2026 Lexus NX 350h
The Lexus NX has quietly become one of the best selling models in the brand lineup. Lexus keeps sending it out for week long tests, and every time, it reminds us why buyers keep lining up for it. This time around, it is the 2026 NX 350h hybrid. After seven days of real world use, the big question stays simple. Is this the best luxury compact hybrid SUV you can buy right now.
What is new for 2026
The most important update for 2026 is not a new engine or tech feature. It is packaging.
For the first time, Lexus allows buyers to combine the 350h hybrid powertrain with the F Sport handling design package. Earlier, buyers had to choose between efficiency and sporty styling. Now, they get both.
This matters because the F Sport look is hugely popular in the Lexus lineup, and the hybrid is easily the smartest powertrain for daily driving.
Powertrain and basic specs
Let us start with the basics. Under the hood of the 2026 Lexus NX, buyers get multiple powertrain choices. The test vehicle here is the NX 350h.
Key mechanical details
• 2.5 litre naturally aspirated four cylinder petrol engine
• Hybrid electric system
• Total system output of 239 horsepower
• ECVT automatic transmission
• All wheel drive on this test car
• EPA combined fuel economy rating of 39 miles per gallon with all wheel drive
The base price of the Lexus NX range sits around 46000 dollars. Pricing climbs quickly once options and trims stack up, which we will come back to later.
Driving experience and performance
The NX 350h is not about speed. It is about smoothness and efficiency.
Performance numbers
• 0 to 60 miles per hour in about 7.2 seconds
That makes it the slowest NX variant. The standard NX 350 with the turbo petrol engine reaches 60 in about 6.6 seconds. The plug in hybrid 450h Plus does it in roughly 6 seconds.
Despite that, the hybrid system shines in daily driving. Power delivery feels seamless. The transition between electric and petrol modes stays smooth and mostly unnoticed. Under hard throttle, the engine does get noisy, which remains a known Toyota hybrid trait.
Ride, handling, and noise levels
This NX wears the F Sport handling package, which includes adaptive dampers. In normal drive modes, the ride feels plush and absorbs bumps well, even on 20 inch wheels.
Switch to Sport mode, and the suspension firms up noticeably. Handling stays tidy with minimal body roll. Steering feels light but responsive.
Cabin noise measured at highway speeds settles around 58.3 decibels. That is louder than some rivals like the BMW X3, Audi SQ5, and Genesis GV70. It is not intrusive, but it is noticeable when compared back to back.
Real world fuel economy
This is where the NX 350h earns its badge.
EPA ratings
• 39 miles per gallon combined with all wheel drive
• 40 miles per gallon with front wheel drive
Over about 250 miles of mixed city and highway driving, real world fuel economy landed at 35.3 miles per gallon. Cold weather likely played a role in the drop from EPA numbers, but the result still impresses.
Few luxury compact SUVs offer a traditional hybrid setup that delivers this level of efficiency.
Pricing and options reality
Here comes the reality check.
Base pricing
• NX 350h front wheel drive around 45,470 dollars
• NX 350h all wheel drive costs more
• F Sport hybrid starts around 53,945 dollars
This specific test car ends up at 61655 dollars after options, accessories, and destination charges. Lexus follows a very German style approach to options here. Many features cost extra, sometimes individually. Even the wireless phone charger carries an added cost.
Exterior design and details
The NX already has a sharp design, and the F Sport package pushes it further.
Up front, the large spindle grille gets a full gloss black finish. The headlights come in two styles. Standard models use projector LED units, while this test car gets optional triple beam LED headlights with a crystal style design. LED daytime running lights, LED turn indicators, and LED fog lamps are also included.
Move to the side, and the sporty theme continues.
• 18 inch or 20 inch alloy wheel options
• 20 inch gloss black F Sport wheels on this model
• Body colour wheel arch cladding on F Sport trims
• Gloss black mirror caps
• Smoked window surrounds
• Black roof rails
All models get well equipped mirrors with power folding, driver side auto dimming, blind spot monitoring, and heating.
At the rear, Lexus spells out its name across the tailgate, which is now a brand signature. A full width LED tail lamp bar sits below it. Brake lights, reverse lights, and amber turn indicators are all LED. The NX 350h badge is blacked out here, and there are no visible exhaust outlets. Every NX can tow up to 2000 pounds.
Overall length comes in at 183.5 inches, which places the NX on the smaller side of the luxury compact SUV segment.
Interior layout and materials
Open the door, and the test vehicle makes a strong first impression. This one wears a bold red on red interior, made possible by the F Sport trim. Buyers who prefer subtlety can still choose black.
Seats are trimmed in NuLuxe synthetic leather on most trims. The Luxury trim offers real leather, while F Sport models stick with NuLuxe but add a two tone finish and more aggressive bolstering. F Sport branding appears embroidered on the headrests.
