The Lexus NX has consistently impressed with its diverse powertrain options and blend of performance, sophisticated design, and cutting-edge technology. Staying true to the “Lexus Electrified” vision, the 2024 NX lineup continues this trend, offering a range of choices to suit various driving preferences. While the 2024 NX is largely a carryover model, subtle yet significant enhancements have been made, particularly to the interior color schemes, creating a more cohesive and refined cabin experience. Among the powertrain options available, the Lexus Nx 350 stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking a dynamic driving experience.
Lexus Interface: Seamless Connectivity at Your Fingertips
The Lexus NX 350, like the entire 2024 NX range, is equipped with the intuitive Lexus Interface multimedia system. This system is designed to effortlessly integrate into your digital lifestyle, making every journey more connected and convenient. The standard 9.8-inch optically bonded touchscreen is visually striking and provides a user-friendly interface for all vehicle functions. Its Human Machine Interface is thoughtfully designed to enhance interaction through touch, voice, and sight, ensuring accessibility for all users. For an even more immersive experience, an optional 14-inch touchscreen is available, which includes a three-year trial for Drive Connect services. These services unlock features like Cloud Navigation for real-time guidance, Destination Assist for concierge-level support, and Intelligent Assistant for voice-activated commands.
User profiles further personalize the Lexus NX 350 experience. Drivers can securely store their preferred settings in the cloud, allowing access in other Lexus Interface-equipped vehicles. Creating a profile through the Lexus App enables seamless login via Bluetooth devices, smart keys, or manual login.
Intelligent Assistant and Digital Key Features
The Intelligent Assistant, accessible with a Drive Connect trial or subscription, elevates convenience in the Lexus NX 350. Featuring dual microphones, advanced noise cancellation, and seat detection for improved voice recognition, this system responds to the simple prompt “Hey Lexus.” Voice commands can then be used to control various in-car functions such as navigation, multimedia, and climate control, making for a more intuitive and hands-free driving experience.
The Digital Key feature, part of the Remote Connect subscription, allows compatible smartphones to function as vehicle keys for the Lexus NX 350. Through the Lexus app, users can control door locks and gain added flexibility for scenarios like car sharing, valet parking, or package deliveries. This digital key can be shared with up to seven additional users registered on the Lexus App, enhancing convenience for families or groups.
Cloud Navigation and Wireless Integration
Cloud Navigation, available through a Drive Connect trial or subscription, ensures the Lexus NX 350 is always equipped with the latest maps and routing information. This 100% cloud-based system leverages Google Points of Interest (POI) data, providing faster, more accurate search results, precise directions, and dynamically updated routes based on real-time traffic conditions. An offline mode intelligently anticipates potential signal loss, proactively downloading necessary maps and services to ensure uninterrupted navigation.
Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility in the Lexus NX 350 allows for seamless smartphone integration. An optional wireless charger further enhances convenience by providing cable-free charging and streaming, and can be stowed away to maximize storage space when not in use.
NX 350: Turbocharged Performance and Driving Dynamics
At the heart of the dynamic driving experience offered by the Lexus NX 350 is its 2.4L turbocharged engine. This powertrain is engineered to deliver enhanced performance and responsiveness, perfectly complementing the NX’s refined chassis and optimized vehicle dynamics. The lower center of gravity and overall vehicle enhancements contribute to the NX 350’s engaging driving character.
Mated to an 8-speed transmission, the turbocharged engine in the Lexus NX 350 produces an impressive 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This combination translates to a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 6.6 seconds, offering brisk performance for daily driving and highway merging. Despite its power, the Lexus NX 350 maintains respectable fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined.
While the NX lineup also includes the NX 250 with a naturally aspirated engine and hybrid options like the NX 350h and NX 450h+, the Lexus NX 350 strikes a compelling balance of performance and efficiency, making it a popular choice within the range.
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0: Advanced Safety Features
The Lexus NX 350 prioritizes safety with the inclusion of Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard equipment across all 2024 NX models. This comprehensive suite of active safety technologies provides added confidence and peace of mind for both drivers and passengers.
Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Enhanced Detection
The Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection in the Lexus NX 350 is designed to help detect vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. Under certain conditions, the system provides audio/visual forward collision warnings. If the driver does not react in time, PCS is engineered to automatically apply emergency braking at speeds between approximately 7-110 mph. Utilizing a camera and millimeter-wave radar, PCS offers enhanced performance and reliability. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 introduces new features to PCS, including:
- Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist: This system is designed to provide additional steering torque during driver-initiated emergency maneuvers. By enhancing vehicle stability, it helps prevent lane departures during evasive actions. This function operates when PCS is active, turn signals are not in use, vehicle speed is between 25-50 mph, and the relative speed to the detected object is also between 25-50 mph.
- Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking: Designed to warn and automatically brake if the system detects a driver turning left in front of an oncoming vehicle during daylight conditions.
All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
The All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) in the Lexus NX 350 is an adaptive system ideal for highway driving. Using radar and camera technology, DRCC helps maintain a preset speed and distance from preceding vehicles, even in stop-and-go traffic. If the vehicle gets closer than the set distance, the system automatically slows down, even to a complete stop. When the road ahead clears, the vehicle resumes the preset speed. LSS+ 3.0 enhances DRCC with Curve Speed Management, which automatically adjusts vehicle speed in curves when cruise control is engaged, potentially lowering speed as needed for enhanced stability.
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) works in conjunction with DRCC in the Lexus NX 350. When DRCC is active and lane markers are detected, LTA uses road lines and/or preceding vehicles to provide active steering assistance, helping to keep the vehicle centered within its lane.
Additional Safety and Driver Assistance Features
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA): At speeds above 30 mph, LDA w/SA detects lane markings or road edge boundaries and issues audio/visual warnings if unintentional lane departure is detected. If no corrective action is taken, the system provides gentle steering assistance to help maintain lane position.
- Road Sign Assist (RSA): Using an intelligent camera, RSA detects speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and certain warning signs. Icons of detected signs are displayed on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
- Proactive Driving Assist (PDA): Under specific operating conditions, PDA utilizes the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide gentle braking into curves or gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks such as maintaining distance from preceding vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
F SPORT Handling: Enhanced Dynamics and Style for the NX 350
For drivers seeking an even more engaging driving experience, the Lexus NX 350 offers the F SPORT Handling package. This package elevates the NX 350’s driving dynamics with a sporty feel amplified by Active Variable Suspension (AVS) and front and rear performance dampers.
Exclusive F SPORT styling cues further distinguish the Lexus NX 350 F SPORT Handling model. Dark Graphite Aluminum ornamentation, a unique meter, bolstered sport seats, a sport steering wheel, and aluminum pedals and scuff plates create a sporty and refined interior ambiance. Perforated interior trim in Black and Circuit Red NuLuxe is integrated into the seats, steering wheel, and center console, enhancing the sporty aesthetic.
The bold F SPORT grille is seamlessly integrated into the front and rear bumpers, creating a striking visual impact. 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels are complemented by color-keyed over fenders, enhancing curb appeal and contributing to the sporty stance. Black roof rails and daylight opening window framing further accentuate the athletic design. Exclusive F SPORT exterior colors include Ultra White, Obsidian, and Ultrasonic Mica Blue 2.0. Additionally, the F SPORT Luxury package on the Lexus NX 350 can now be specified with either a Moonroof or Panorama Glass Roof, offering further customization.
Interior Refinement: Color, Texture, and Illumination
Inside the Lexus NX 350, the cabin is designed to be a calming and inviting space. Optional Thematic Ambient Illumination allows drivers to personalize the interior ambiance with a choice of 14 nature-inspired themes. Themes like Rain Forest, Waterfall, and Sunset evoke a sense of tranquility and comfort.
Interior seat and console color options include Black, Black with Rich Cream, Palomino, and Rioja Red NuLuxe trim. For the 2024 model year, these interiors feature new color-keyed elements on the glove box and passenger side center console, creating a more unified and sophisticated look. Circuit Red and Black/Rich Cream interiors also incorporate color-keyed elements on the front and rear door panels, further enhancing interior harmony.
Black Open Pore wood trim adds a touch of opulence to the Luxury model. Interior ornamentation options include Black Prism, a technologically advanced Piano Black texture with a three-dimensional fractal pattern that subtly changes with light, available on the Premium model. The optional Moonroof or Panorama Glass Roof brings the outside in, providing both front and rear passengers with expansive sky views and added natural light.
Conclusion: The Lexus NX 350 – A Turbocharged Crossover with Broad Appeal
The Lexus NX 350 confidently holds its position as a centerpiece of the 2024 NX lineup. Its turbocharged engine delivers a compelling blend of performance and efficiency, while the sophisticated Lexus Interface technology and comprehensive Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 underscore its commitment to modern driving needs. Whether opting for the standard model or the sport-enhanced F SPORT Handling version, the Lexus NX 350 offers a refined and engaging crossover experience that caters to a wide range of drivers.
