Is the 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Worth the Extra Cash?
I find it hard to believe that the Lexus NX 350 might not be sporty enough. But if you want some extra spice, then you can upgrade to the F Sport Handling model for racing upgrades. Our week with the 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport has been fast and luxurious so far.
How much does the 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport cost?
The 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Handling has an MSRP of $47,465. The entry-level model starts at $42,365, so it costs roughly $5,100 to upgrade. Also, the $1,150 destination fee and dealership markups aren’t included.
While the F Sport sweetens the deal, each model has standard AWD, and it doesn’t have any extra power. Each NX 350 has the standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
But the F Sport does provide a more athletic experience with 20-inch gloss black wheels, a sport-tuned adaptive suspension, and additional driving modes, including Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom. So, you can combine the features of each driving mode for your ideal performance.
The system has variable damping, stiffer springs, upgraded shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars for an improved ride quality. F Sport styling provides gloss black trim pieces and a black-out interior that helps the red leather upholstery pop.
Plus, there are brush aluminum trim pieces with metal petals and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The bucket seats have extra bolstering to hold you in place, and the power sport steering wheel has plenty of adjustment controls.
Extra gauges include your G Force and piston position. Plus, the 10.0-inch head-up display allows you to keep your eyes on the road.
How does the Lexus NX 350 F Sport drive?
The 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport begins with plenty of pep in its step with a more relaxed Normal mode. But switching to Sport S or Sport S+ changes the game with faster response times and dynamic responses to road conditions.
You may notice that the brakes are more responsive, and the suspension is stiffer as body roll is nonexistent around sharp bends. It corners well with tons of traction and stability for confident maneuvers.
While the eight-speed automatic transmission provides smooth shifts, you can use the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for even more precision. The steering is well-weighted and athletic, even at lower speeds.
The Lexus NX 350 F Sport can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds, which is excellent for its class. It’s almost a whole second faster than the NX 350h.
Is the NX 350 F Sport comfortable?
Yes, the 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport is extremely comfortable with a smooth ride. The tires provide tons of grip, allowing you to sense the pavement as rough impacts are well-controlled. It’s an impressive combination of luxury and sportiness.
The interior is louder than expected at highway speeds, but the available 17-speaker Mark Levinson easily covers the noise.
Sometimes, the sport treatment adds stiff seats, but this isn’t the case with the F Sport. The sport bolstering adds another level of comfort and support for long trips. The seats are well-padded for hours of comfort.
The automatic climate control system rarely needs to be adjusted, and the ventilated seats have a strong airflow. However, they could be colder.
Overall, the 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Handling is worth the upgrade cost if you want to make your daily drives or trips more engaging and comfortable. But lower trim levels are still a good bargain with a long list of standard features. Stay tuned for our list of pros and cons.
