This week I bring you Lexus' second best-selling SUV, the NX. According to new Lexus sales data, NX sales are up 7 percent year-to-date as of the third quarter- with 57,256 sold so far this year. This number does not include the hybrid variant, which has sold 23,002. The plug-in hybrid far fewer than that- but you have to consider it's the priciest model in the lineup. All this said, while the gas-only model is by far the most popular choice of buyers, this week, I'm behind the wheel of the 2025 NX 350h in the Luxury grade variety.
The NX is stylish in a new-for-2025 Copper Crest hue paired with 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark gray metallic and machined finish. It's a color that truly looks great in any lighting situation.
The Luxury grade features Triple Beam Headlights, LED tail lights and fog lamps along with cornering lamps, heated outer mirrors, and roof rails.
I love Lexus - but it must be said the NX hybrid's 2.4-liter hybrid powertrain is far from exciting. Designed for fuel economy not performance, it delivers 240 horsepower. While acceleration is okay, especially in highway driving, I could use more punch off the line. For that reason I prefer the sportier, and yes pricier, plug-in hybrid 450h+ powertrain with its 304-horsepower.
The NX 350h is equipped with a CVT and All-Wheel drive. (Note: New for 2026, you'll be able to get NX 350h models with Front-Wheel Drive in addition to the existing AWD.)
Interior
You can't go wrong with Lexus NX's uncluttered, comfortable and well-crafted cabin, especially in its new for 2025 Macadamia hue. Leather-trimmed heated and ventilated seats feel great- with the comfortable cushions deserving of a special mention.
The cabin is a nice mix of soft-touch materials, black open-pore wood trim, glossy black and quality switchgear. (I will say my mom still has trouble getting used to the digital door latches.) The leather-wrapped, heated, steering wheel is nice, but I'd love to have seen some of the open-pore wood incorporated. Also, while Lexus' digital driver display is bright I could do with larger text.
A responsive 14-inch touchscreen runs Lexus' great multi-media system compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen offers great resolution, graphics, and mapping, but you'll need a subscription to access some of the features, including the "Hey Lexus" voice assistant. A 4G WiFi hotspot is available. A 10-speaker Mark Levinson is standard but if you like your music, I'd spring for 14 speakers. The Luxury features thematic ambient lighting in 14 themes.
Traditional dials control the cabin temperature, while haptic controls operate the heated and ventilated front seats. A slim center console provides space for the leather-wrapped gear shift knob, cupholders, and auto brake hold. 2025 brings two new USB-C ports to the front console. The wireless charger is also now available on all grades. But honestly, this should be standard on a luxury SUV in 2025.
Second-row comfort impresses, even with the loss of a little headroom due to stadium seating. Features include cushiony seats, nice carpeting and seat back pockets along with a wide center armrest with small cupholders. A note about the AC. Don't have S Flow enabled if you have a rear seat passenger. It keeps the air flow up front. Also, high door panels limit window real estate, so the optional panoramic sunroof is great to bring in more natural light. Power-folding 2nd-row seats are another fantastic optional feature on this model.
The NX delivers a ride and drive that's sure to please Lexus fans who are more concerned with a smooth, quiet ride than sporty handling and performance moves. Its size makes it easy to maneuver and park.
Safety is certainly a Lexus strong point. Lexus Safety System 3.0+ is standard. Features include ProActive Driving Assist, which is really terrific, along with Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Intelligent High Beam Headlamps.
Additionally this model is equipped with Blind Spot monitor, Head Up Display and a Digital Rearview mirror. Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is now standard across the lineup. Parking Assist worked flawlessly.
Options include Advanced Park ($250), Cold Weather Package ($250), Digital Key ($375), Front Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist ($270), Power Folding Heated Rear Seats ($1,030), Premium Paint ($595), Panoramic Glass Roof ($500), Panoramic View monitor ($800), wireless phone charger ($75), cargo net ($460), mudguards ($165), rear puddle lamp ($150), carpet cargo mat ($140). As equipped with all of the above the MSRP is roughly $57,000 with destination.
All-in-all, the Lexus 350h Luxury is a great daily driver that will best suit those looking for a fuel-efficient, comfortable ride with great tech and safety features. For a bit sportier ride, consider the plug-in model.