Having a look at the F Sport version, we found out that it provides a pleasing balance of comfort and capability. Acceleration at our test track was unremarkable (0-60 mph in 7 seconds), but the turbocharged engine is sufficiently strong enough for getting up to highway speeds or passing slower traffic. Shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission aren’t particularly quick but are fairly smooth.
In our panic-braking test from 60 mph, our NX 350 F Sport logged a slighter better than average distance of 117 feet. On the road, the NX’s brakes are smooth and predictable. The NX’s handling inspires confidence but we wouldn’t go so far as to call it sporty. The F Sport package on our test vehicle helped to minimize body roll when cornering.
Comfort
How comfortable is the NX 350? The NX 350 F Sport, which is what we tested, feels taut and secure without being overly stiff-riding. The F Sport also comes with special seats that have more bolstering but are just as soft and comfortable as the ones in a standard NX. The seat heating and ventilation in our test NX were fast-acting, and the rear seats offered better than average sculpting and support.
Most of the climate control features are readily accessible and easy to use. The three-zone climate system did a good job of maintaining a set temperature, but we thought the center vents were too low to be particularly effective on a warm day. Interior noise levels are relatively low, and while we noticed little to no wind noise, we did hear more tire hum than we expected.
its interior
The interior of the NX is a mix of traditional Lexus’ superb attention to detail as well as some puzzling and sometimes frustrating design choices. The sharp-looking 14-inch touchscreen display is a highlight thanks to its clean graphics and quick responses.
But the shift lever adopts the unconventional shift pattern used in the Toyota Prius, which had us occasionally selecting neutral when we thought we had drive. Another frustration: the unmarked buttons on the steering wheel. Lexus has cleverly made them multifunctional, but their functions are only shown in the head-up display and require too much focus to perform simple tasks.
The driving position in the NX is easy to tailor to suit a wide variety of body types, and while the rear seating area lacks the generous legroom found in the BMW X3 and Acura RDX, there’s enough space here for most adults to be reasonably comfortable. Another benefit of the large center display is the crystal-clear backup camera and, if so equipped, surround-view camera system.
Technology
How’s the tech? Our test vehicle was equipped with the optional, eye-catching 14-inch unit. Crisp, easy-to-read graphics and quick responses are appreciated, but the somewhat confusing menus structure could use some refinement. Our test vehicle was also equipped with the 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. Enormously powerful with excellent clarity, it’s well worth the upgrade if you have a little extra in your budget.
Wireless smartphone connectivity is standard but, strangely enough, navigation is not. After the free trial expires, Lexus charges a fee (every two years at the time of writing) to continue the cloud-based service. The NX’s voice controls were slightly underwhelming, mostly due to their slow response times, even though you can do everything from changing the radio station to turning on the wipers.
The NX comes standard with Lexus’ Safety System+ 3.0, which includes pretty much every advanced driver aid you’d expect. Response times were on the conservative side but we encountered no false alarms.
Storage
The NX doesn’t offer the same amount of cargo capacity as many of its rivals. With 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the NX trails the BMW X3 (28.7 cubes) and the Acura RDX (31.1 cubes). That said, the load area for the NX is nice and wide and the cargo area is free of wheelwell intrusions, making it easy to load wide, bulky objects. Power-folding rear seats are available.
Interior storage also trails some of its rivals, but the NX does offer a fair bit of usable and easily accessible room for personal items. We appreciate the large, underarm center console storage and the hidden cubby under the optional wireless charging pad.
While we understand towing isn’t usually near the top of the list when choosing a small luxury SUV, note that the NX 350 is rated to tow a somewhat meager 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. Competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 and BMW X3 offer 3,500- and 4,400-pound towing limits, respectively.
Fuel Economy
The EPA estimates that the NX 350, which has standard all-wheel drive, gets 25 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s about average for this class of SUV. Over our 115-mile mixed-driving evaluation route, we saw exactly 25 mpg and nearly repeated that number on another tank of fuel with a bit more city driving. That repeatability is somewhat harder to come by in this class, and we think the Lexus should be able to meet its EPA estimates most of the time. Like many other vehicles in the class, the NX 350 does require premium fuel.