Lexus NX 350 F-Sport AWD Review

The Lexus NX 350 F-Sport AWD is probably the best-selling entry-luxury Sport Utility Vehicle in the brand’s portfolio. Recently redesigned in 2022, it is back with subtle improvements that make it better. Napleton News takes a look at this popular CUV.

What’s the Lexus NX 350 F-Sport AWD all about?

With the goal of providing proper luxury transportation in a compact size with nicely appointed surroundings, the Lexus NX 350 F-Sport AWD is the current “it-car” in the Lexus stable. The NX family of Crossovers is available with a choice of four powertrains. These include the NX 250 powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

There are two hybrids in the range. The NX 350h gas-electric hybrid uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor generator to power the all-wheel drive system to the tune of 239 horsepower. The more powerful NX 450h+ includes AWD and delivers 302 horsepower from its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It can go up to 37 miles on pure electric power.

Our tester was the Lexus NX 350 F-Sport AWD. The sportiest appearing Lexus NX, it’s powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that delivers 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Add an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard Lexus AWD for the complete package.

Looks count on the Lexus NX 350 F-Sport AWD.

The Lexus NX continues with a modified version of Lexus’s spindle grille. The latest result is more palatable for most buyers and not as notchy as it was before. The overall look of the body is still Origami-lite, meaning creases here and there but none that really look out of line.

Our F-Sport version features 21-inch gloss-black aluminum alloy wheels and F-Sport-specific front and rear bumpers. These features are joined by exclusive exterior paint colors and blackened roof rails.

What about inside the F-Sport?

More refined than before, Lexus has finally learned from a few of their past mistakes. The driver and front passenger can spend all day in the front seats and if it feels the least bit claustrophobic, all they need to do is open the panoramic sunroof for a feeling of airiness.

While many will stick with the standard 9.8-inch touchscreen, our tester included a larger 14-inch screen with Lexus Drive Connect, destination assistant, navigation and our favorite, Sirius XM Satellite Radio.

The best part of the interior: The dreaded touchpad, and anything even remotely resembling as much, has been deleted. Finally, there are voice commands and Apple CarPlay to help keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel.

The rear seat offers plenty of room for both adults and the kids. From a cargo point of view, there’s 22.7-cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. Fold them forward and you will enjoy 46.9-cubic feet of cargo hauling space.

Behind the wheel of the NX 350 F-Sport

While the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder is the entry-level engine. But it is proven and powers its Toyota RAV4 cousin. Ours had the more powerful turbo 2.4-liter engine. That’s good for 275 ponies. We think that’s more than sufficient to leave others in the dust at the stoplight.

The NX’s all-wheel drive offered plenty of grip through the turns and a sure bet for confidence building under challenging conditions.

Despite its added horsepower, the 2.4-liter turbo still manages to be as peppy as needed, without raising any discernable racket inside. In other words, it’s quiet.

The new Lexus NX 350 F-Sport AWD offers the best of all worlds for those wanting entry into the compact luxury segment. Our only wish is that the F-Sport name brings a bit of actual sportiness to the equation. As it is, this is just a “sticker” car with badging and little more to make it, er, “sporty.”