Seat comfort and adjustment
• Eight way power adjustment
• Two way lumbar support
• Memory seats on Premium trims and above
The sport seats do a good job holding you in place without sacrificing long drive comfort.
Cabin materials feel solid throughout. Soft touch plastics dominate the dash and upper door panels. Red leatherette runs along the centre console and doors. F Sport models add aluminium trim inserts. There is no flashy stitching, but everything feels tightly put together, which is very Lexus.
Driver focused tech
The NX still uses a 7 inch partially digital instrument cluster. It is standard across the lineup. In 2026, that feels behind the curve, especially when Toyota offers full digital clusters in cheaper models like the RAV4.
The saving grace is the head up display, which comes standard on this trim. It shows speed, navigation, and driver assistance info, and you end up using it more than the gauge cluster.
The steering wheel deserves praise. It is leather wrapped, heated, and power adjustable for tilt and reach. That feature remains rare in this segment.
Storage and usability up front
The centre console opens from both sides. Inside, it holds eleven donuts in the Car Confections donut test. That misses the dozen mark, but still counts as good for the class.
Other storage highlights
• Two cup holders
• Wireless phone charging pad available for 75 dollars
• Deep felt lined storage tray ahead of the shifter
• USB ports inside the front cubby
The electronic shifter is compact and easy to use. Reverse brings up the available 360 degree camera system, which looks sharp but costs extra. Front and rear parking sensors come along with it.
Infotainment system
The test car features the upgraded 14 inch touchscreen. Standard models use a smaller 9.8 inch display.
System highlights
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• Integrated climate controls on the larger screen
• Lexus interface shared with Toyota
Over a full week, the system stayed stable. No dropped connections, no lag, no strange behaviour.
Climate control remains dual zone across the lineup. Heated seats come standard on all 2026 NX models. Ventilated seats cost extra. Climate Concierge links seat heating, ventilation, steering wheel heat, and cabin temperature automatically.
Audio and roof features
This car does not have the Mark Levinson sound system. The standard audio sounds acceptable, but for the price point, the upgrade feels worth it.
Up top, an auto dimming mirror comes standard. A digital rear view mirror is optional. Homelink garage buttons are built in.
Most trims include a regular sunroof. A panoramic glass roof costs about 500 dollars extra.
Rear seat comfort and space
Rear space reflects the NX compact footprint.
Measured figures
• About 36 inches of legroom
• About 38 inches of headroom
For real world context, two adults around 5 feet 9 inches tall see just over 7 inches of knee room. Feet slide easily under the front seats, and the rear seatbacks recline.
Rear features include
• Centre armrest with cup holders
• Rear air vents
• Optional heated rear seats
• Two USB ports
• 12 volt outlet
There are no rear climate controls, which many rivals do offer.
Cargo capacity and practicality
Cargo space is where the Lexus NX clearly trails competitors.
Capacity numbers
• 22 cubic feet behind the second row
• 47 cubic feet with seats folded
That makes it one of the smallest cargo areas in the segment.
Other cargo details
• Power tailgate standard
• Hands free kick function on higher trims
• 60 40 split rear seats
• Optional power folding rear seats
Measured cargo dimensions
• 72 inches of max cargo length
• 37 inches behind the second row
• 40 inches of width at the opening
• 27 inches of height
• 31 inches loading height
There is some underfloor storage, but there is no spare tyre, which feels like an odd omission.
Safety equipment
Lexus keeps things simple here. All active safety systems come standard.
That includes
• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assist
• Automatic emergency braking
• Blind spot monitoring
No trim level games. No safety locked behind options.
Ownership factors that matter
Resale value stands strong. After five years and 60000 miles, estimated value sits around 53.83 percent of original price. After ten years and 120000 miles, it drops to about 28.1 percent. That places Lexus above the industry average and ahead of most luxury rivals.
Reliability remains a Lexus stronghold. Across multiple trusted studies, Lexus ranks at the top among luxury brands.
Warranty coverage includes
• Four year or 50000 mile basic warranty
• Six year or 70000 mile powertrain warranty
• Two complimentary service visits
This specific NX 350h is built in Japan, which many buyers still value.
Final thoughts after a week
After seven days, the verdict stays familiar. The Lexus NX 350h feels just as good as before. The hybrid powertrain delivers excellent efficiency. Ride quality stays comfortable. Interior quality meets expectations. The new ability to pair the hybrid with F Sport styling makes the package more appealing than ever.
The biggest drawbacks remain the tight cargo space and the aggressive option pricing. Still, if efficiency, reliability, and everyday comfort top your priority list, the 2026 Lexus NX 350h continues to make a strong case for itself in the luxury compact SUV segment.
