3 Pros and 2 Cons of Driving the 2023 Lexus NX 350h Every Day
The 2023 Lexus NX 350h fills a niche many compact SUV shoppers may not know. The Lexus NX is a compact luxury crossover that slots under the larger and more popular RX, and the “350h” part of its naming convention denotes that it’s a hybrid. As such, the Lexus NX 350h has plenty to offer anyone looking for a comfortable and fuel-efficient ride with a touch of luxury. However, it’s not perfect. After spending a week with it, I found three pros and cons to point out.
Pro: The 2023 Lexus NX 350h has a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain
Did I mention that the 2023 Lexus NX 350h is fuel-efficient? According to the EPA, the NX 350h can achieve up to 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway — 39 mpg combined. That’s amazingly stellar and far better than rivals like the Acura RDX, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Audi Q3. All of those competitors average around 20 to 30 mpg, which is far lower than the NX.
Con: Its real-world fuel efficiency may not be as good as you would expect
Although the Lexus NX 350h’s gas mileage looks amazing on paper, your real-world average can vary. During my week with the car – which included a mix of city and highway driving at a mile-high elevation – I averaged around 34 mpg. That’s still good, but not as high as I thought it would be.
Pro: The NX 350h’s cabin is comfortable and spacious upfront
The Lexus NX 350h may be a small SUV, but it feels big on the inside. There is plenty of space up front for the driver and passenger in terms of head and legroom. Also, all of the buttons are within easy reach, and the infotainment screen is easy to use from either side of the cabin. I had issues with my 5-foot, 8-inch stature, and I imagine that anyone over six feet tall would fit just fine as well.
Con: The rear seat area may be a little cramped for tall passengers
One caveat regarding the car’s interior space is that the rear seat area is slightly cramped, which may prove cumbersome for tall passengers. If that’s something you’re weary of, then the Acura RDX and Mercedes GLC offer a little more room for backseat riders.
Pro: There are plenty of neat tech features, including the funky door handles
The Lexus NX 350h is pretty tech-savvy. The standard touchscreen infotainment system measures 9.8 inches, while the optional screen is 14 inches wide. There are also other luxurious amenities like heated/ventilated seats, a head-up display, heated rear seats, a panoramic view monitor, and a park assist feature. Lastly, the interior door handles are interesting because you push them in order to open the door, which is unlike most other cars.
What’s it like to live with the 2023 Lexus NX 350h daily?
Ultimately, despite its minor cons, the 2023 Lexus NX 350h is a comfortable little luxury crossover to drive every day. It may not get the mileage that you’re hoping for – depending on your driving situation – but it’s still very efficient. Also, if you don’t need a lot of rear-seat room, the NX could fit all of your needs. I highly recommend it if short commutes in stop-and-go traffic are part of your daily life since the NX 350h fills a niche that most other rivals aren’t a part of.
