Lexus NX (2022): the hybrid version 350h on test

A bit of a UFO with salient angles when it was launched in 2014, the Lexus NX compact SUV is back for its second generation with a silhouette that changes little but a wiser design in detail. After the test of the NX plug-in hybrid which is the novelty of the 2022 model, return to the offer which made the success of the Japanese SUV: its simple hybrid engine. Now called NX 350h, instead of 300h, this new version sees its cumulative power increase from 197 to 244 hp.

Available in 4 x 2 or 4 x 4 like our test model thanks to the addition of a small electric motor on the rear axle, this NX constitutes a unique offer since the premium competitors in this segment skip the step simple hybrid to focus on the rechargeable hybrid, which is more expensive to buy. Everything is new on this 2022 opus, starting with its GA-K platform shared with the Toyota RAV-4. Lexus has also remodeled the furniture of its family SUV and that’s good because the dashboard of the old NX was an example of what should not be done in terms of ergonomics.

2022 Lexus NX Hybrid Price

The price of the NX 350h starts at €51,790 in the Pack 4 x 2 finish. You must add €1,500 to have four-wheel drive and count on 59 €290 for a well-equipped Luxury version. Our test model in Executive finish peaks at €68,790. In exchange, we have a luxurious endowment which makes it unnecessary to resort to options since the high-end audio system, leather upholstery, sunroof, 20-inch rims and metallic paint are in the basic endowment. (see all the equipment on page 2).

Compared to the 450h+ plug-in hybrid version, the NX 350h 4WD is charged €4,400 less. A difference however reduced to 3,210 € when we take into account the environmental penalty and the weight penalty which strike the 350h Executive version and which the rechargeable hybrid escapes. For an individual who does not want to bother with an almost daily electric recharge, the simple hybrid will be the best deal. Companies will move towards the rechargeable version for tax reasons and to respond to the LOM (mobility orientation law), which pushes them towards cars with less than 60 g/km of CO₂.

Driving

For owners of the old model, boarding the second NX of the name is to discover a new world. Lexus started from scratch to shape modern furniture, the piece of choice being the large 14-inch screen standard on the Executive. The quality graphics and the fluidity of the panel facilitate its use, but this interface lacks the swype function and customizable screens to perfect its handling. For example, cutting the lane keeping system – extremely intrusive on the road – requires too many manipulations.

Installed in a dominant position with the small gear lever in the palm of your hand and the digital counter clearly visible, you set off in electric mode before the heat engine takes over and cuts out as soon as you relieve the accelerator. All the strength of the Lexus hybrid group with the CVT type box lies in its ability to optimize thermal engine cut-off. A small computer also indicates, after each journey, the time spent solely in pure electric mode. We thus noted 33% of the time in electric on a road journey of 270 km and 62% on a suburban journey of 42 km. Remarkable and, obviously, it is to the advantage of consumption.

Lexus is not content to optimize the electrical part for efficiency. Its hybrid unit is also based on a combustion engine with a comfortable displacement (2,487 cc³), without turbo and with Atkinson cycle operation to promote its frugality. The set is sober in classic use, and our readings prove it: 6.2 l/100 km in the city and 7.1 l/100 km on the road taking into account the actual consumption and not the computer, which underestimates the flow rate by 0.3 l/100 km. Unsurprisingly, this frugality is not found on the highway, where a hybrid is never to its advantage. We found 8.8 l / 100 km at 130 km / h, above what a diesel competitor like the BMW X3 20d offers.

On the side of driving pleasure, the Lexus NX delivers a copy in real progress compared to the previous model. Without having the temperament of an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, this good-tonnage family SUV relies on well-calibrated steering and a chassis that is both eye-catching and reassuring. It is also sufficiently maintained at the level of the suspension to play with winding routes, while offering firm but not brittle comfort. The performances are of a very good level with a combined power of 244 hp when the two engines work together. Under strong acceleration, the CVT-type auto box still lets the gasoline engine race, but in a less punitive way than before. Above all, it is useless to crush the accelerator for a long time because this NX is quickly in action. However, it is with a cast pipe that the best advantage is taken of the remarkable smoothness of operation of the assembly.

On board

Competetion

Audi Q5, BMW X3, Mercedes GLC and Volvo XC60 are the direct competitors of Lexus NX. None offers simple hybrid motorization like the Japanese, thus leaving it the advantage of a lower price and simplicity of use: no almost daily charge for electric driving or running at public terminals. For those who do not have a home charging solution, the NX 350h will be much more suitable, while its 450h+ version is the one that competes with other premium models.

Find the results of the test, the technical sheet, the prices and the standard equipment on the following page.