If you’re browsing for an upscale hybrid SUV that feels both refined and efficient, the 2024 Lexus NX 350h deserves a serious look because it blends Toyota’s hybrid reliability with Lexus-level comfort and tech. I’ve spent some time behind the wheel of the NX 350h, and it’s the kind of luxury SUV that makes your daily drive calmer, quieter, and noticeably more fuel-efficient than most of its rivals.
This isn’t a wild performance machine or a massive three-row family hauler—it’s a perfectly balanced hybrid for people who want elegance and efficiency without overpaying for excess power they’ll never use. Let’s dive into what makes the NX 350h stand out, from its powertrain to its comfort and tech, and see how it stacks up against competitors like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Acura RDX.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2024 Lexus NX 350h uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 240 horsepower. Power is sent through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT), and all-wheel drive comes standard.
Acceleration is smooth and confident rather than aggressive. The NX 350h goes from zero to sixty in about 7.2 seconds, which is quick enough for merging or passing but not meant to thrill. What stands out more is how effortlessly it moves in everyday driving. Around town, the electric motors handle most low-speed cruising, making it feel buttery smooth and nearly silent.
The steering is light but precise, and the suspension strikes a nice balance between comfort and composure. It soaks up bumps well and feels stable at highway speeds, which is exactly what you want in a daily luxury SUV. If you’re coming from a RAV4 Hybrid, the NX feels noticeably more refined, quieter, and tuned for comfort over sportiness.
Driving takeaway: The NX 350h isn’t about raw speed—it’s about relaxed confidence, smooth transitions, and a sense of polish that makes every drive a little more enjoyable.
Fuel Economy and Hybrid Efficiency
Here’s where the NX 350h really shines. With EPA estimates of 41 MPG city and 37 MPG highway, it’s one of the most efficient luxury SUVs in its class. You can easily average close to 40 MPG in mixed driving without trying too hard, which is impressive for an all-wheel-drive vehicle of this size.
For comparison, the RAV4 Hybrid gets about 40 combined MPG, while the Acura RDX with its gas-only turbo engine manages roughly 25 combined MPG. That means the NX 350h can go hundreds of miles farther on a tank while emitting less CO₂ and saving you real money at the pump.
Another advantage of Lexus’ hybrid system is its reliability. This same powertrain architecture has been refined for years in Toyota and Lexus models, so you’re not dealing with a new or unproven setup. The transition between electric and gas power is seamless—most drivers won’t even notice when the engine kicks in.
Efficiency takeaway: The NX 350h delivers near-class-leading MPG while offering Lexus quietness and hybrid dependability that’s hard to beat.
Interior Comfort and Luxury Feel
Lexus has always been known for comfort, but the 2024 NX 350h steps it up with a clean, modern interior that feels tech-forward yet serene. The seats are plush and supportive, with available heating and ventilation. Even on long drives, they’re the kind of seats you sink into rather than sit on.
Soft-touch materials cover nearly every surface, and the fit and finish are excellent. Lexus didn’t overload the cabin with shiny plastic or overly complicated buttons. Everything feels logically placed, and the build quality gives you that solid, luxury feel that Acura and other competitors sometimes struggle to match.
The new Lexus interface is centered around a 14-inch touchscreen, which is one of the biggest in its segment. It’s sharp, fast, and finally intuitive—something Lexus struggled with in past years. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the voice assistant responds naturally to commands.
Cabin quietness is another highlight. The NX 350h uses extra sound insulation, laminated glass, and active noise control to create a cocoon-like driving experience. It’s noticeably quieter than the RAV4 Hybrid and about on par with the Acura RDX.
Comfort takeaway: The NX 350h feels genuinely upscale inside, with Lexus’ trademark quietness, top-tier materials, and comfortable seating that make every drive relaxing.
Tech and Safety Features
The NX 350h comes standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which adds a wide range of advanced driver assists. Features include adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, and intersection collision avoidance. The adaptive cruise system feels natural and confident, maintaining smooth distance and speed transitions.
Higher trims add extras like a panoramic camera system, digital key, and head-up display. You can also get an optional Mark Levinson premium audio system, which sounds phenomenal and easily fills the quiet cabin with rich, balanced sound.
The new digital instrument cluster is crisp, and the available ambient lighting adds just enough luxury flair without feeling flashy. The entire tech suite feels cohesive and modern—no gimmicks, just features that make daily life easier.
Tech takeaway: Lexus has finally nailed its infotainment system while keeping safety features front and center, giving the NX 350h one of the most well-rounded tech packages in the segment.
Reliability and Ownership Experience
One of the biggest reasons people choose Lexus hybrids is peace of mind. The NX 350h inherits Toyota’s long-standing hybrid durability, meaning fewer worries about battery life or maintenance. The hybrid battery is covered by a 10-year or 150,000-mile warranty, and the overall reliability scores for the NX lineup remain among the best in the industry.
Scheduled maintenance costs are modest for a luxury SUV, and Lexus dealerships are known for their high-quality service experiences. This is a car built to last well past 200,000 miles if properly cared for—a big advantage over turbocharged luxury competitors.
Ownership takeaway: The NX 350h offers long-term dependability and an ownership experience that feels premium without being high-maintenance.
Comparison Against Rivals
To get a clearer picture, here’s how the 2024 Lexus NX 350h compares to its closest competitors—the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and Acura RDX—in the key categories buyers care about most.
| Model | Combined MPG | Horsepower | Cargo Space (cu ft) | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus NX 350h | 39 | 240 | 46.9 | $43,000 |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | 40 | 219 | 69.8 | $31,500 |
| Acura RDX (Gas) | 25 | 272 | 58.9 | $44,000 |
What the numbers show: The NX 350h delivers luxury-level refinement and nearly the same fuel efficiency as the RAV4 Hybrid, while the RDX trades MPG for higher horsepower but worse efficiency. The Lexus sits right in the sweet spot for premium buyers—it’s efficient, well-equipped, and more luxurious without straying into overpriced territory.
Final Thoughts
After spending time with the 2024 Lexus NX 350h, I think it might just be the ideal hybrid luxury SUV for real-world drivers. It’s beautifully built, supremely comfortable, and far more efficient than its competitors. The ride quality is refined, the interior feels upscale, and the hybrid system works seamlessly to deliver impressive MPG without sacrificing comfort or capability.
If you’re cross-shopping with the RAV4 Hybrid, the NX adds a layer of refinement and tech that justifies the price difference. Compared to the Acura RDX, it’s quieter, smoother, and far more fuel-efficient, even if it’s not as sporty.
My verdict: The 2024 Lexus NX 350h strikes a perfect balance of efficiency, luxury, and reliability. For drivers who want a sophisticated SUV that feels special every time they start it up, this one hits all the right notes.
Related Articles
- Best Hybrid SUVs Under 50k in 2025
- Top Luxury SUVs with Great Gas Mileage
- Most Reliable Hybrid Cars for Long-Term Ownership
In a crowded field of hybrid crossovers, the Lexus NX 350h proves that luxury and efficiency can coexist perfectly—and it just might be the smartest choice for 2024.
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