction control off, and the fully electric rear axle will allow donuts and tail out antics in the interest of science. Steering feel/precision has improved, and you can have a bit if fun here. Had two major snow storms during my week with the NX, and the hybrid awd setup combined with excellent Pirelli Scorpion snows made this a secure and quite stable winter ride.

[Blueprint]

Roominess:

Specs are nearly identical to the previous gen's, but the new cockpit feels more airy, as does the rear bench. One improved metric is trunk volume with the bench in place, now at 167 litres more than the '21. Clever folding cargo cover makes storing the thing a pinch when needed.

[Blueprint]

Features / value:

This was my first exposure to a Lexus Mark Levinson stereo, and - in this application at least - it did not live up to the hype. Honestly, the Bose in a CX-30 will shame it to death, and just for that I'd skip the $15k Executive pkg, which brings the NX in RX territory. At only $52k, the base NX 350h is about at par with a CR-V Touring and represents a terrific value. Add the $2k Premium pkg (memory seats, powered hatch, sunroof) and you're all set. The NX is available with tin, sun or pano roof depending on how much you're willing to pay - rare to have these three options on the same vehicle.

[Blueprint]

Fuel economy:

As usual, hybrid + winter + urban mixed driving = nowhere near the NRCan combined rating. I got 8.5 l/100 km vs 6.0. I never get anywhere near a Toyolexus' hybrid theoretical fuel economy, but the result is still at least 2 l/100 km better than with a fully ICE competitor, and this drivetrain only uses regular, so $0.20 less per litre than in other premium offerings, so there's that too.

[Blueprint]

Final impressions:

Overall, the NX 350h made a much better impression on me than its predecessor. Stylish, comfy, sure-footed in the snow and practical, it was even a bit fun to drive. Dislikes were the unrefined drivetrain noises, lack of pysical controls and these incredibly stupid electric door latches, which no passenger mastered on the first or 4th try. Keep away from the expensive packages and there is excellent value here when compared with the top trims of non-premium brands.

[PJungnitsch]

How does the e AWD compare with the Crosstrek's system?

Might have to test out one of these. Did not like the previous gen at all, but this new gen base plug in hybrid may make a good RX replacement at some point. Would be nice to have something that could plug in. Am guessing the visibility is not the greatest, but neither is the RX

However we really, really like the Subaru AWD in winter

[Blueprint]

How does the e AWD compare with the Crosstrek's system?

Might have to test out one of these. Did not like the previous gen at all, but this new gen base plug in hybrid may make a good RX replacement at some point. Would be nice to have something that could plug in. Am guessing the visibility is not the greatest, but neither is the RX

However we really, really like the Subaru AWD in winter

In urban / low speed context, it was much better than I expected and really sure-footed - it just gripped and go! Higher speeds on twisty rural roads may have changed things a bit, as the system is not full-on like Subaru's mechanical approach. The main gain here is higher efficiency through the electric awd. My CX-90 is a good example, were the electric motor powers a fully mechanical awd and eats up the battery quickly. Most fwd-based awd on hybrids use that electric-motored rear axle principle (all the Kyundais, to name them).

Visibility better than the '21. Pretty low cowl and IP on the NX, and combined with the sloping hood one has a pretty good view ahead.

[EV Dan]

Too bad that the ICE is so gruff, sounding less refined and louder than it is in a Camry Hybrid - bit of a fail here.

https://support.lexus.com/s/article/Which-fuel-grade-shou-8129

 

Also, did you get any funny looks due to that licence plate? 

[Blueprint]

Too bad that the ICE is so gruff, sounding less refined and louder than it is in a Camry Hybrid - bit of a fail here.

https://support.lexus.com/s/article/Which-fuel-grade-shou-8129

 

Also, did you get any funny looks due to that licence plate? 

I did check the filler door and IIRC the manual... 

People are used to my Ontario plates - most pressers and rental cars have them 

[EV Dan]

Oh, there is more to that plate than being Ontarian. 

[Blueprint]

Oh, there is more to that plate than being Ontarian. 

Had to Google it, but now I understand 

[Fobroader]

The wife and I got one of these NX things as a loaner when we were getting the GX serviced. It was the turbo one, I found it very cramped and the door was cut way too low for me to get out without smacking my head, reminded me a lot of my moms old Volvo XC60 which I hated for the way the door gave me a concussion every time I got in. I would definitely save my pop cans for an RX over this thing. Great review though, questionable licence plate lol

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[Blueprint]

Too bad that the ICE is so gruff, sounding less refined and louder than it is in a Camry Hybrid - bit of a fail here.

https://support.lexus.com/s/article/Which-fuel-grade-shou-8129

 

Also, did you get any funny looks due to that licence plate? 

Did some RTFM (online) -

91 (Research Octane Number 96) or higher [recommended]
87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher [minimum].

Performance may be decreased, but of course I had no idea what type of fuel was already in the vehicle when I got it. No sticker near the fuel filler.

[PJungnitsch]

The wife and I got one of these NX things as a loaner when we were getting the GX serviced. It was the turbo one, I found it very cramped and the door was cut way too low for me to get out without smacking my head, reminded me a lot of my moms old Volvo XC60 which I hated for the way the door gave me a concussion every time I got in. I would definitely save my pop cans for an RX over this thing. Great review though, questionable licence plate lol

Was that the previous gen or the new one? We felt exactly the same about the previous gen, felt tiny and overstuffed. Thought the new one was a bit bigger

Ha on the license plate, my wife would have pointed that out. Reminds me of the Russell Peters sketch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtMd6PbscwE

"Peter, hehehe"

[Blueprint]

The wife and I got one of these NX things as a loaner when we were getting the GX serviced. It was the turbo one, I found it very cramped and the door was cut way too low for me to get out without smacking my head, reminded me a lot of my moms old Volvo XC60 which I hated for the way the door gave me a concussion every time I got in. I would definitely save my pop cans for an RX over this thing. Great review though, questionable licence plate lol

Was that the previous gen or the new one? We felt exactly the same about the previous gen, felt tiny and overstuffed. Thought the new one was a bit bigger

Ha on the license plate, my wife would have pointed that out. Reminds me of the Russell Peters sketch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtMd6PbscwE

"Peter, hehehe"

Must be a Western thing, little to no Russians in these parts!

[Fobroader]

The wife and I got one of these NX things as a loaner when we were getting the GX serviced. It was the turbo one, I found it very cramped and the door was cut way too low for me to get out without smacking my head, reminded me a lot of my moms old Volvo XC60 which I hated for the way the door gave me a concussion every time I got in. I would definitely save my pop cans for an RX over this thing. Great review though, questionable licence plate lol

Was that the previous gen or the new one? We felt exactly the same about the previous gen, felt tiny and overstuffed. Thought the new one was a bit bigger

Ha on the license plate, my wife would have pointed that out. Reminds me of the Russell Peters sketch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtMd6PbscwE

"Peter, hehehe"

Hahahaha, yeah, Russell Peters is hilarious, saw him live, highly recommend going.

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