New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Reviews, MSRP, Interior

New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Reviews, MSRP, Interior  –  The New 2026 Lexus NX 350h, which sits between the smaller UX and bigger RX in Lexus’ sport-utility portfolio, is the standard hybrid model in a lineup that runs from gasoline-only to plug-in hybrid. The NX 350h begins at $52,655, with a non-negotiable delivery cost of $2,205. This tester was also optioned with an Ultra Luxury package for an extra $10,800, which includes as many stuff as you’d expect given the price. It increased the asking price to $63,455 before taxes.

I’ve never been a fan of Lexus’ iconic spindle grille, so the NX’s front design doesn’t appeal to me. It looks better in the side profile and from the contoured back. However, it’s the two-tone inside designers did their best work, with the touchscreen nestled into an asymmetrical centre stack, and with just enough metal accents to look rich instead of overdone. New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Reviews

New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

The NX uses a blend of hard controls and electronic ones, but some of the latter could be easier to use. The shifter looks conventional, but it’s a shift-sideways-then-push-pull, and with an awkwardly placed button for park. Cabin temperature is handled by dials, but you must tap or swipe the centre screen for the fan speed – and it can be slow to function when the glass is cold. In its favour, you do get a dial for stereo volume, and the screen’s functions are fairly intuitive, although many competitors do better at quickly getting you to a home screen and then to the menus you desire.  New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Reviews

The door handles are electronic, and from the inside, you press a button to open the door. I guess it looks high-tech and impressive, but I’m not seeing the need for the complexity – especially since the button is accompanied by a lever that mechanically opens the door when you pull it twice, in case your battery dies. Sometimes there really isn’t a need to reinvent the wheel – or the door handle. As well, the driver’s-side wiper stops well short of the A-pillar, and in nasty weather, there’s a wide band of snow or road salt that reduces visibility.

New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Specs

The NX 350h comes with a lot of standard items, including wireless phone connectivity, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, faux-leather heated seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-folding mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers.  New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Reviews

But my lower score is due to what’s not included, and while there’s a limit to what you get for the NX 350h’s base price – it does start at less than $53,000, after all – there are some items I’d expect from a premium brand. That includes rear cross-traffic alert, as previously mentioned, as well as a power tailgate, and wireless phone charger. The $10,800 Ultra Luxury package adds those, as well as such items as ventilated front seats, 20-inch wheels, 14-inch centre touchscreen (up from the standard 9.8-inch screen), panoramic sunroof, and auto-levelling headlights. But to get a head-up display, leather upholstery, or heated rear seats, you have to take the Executive package, which adds those plus other features for $15,550.

Engine and Performance

The NX 350h uses a 2.5L four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system that makes a combined 240 hp. Lexus is oddly tight-lipped about torque, but several auto outlets report that it’s 167 lb-ft. There are two electric motors, with the rear one providing all-wheel drive when required for extra traction. Both the front and rear motors provide regenerative braking to self-charge the lithium-ion battery. New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Reviews

The system automatically switches between gasoline, electricity, or a combination, depending on driving conditions. The hybrid system has enough power for city driving and highway passing, but the gasoline engine has a rough and growly disposition on acceleration that’s rather at odds with the fact that this is a premium vehicle.

New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Fuel Economy

A hybrid gets higher city economy than a car running just on petrol because it can run longer on its battery. My tester saw a lot of highway miles, and I averaged 8.4 L/100 km. Fuel of ordinary quality is used in it.  New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Reviews

It doesn’t have a lot of direct competitors, as most of its premium compact rivals are plug-in hybrids, which tend to be heavier thanks to their extra battery weight. The Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring is rated at 7.1 L/100 km in combined driving, while the Volvo XC60 Recharge is 8.5, and the BMW X3 PHEV is rated at 10.1.

New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Safety Features

All NX trims come with a suite of driver-assist features, including emergency front braking, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane departure warning and keeping, and emergency steering assist. Its back-up camera, mandatory on all new vehicles, includes a washer. But oddly, while blind-spot monitoring is standard, not all trims include rear cross-traffic alert with it, which is often bundled. My NX 350h tester had it, in addition to the optional front cross-traffic alert, which beeped a warning when I was waiting to pull out of my driveway when cars were coming down the road. New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Reviews

New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Price and Release Date

The NX 350h’s starting price of $52,655 (including delivery fee) is actually less than that of its gas-only NX 350 sibling. That one is $57,605, but it’s more powerful and has several more standard features than the hybrid. (Meanwhile, the less powerful NX 250 is priced at $50,155 before tax.)

As mentioned, most of the NX 350h’s similarly sized premium rivals are plug-in hybrids and are correspondingly more expensive. These include the Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring at $62,295; the Volvo XC60 Recharge at $67,570; and the BMW X3 plug-in at $67,985, all including delivery charges.

The New 2026 Lexus NX 350h isn’t my favourite of the brand’s hybrid models; while the interior is lovely and comfortable, the driving experience doesn’t always live up to its premium billing. But for those who like its size, fuel economy, interior, and relatively reasonable price tag, it’s worth a trip to the dealer to take it for a test-drive to determine it for yourself.  New 2026 Lexus NX 350h Reviews