Lexus NX 350h F Sport Review: Worth The Hype?

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the Lexus NX 350h F Sport. If you're wondering whether this hybrid SUV lives up to the hype, you're in the right place. We'll cover everything from its stunning design and performance to its tech features and overall value. So buckle up and let's get started!

First Impressions: Design and Style

When you first set your eyes on the Lexus NX 350h F Sport, its striking design immediately grabs your attention. The bold spindle grille, a signature Lexus feature, is more aggressive and sportier in the F Sport trim. It’s flanked by sharp LED headlights that give the car a menacing yet sophisticated look. The overall silhouette is sleek and modern, with defined lines and a coupe-like roofline that adds to its athletic stance. The F Sport package enhances the visual appeal with unique alloy wheels, a distinctive rear bumper, and blacked-out exterior trim, setting it apart from the standard NX models.

Stepping inside, the cabin exudes luxury and quality. The F Sport seats are exceptionally comfortable, offering ample support and bolstering for those spirited drives. The interior is adorned with premium materials, including aluminum pedals and trim, which contribute to the sporty ambiance. The attention to detail is evident in every stitch and finish, creating an upscale and inviting environment. The NX 350h F Sport manages to strike a perfect balance between sporty aesthetics and luxurious comfort, making it a delightful place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip. The ambient lighting adds a touch of elegance, especially at night, and the intuitive layout of the controls ensures that everything is within easy reach. Overall, the design and style of the NX 350h F Sport make a strong statement, blending sporty flair with Lexus's renowned attention to detail and luxury.

Performance and Handling: Hybrid Power Unleashed

The heart of the Lexus NX 350h F Sport is its hybrid powertrain, which combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver a combined output of 240 horsepower. This setup provides a smooth and responsive driving experience, with instant torque from the electric motors giving it a noticeable boost in acceleration. The NX 350h F Sport feels quick off the line, making it easy to merge onto highways and navigate city traffic. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) is well-tuned, offering seamless gear changes and contributing to the overall efficiency of the hybrid system. While some enthusiasts might miss the engagement of a traditional automatic transmission, the CVT in the NX 350h is refined and unobtrusive.

Handling is another area where the F Sport shines. The sport-tuned suspension provides a firmer ride compared to the standard NX models, reducing body roll in corners and enhancing overall stability. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback and making the car feel confident and composed on winding roads. The F Sport package also includes performance-inspired features such as paddle shifters, allowing you to manually control gear changes for a more engaging driving experience. The NX 350h F Sport strikes a great balance between comfort and performance, making it suitable for both daily commuting and spirited weekend drives. The regenerative braking system is smooth and natural, seamlessly blending the electric and mechanical braking systems to maximize efficiency. Overall, the NX 350h F Sport offers a compelling blend of hybrid efficiency and sporty performance, making it a standout in its class.

Technology and Features: A High-Tech Haven

Inside the Lexus NX 350h F Sport, you'll find a wealth of technology designed to enhance your driving experience. The centerpiece is the large touchscreen display, which houses the infotainment system. The system is intuitive and responsive, with crisp graphics and a user-friendly interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. The voice command system is also quite effective, allowing you to control various functions without taking your hands off the wheel. The F Sport also includes a premium sound system that delivers immersive audio quality, making every drive a concert-like experience.

In terms of safety, the NX 350h F Sport is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to provide an extra layer of safety and confidence on the road. The blind-spot monitoring system is particularly useful, alerting you to vehicles in your blind spots to prevent accidents. The NX 350h F Sport also includes a rearview camera with dynamic gridlines, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces easier. Overall, the technology and features in the NX 350h F Sport are well-integrated and enhance both the convenience and safety of the driving experience. The head-up display is a standout feature, projecting important information such as speed and navigation directions onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road.

Comfort and Practicality: Everyday Livability

Despite its sporty demeanor, the Lexus NX 350h F Sport doesn't compromise on comfort and practicality. The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, providing a comfortable ride even on long journeys. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom for adult passengers, making it a practical choice for families. The cargo area is also surprisingly spacious, offering plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more space, making it easy to transport larger items. The NX 350h F Sport also includes a power liftgate, which adds to the convenience of loading and unloading cargo.

Storage is well thought out throughout the cabin, with plenty of cubbies, cupholders, and door pockets to store your belongings. The center console is spacious and includes a wireless charging pad for your smartphone. The NX 350h F Sport is also surprisingly quiet on the road, with excellent sound insulation that minimizes road and wind noise. This creates a relaxing and comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers. The climate control system is effective at maintaining a consistent temperature throughout the cabin, and the available panoramic sunroof adds to the sense of spaciousness and airiness. Overall, the NX 350h F Sport is a comfortable and practical SUV that is well-suited for everyday use.

Fuel Efficiency: Hybrid Savings

One of the biggest advantages of the Lexus NX 350h F Sport is its excellent fuel efficiency. Thanks to its hybrid powertrain, it achieves impressive fuel economy ratings, making it a great choice for those looking to save money at the pump. The NX 350h F Sport can travel considerable distances on a single tank of gas, reducing the need for frequent refueling. This not only saves you money but also reduces your carbon footprint. The hybrid system seamlessly switches between electric and gasoline power, optimizing fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance.

The regenerative braking system also contributes to the overall efficiency, capturing energy during braking and converting it back into electricity to recharge the battery. This further reduces fuel consumption and extends the range of the vehicle. The NX 350h F Sport is also equipped with various driving modes, including an Eco mode that prioritizes fuel efficiency. In Eco mode, the throttle response is softened, and the climate control system is optimized to conserve energy. Overall, the NX 350h F Sport offers a compelling combination of fuel efficiency and performance, making it an attractive option for environmentally conscious drivers.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

The Lexus NX 350h F Sport commands a premium price tag, reflecting its luxurious features, sporty performance, and advanced technology. However, when you consider the overall package, it offers excellent value for money. The NX 350h F Sport is well-equipped with a host of standard features, including a premium sound system, advanced driver-assistance systems, and a luxurious interior. The F Sport package adds unique styling elements and performance-enhancing features that set it apart from the standard NX models.

Compared to its competitors, the NX 350h F Sport offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and fuel efficiency. While there are other hybrid SUVs on the market, few can match the NX 350h F Sport's combination of refinement and sporty character. The Lexus brand is also known for its reliability and excellent customer service, which adds to the overall value proposition. The NX 350h F Sport is a great choice if you are looking for a luxurious and sporty hybrid SUV that offers excellent fuel efficiency and a host of advanced features. Ultimately, whether it's worth the price depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Final Verdict: The Perfect Blend?

So, is the Lexus NX 350h F Sport worth the hype? Absolutely! It combines a striking design, engaging performance, advanced technology, and excellent fuel efficiency into one compelling package. Whether you're looking for a stylish daily driver or a comfortable and capable SUV for long road trips, the NX 350h F Sport delivers on all fronts. It's a fantastic choice for those who want a taste of luxury with a sporty edge and the added benefit of hybrid efficiency. Highly recommended! Guys, you won't be disappointed!