Written by Marco Carvajal
2022 Lexus NX 350 F SPORT AWD
The new 2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport from 2022 is a very comfortable and reliable SUV. The NX has been totally redesigned and now is better than ever, representing a huge improvement over its predecessor.
f you are planing to buy a new 2022 NX 350 you will be satisfied with all the latest technology, performance and improved style of the new generation.
Previous NX 350 models were also great SUVs but the 2022 version is the best NX you can own.
The 2022 Lexus NX 350 F SPORT AWD I am test driving can compete on reliability and other aspects with the Mercedes-Benz GLC or a BMW X3. The Lexus NX 350 new generation jumps into a better category.
2022 Lexus NX Redesigned Second Generation
The all-new 2022 Lexus NX has been redesigned from the inside out to adapt better to drivers. This is the first model of the NX second generation.
The new NX is built entirely on a new platform. It comes with a large panoramic moonroof and 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels.
The 2022 NX 350 is performance ready with powerful turbo and hybrid powertrains.
New for 2022 the NX series lineup keeps expanding, including a 2.5-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine, and the first-ever Lexus Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle, the NX 450h.
The previous first-generation NX was sold as the car model years 2015 through 2021. It was the brand first luxury small SUV.
The NX bold and expressive exterior styling from the previous generation carries over to the new 2022 model but adding a full-width taillight bar just above the Lexus’ name.
The new 2022 Lexus NX 250 includes major upgrades like a new infotainment system, a more spacious cabin, and a more powerful engine.
The 2022 NX includes the advanced Lexus Safety System 3.0.
NX Styles and Options
The constantly expanding NX lineup now includes the NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, an 8-inch infotainment screen with a touch panel interface, and an eight-speaker sound system.
The new NX includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane departure warning and intervention, and automatic high beams.
The NX 350 F Sport trim that I am test driving is one of the best trims to purchase, it adds 18-inch wheels, special exterior styling elements, a sport suspension, special interior trim, and NuLuxe color combinations, more aggressive bolstered seats, different gauges and a sport steering wheel.
Optional you can add a navigation package with a larger 10.3-inch screen and a premium sound system. Other additional options include front and rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, and upgraded LED headlights.
Performance
The NX 350 is very powerful under the hood, ti comes with a new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, enough power for the size of this SUV.
An eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard for the NX 350. All-wheel drive is optional.
The NX 350 responds quickly when you hit the throttle, and acceleration is more than adequate.
With your foot on the accelerator, the engine feels precise and fast. Braking is good for a luxury SUV, with an easy-to-control pedal for smooth stops.
Steering effort is appropriate and precise, and at parking speeds the effort lightens for easier maneuvering.
The F Sport model that I am test driving feels fast and efficient on the road, it adds an adaptive sport suspension that allows the NX to corner with minimal body roll and noticeably greater confidence than the standard suspension.
The NX 350 is a great SUV for everyday use, no problem adding as many miles as you want, this LEXUS is very reliable and long-term lasting.
Interior Design
The construction of the NX is very high-end, with materials that look and feel fine. Design and high quality materials are in line with what we can expect from a premium Lexus SUV.
The NX feel premium, the typical touch points are padded and upholstered in a convincing leather substitute, and all interior elements feel well-constructed.
The front seats are very comfortable and have a fun premium sporty look and a good amount of lateral support. The seats are padded for comfort over long driving distances.
The rear seats are suitable for adults, with enough headroom for people under 6 feet. You can find good foot space under the front seats, allowing rear passengers to spread their legs and enjoy more thigh support from the seat cushions.
Thanks to the large panoramic sunroof and window openings near the head restraints, the rear seating area gives the impression of a more spacious vehicle.
Cargo capacity behind the rear seats tops out at 22.7 cubic feet. That represents a considerable increase of 28% compared to the last generation NX. This larger space now makes the NX more competitive against other small luxury SUVs.
Technology
The large central display angled towards the driver gets your attention when entering the beautiful NX. A 9.8-inch touchscreen is standard and can be upgraded to a 14-inch screen with a mix of virtual and physical controls.
The digital instrument panel behind the wheel is very high-tech.
The NX is the first Lexus vehicle to get the latest and advanced new infotainment system, called Lexus Interface. This new interface screen is at your fingertips, and the crisp graphics are easy to read with a quick glance.
All NX 350 models have good connectivity and are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless connectivity, so you can access your smartphone’s maps and entertainment apps without having to plug your device.
Available you have a 10-inch head-up display that projects helpful information onto the windshield for easy viewing.
The available navigation system is now cloud-based and it allows for more precise mapping. This new system recognizes when you’re about to enter an area with poor 4G coverage and will download maps ahead of time for uninterrupted navigation.
Safety
The NX is very safe, it comes standard with anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, side curtain airbags, and a front cushion airbag that prevents an occupant from sliding out from under the seat belt.
The 2022 NX also offers next-generation technology that alerts the driver and passengers to avoid the risk of accidental door contact with vehicles or cyclists with the unique Lexus-first Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist
The new NX features forward collision warning, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.
To continue the list of new enhancements you can find a new system warning the driver when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk while making a left or right turn and sounds an alert and potentially hits the brakes, during a left turn when there is oncoming traffic.
The new Lexus Blind Spot Monitor now looks for traffic or bicyclists approaching from the rear of the vehicle and will prevent the doors from opening if they are likely to be hit.
An available automatic parking feature will park the NX parallel or perpendicular, with minimal input from the driver, and it allows self-parking in some situations.
What else you want to add? it seems that Lexus thought of every possible feature to be added to the new 2022 NX 350. I love when brands like Lexus offer so many features, options and choices to satisfy every driver and passenger needs.
