2022 Lexus NX Hybrid
Overview
Model year 2022 starts the second generation of the Lexus NX, and the automotive world is excited about the changes. Its outward styling shows a more sculpted hood, angular headlights, a more aggressive fascia with a large grille, and a new taillight treatment. But as you probably suspect, there’s more to the 2022 NX than updated looks.
The new chassis gives the NX a longer wheelbase and wider stance, translating to additional cabin space and a more polished ride. As part of this redesign, Lexus is introducing its first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, the NX 450h. On this page, though, we’ll just discuss the conventional gas-electric variant, the 350h (the gas-only NX is also discussed on a separate page). The NX Hybrid returns with a 50-horsepower improvement, along with improved acceleration and fuel economy. The reinvention of the NX includes replacement of the previous touchpad infotainment system with a more user-friendly touchscreen, which happens to be among the largest screens on the market. Let’s delve into the details of the redesigned Lexus NX 350h hybrid.
Mechanical Basics
Lexus offers the NX 350h in a single trim, but the vehicle can be configured with numerous packages and options, as we’ll get into in the sections that follow. Powering this two-row crossover is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas-electric hybrid powerplant making 240 combined horsepower. All-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with paddle shifters are also standard. The EPA’s official fuel economy estimates put the NX 350h at 41 mpg for suburban/urban driving and 37 mpg for highway travel.
Standard and Optional Features
Some highlights of the ’22 NX 350h’s exterior are Bi-LED headlamps and daytime running lights, auto-dimming heated outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse, roof rails, and proximity keyless entry, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the occupants will enjoy dual-zone automatic climate control, eight-way power heated front seats (with two-way lumbar control for the driver), leatherette upholstery, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob. A full package of advanced driver aids is also standard (see the next section for details).
Buyers can opt for the Premium Package, which adds ventilated front seats, a driver’s memory system, a power moonroof, a hands-free tailgate, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power tilt/telescopic steering column. The Luxury Package adds all of that plus 20-inch alloy wheels, genuine leather upholstery, open-pore wood interior accents, extra driver’s seat lumbar controls, a 10-inch head-up display, and additional infotainment technology (which is detailed at the end of this page). Many of these packaged options can also be ordered individually. Other a la carte upgrades include a heated steering wheel, power-folding and heated rear seats, a panoramic glass roof, triple-beam LED headlights, and a digital rearview mirror.
Advanced Driver Aids
As mentioned, the NX 350h is set up with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technology. Those features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, road sign assist, and automatic high beams. Lexus offers a surround-view monitor with lane-change assist and front cross-traffic alert as an option.
Technology and Optional Packages
As part of this redesign, Lexus upgraded the infotainment control to a high-resolution 9.8-inch touchscreen (it can also be controlled by voice command). The premium sound system has 10 speakers, and wireless smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and Bluetooth connectivity are also standard. Owners can also use the included Lexus smartphone app to start the engine remotely and monitor vehicle diagnostics. The available Luxury Package will upgrade the touchscreen to a 14-inch diagonal, along with Destination Assist. This screen upgrade can be ordered by itself, as can wireless device charging, Wi-Fi hotspot access, the Lexus Digital Key, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson 1,500-watt sound system.