The Lexus NX line continues to impress with its diverse powertrain options, elevated driving dynamics, sophisticated design, and cutting-edge technology, all under the umbrella of the “Lexus Electrified” vision. For the 2024 model year, the Lexus NX largely carries over its successful formula, with subtle enhancements to interior color palettes for a more cohesive and refined cabin experience. Among the compelling choices within the NX family, the Lexus Nx 350h stands out as a paragon of hybrid electric efficiency blended with exhilarating performance.
Lexus Interface: Seamless Connectivity at Your Fingertips
The 2024 Lexus NX, including the NX 350h, integrates the intuitive Lexus Interface multimedia system, designed to simplify every journey. A standard 9.8-inch optically bonded touchscreen offers a visually striking and highly responsive interface for occupants. This Human Machine Interface is engineered to enhance user interaction through touch, sight, and voice commands, ensuring accessibility and ease of use. For those seeking an even more immersive experience, an optional 14-inch touchscreen is available, which comes with a three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect services. These connected services include cloud-based navigation with real-time updates, Destination Assist for concierge-level support, and the intelligent Intelligent Assistant.
User Profiles further personalize the driving experience, allowing drivers to save their preferred settings securely in the cloud. This feature enables seamless access to customized preferences across different Lexus Interface-equipped vehicles. Profiles can be effortlessly accessed via the Lexus App using a Bluetooth device, smart key, or manual login.
Intelligent Assistant and Digital Key: Modern Convenience Features
The Lexus NX 350h, when equipped with an active Drive Connect subscription, features the convenient Intelligent Assistant. Utilizing dual microphones, advanced noise cancellation, and seat detection for improved voice recognition, this system responds to natural voice commands initiated by saying “Hey Lexus.” Drivers can then effortlessly control navigation, media, and climate settings, enhancing convenience and minimizing distractions.
For added modern convenience, the Digital Key feature, accessible through an active Remote Connect subscription, transforms a compatible smartphone into a vehicle key via the Lexus app. This digital key functionality allows for door locking/unlocking and provides enhanced usability for car sharing, valet parking, or even package deliveries. The Digital Key can be shared with up to seven additional users registered on the Lexus App, streamlining vehicle access for families or multiple drivers.
Cloud Navigation and Wireless Connectivity: Stay Connected on the Go
The Cloud Navigation system, available with a Drive Connect trial or subscription, ensures NX 350h drivers are always equipped with the most up-to-date route guidance. This 100% cloud-based system leverages Google Points of Interest (POI) data to deliver faster, more accurate search results, precise directions, and dynamically adjusted routes based on real-time traffic conditions. An offline mode is intelligently designed to detect potential signal loss and proactively download necessary maps and services, ensuring uninterrupted navigation.
The Lexus NX 350h also comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, providing seamless smartphone connectivity. An optional wireless charger is available for convenient device charging and streaming, and it can be discreetly stowed away to maximize storage space when not in use.
NX 350h: The Sweet Spot of Hybrid Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The Lexus NX 350h distinguishes itself by perfectly balancing robust performance with exceptional fuel economy within the Lexus NX lineup. It represents the core of Lexus’s commitment to alternative fuel powertrains. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system in the NX 350h ingeniously combines a D4-S fuel injection 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine with two high-torque electric motor-generators. This sophisticated pairing results in impressive acceleration and responsive passing power, making every drive enjoyable and confident. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system in the NX 350h is intelligently designed; instead of relying on traditional mechanical components, it utilizes a second, independent electric motor to power the rear wheels when additional traction is needed. This on-demand system enhances stability and control without compromising efficiency.
This advanced hybrid powertrain in the Lexus NX 350h delivers a combined system horsepower of 240. Performance is brisk, achieving 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds. Crucially for hybrid buyers, the NX 350h also boasts an EPA-estimated 39 MPG combined fuel economy rating, making it an exceptionally fuel-efficient luxury crossover without sacrificing driving pleasure.
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0: Comprehensive Safety for Peace of Mind
The 2024 Lexus NX 350h, like all NX models, comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, providing a suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features designed to protect all occupants.
Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection: This system is engineered to detect vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, issuing an audio/visual forward collision warning under certain conditions. If the driver doesn’t react, the system can automatically apply emergency braking at speeds between approximately 7-110 mph. PCS utilizes both a camera and millimeter-wave radar to enhance detection performance and reliability. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 introduces enhanced features including:
- Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist: This feature provides additional steering torque during driver-initiated emergency maneuvers, improving vehicle stability and helping to prevent unintended lane departures. It activates when the Pre-Collision System is active, turn signals are not in use, vehicle speed is between 25-50 mph, and relative speed to a detected object is also within 25-50 mph.
- Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking: Designed to warn the driver and apply automatic braking if the system detects a left turn being made in front of an oncoming vehicle in specific daytime conditions.
All-speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC): This adaptive cruise control system is designed for highway driving and uses radar and camera technology to maintain a preset speed and distance from vehicles ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic. If the system detects the vehicle getting too close, it automatically slows down, even to a complete stop. When the road ahead clears, the system smoothly returns the vehicle to the set speed. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 adds Curve Speed Management to DRCC, which intelligently adjusts speed in curves when cruise control is engaged, potentially reducing vehicle speed as needed for enhanced safety.
Lane Tracing Assist (LTA): When All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is active and lane markers are detected, Lane Tracing Assist (LTA) provides active driving assistance, helping to keep the NX 350h centered in its lane by using road lines and/or preceding vehicles as guides.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA): At speeds above 30 mph, if white/yellow lane markings or certain road edge boundary lines are detected, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA) is designed to issue an audio/visual warning if an unintentional lane departure is detected. If the driver does not take corrective action, the system can also provide gentle corrective steering to help maintain lane position.
Road Sign Assist (RSA): Using an intelligent camera, Road Sign Assist (RSA) can detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and certain warning signs. It then displays an icon of the detected sign on the Multi-Information Display (MID) to keep the driver informed.
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA): When system operating conditions are met, Proactive Driving Assist (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 a safe distance from preceding vehicles, pedestrians, or bicyclists.
F SPORT Handling: Enhanced Dynamics (Availability Dependent)
While the original article mentions F SPORT Handling for NX 350, it is important to confirm its availability for the NX 350h model specifically, as F SPORT packages and availability can vary across trims. If available on the NX 350h, the F SPORT Handling package would enhance driving dynamics with features like Active Variable Suspension (AVS) and performance dampers, offering a sportier driving feel. F SPORT models typically feature unique aesthetic enhancements, including distinctive grilles, wheels, interior trim, and sport seats.
Calming Interior: A Sanctuary of Design and Comfort
Inside the Lexus NX 350h, drivers and passengers are enveloped in a thoughtfully designed cabin that balances luxury with a calming ambiance. Optional Thematic Ambient Illumination allows for customizable interior lighting with 14 nature-inspired themes, such as Rain Forest, Waterfall, and Sunset, to evoke a desired mood.
Interior color options for seats and consoles include sophisticated choices like Black, Black with Rich Cream, Palomino, and Rioja Red NuLuxe trim. For the 2024 model year, these interiors feature enhanced color-keyed elements on the glove box and passenger side center console, creating a more unified and premium feel. Circuit Red and Black/Rich Cream interiors also receive color-keyed elements on the front and rear door panels.
Luxury models offer Black Open Pore wood trim for an added touch of opulence. Interior ornamentation options include Black Prism, a modern Piano Black texture with a three-dimensional fractal design, available on Premium models. An optional Moonroof or Panorama Glass Roof enhances the sense of spaciousness and light within the cabin, offering both front and rear passengers open sky views and added ventilation.
2024 NX Pricing (Reference)
While specific pricing for the NX 350h trim and options should be confirmed with Lexus dealerships, the provided pricing chart for the 2024 NX range gives a general context of the vehicle’s market positioning.
Conclusion: The Lexus NX 350h – A Smart Choice in the Luxury Hybrid Crossover Segment
The 2024 Lexus NX 350h solidifies its position as a leading luxury hybrid crossover, offering a compelling combination of fuel efficiency, refined performance, advanced technology, and sophisticated design. For drivers seeking a premium vehicle that minimizes environmental impact without compromising on driving enjoyment or luxury features, the Lexus NX 350h represents an intelligent and rewarding choice. Its blend of hybrid technology, Lexus craftsmanship, and comprehensive safety features makes it a standout contender in the competitive luxury SUV market.
