Base 4dr All-Wheel Drive
2024 Lexus NX 350h

Pros: Hybrid and PHEV are efficient and fun; sharp styling; lots of standard tech; top safety scores Cons: Some of that tech is frustrating to use (especially the nonsensical HUD); less back seat space than some rivals When it comes to the 2024 Lexus NX, it’s all about the hybrids. Available as the NX 350h regular hybrid and NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, the fuel economy these deliver greatly exceeds that of other luxury compact SUVs. Indeed, Lexus is one of the only luxury brands to offer hybrids at all, and if you want to save gas while still enjoying the premium look, feel and features of a luxury vehicle, the NX is an obvious choice to check out. The gas-only versions are less impressive. The base engine is the same four-cylinder that underwhelms in the Toyota RAV4, and although the NX 350’s turbocharged engine seems stout on paper, its actual performance is a letdown. Unlike the hybrids, they just don’t counter the rest of the NX’s somewhat ho-hum resume of other talents. It’s less spacious than competitors, its infotainment controls can frustrate, and it’s just not as enjoyable to drive. We also don’t think it looks particularly fresh – it’s a bit hard to tell what they changed with the full redesign two years ago. In other words, our feelings about this compact luxury SUV are definitely mixed and whether we recommend it very much depends on what numbers and letters come after “NX.” Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2024? The various NX model carry over unchanged for 2024. What are the NX interior and in-car technology like? While it may be difficult to tell the second-generation NX apart from its predecessor on the outside, the same cannot be said of the cabin. It looks just as fresh and new as it is. Importantly, the basic layout shares virtually nothing with the mechanically related Toyota RAV4 and the materials used are appropriate for a Lexus. That said, we could do without the silly electronic door handles. Oh, and we have serious complaints about the in-car tech. The infotainment system features either a standard 9.8-inch screen with dedicated physical climate control toggles or an optional 14-inch unit that incorporates a dedicated blend of touch-sensitive and physical comfort controls blended into the screen’s lower bezel. No matter which you choose, you get a physical volume knob. This represents a vast improvement over that found in the previous NX, but lacks split-screen functionality and some other basic items, like a dedicated home screen. Going between the native Lexus functions like radio or navigation, and the standard wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity screens is a constant source of tap-tap-tapping frustration. We’ve also found the satellite radio interface to be poorly designed. The infotainment screen is fitted to a panel that blends into the instrument display, which itself features a 7-inch screen. Sixty-four-color ambient lighting …
Hide Full Review