The 2023/2024 Lexus NX brings an exceptional package. While underneath, it really is just a gussied-up Toyota RAV4, it is also a beautiful, hybridized SUV that is genuinely a pleasure to drive every time I get into the driver’s seat.
I personally own a 2023 Lexus NX 250. I have owned it since November of 2022, and I love it. Thanks to the good people at Hendrick Lexus of Charleston, I happily drove away in my first Lexus (for MSRP I might add). At the time, I had been on a waiting list for a RAV4 hybrid for nearly 6 months because I wanted the top XSE trim in a specific color. I was growing impatient and knew my budget was about $40k. Just to test the waters, I went and drove a NX 250, dressed in Caviar exterior and a Rioja Red interior.
Before I could even turn the car on, I was infatuated. The seats were beautiful, the metallic black paint hit the light just right. I knew I wanted a hybrid, but I wouldn’t have been able to afford any of the hybrid trims that they had available, so I test-drove the NX 250 which contains the same 2.5L naturally aspirated engine found in a gasoline RAV4.
My Own Personal Experience with My NX 250 Purchase
I read a ton of reviews before I test-drove the NX and the most common complaint was the 250’s engine was weak and loud at high RPM’s. After owning the NX 250 for about 8 months, I really have no complaints. If you really pound on the engine, yes it gets loud. However, under normal driving conditions, it is quiet, composed, and extremely comfortable. The interior is a lovely place to be. Base model sound system is perfectly fine, as well.
While the Toyota/Lexus hybrid setup is definitely my preferred powertrain, I am not disappointed in the naturally aspirated engine choice.
The 2024 Lexus NX is pretty much unchanged from the 2023 model year, so have no fear if you end up buying a 2023 instead of a 2024.
Lexus NX 250
2024 Lexus NX 250 Price
The NX 250 comes in either a FWD or AWD variant. The FWD starts at $40,305 and the AWD starts at $41,905. Certain “specialty” paint colors will add $595 to the price tag. You can option the Premium package for $3,050 and this will give you lots of nice features. Some of these include heated and ventilated front seats, power moonroof, power rear door with kick sensor, rain sensing wipers, and intuitive parking assist.
2024 Lexus NX 250 Fuel Economy
The Lexus NX 250 FWD will give you an estimated 26mpg city, 33mpg highway, and 28mpg combined. Personally, I do about 75% city driving and my average MPG is 26.5.
The NX 250 AWD will get slightly worse fuel economy with an estimated 25mpg city, 32mpg highway, and 28mpg combined.
2024 Lexus NX 250 Performance
The NX 250 is equipped with a 2.5L inline four-cylinder engine. It produces 203hp and has a top speed of 124mph.
The NX 250 will sprint 0-60mph in a humble 8.2 seconds for FWD and 8.6 seconds for AWD. It’s not fast by any means, but it doesn’t feel lacking for power either.
This version of the NX CAN tow 2,000 pounds if it is optioned with the towing accessories, but it doesn’t come standard.
Lexus NX 350, F-Sport Handling
2024 Lexus NX 350 Price
The Lexus NX 350 comes with two distinct options. The regular 350 AWD, and the 350 F-Sport Handling which will offer up some more aggressive styling, sharpened handling, and a more aggressive ride experience.
The regular NX 350 AWD starts at $44,065 and can be optioned with two different packages. These include the Premium package and the Luxury package. The Premium will cost $3,050 and includes heated and ventilated front seats, power moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power steering column, Lexus memory system, power liftgate with kick sensor, and intuitive parking assist. The Luxury package will cost $6,140 and includes real leather seats, 10in heads up display, jumbo 14in infotainment system, open pore wood trim, door courtesy lamps, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and all the same goodies from the Premium package.
The NX 350 F-Sport Handling AWD starts at $49,165 and can also be optioned with a Luxury package. This package includes a power liftgate with kick sensor, heated and ventilated front seats, Lexus Memory system for the driver’s seat, ambient lighting, and intuitive parking assist. The Luxury package only costs you an extra $1095 which is definitely worth it for all you get.
2024 Lexus NX 350 Fuel Economy
Both versions of the NX 350 will receive the same EPA estimated fuel economy. It receives 21mpg in the city, 28mpg on the highway, and 24mpg combined.
2024 Lexus NX 350 Performance
Both NX 350’s will utilize a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine which produces 275hp and has a top speed of 124-127mph. While many Lexus fans weren’t happy about this engine because they miss the V6 that we saw for over a decade in other models, the 2.4L engine is quite punchy at lower speeds thanks to the turbocharger.
It will allow you to sprint from 0-60mph in a respectable 6.6 seconds. I didn’t get to test drive the 350 for long, but it felt like enough power to have fun with. It wasn’t BMW M or Mercedes AMG level of power, but it’s more than enough for a vehicle in this class.
Lexus NX 350h
2024 Lexus NX 350h Price
Pricing for the NX 350h starts at $44,065, and just like the NX 350, can be optioned with either the Premium or Luxury packages. Similarly to the NX 350, the Premium package will cost $3,050 and includes heated and ventilated front seats, power moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, power steering column, Lexus memory system, power liftgate with kick sensor, and intuitive parking assist. The Luxury package will cost $6,140 and includes real leather seats, 10in heads up display, jumbo 14in infotainment system, open pore wood trim, door courtesy lamps, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and all the same goodies from the Premium package.
When I was shopping for my NX, I looked up and down the eastern United States for a dealer with a base model NX hybrid. I’m confident they didn’t exist because I looked through and called dozens of dealerships and every one of them said that they had never gotten a base model hybrid in.
2024 Lexus NX 350h Fuel Economy
The NX 350h utilizes the same hybrid setup as the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, with the addition of an extra electric motor. It boasts an impressive fuel economy due to this. It will bring in 41mpg in the city, 37mpg on the highway, and 39mpg combined.
2024 Lexus NX 350h Performance
The NX 350h will go 0-60mph in 7.2 seconds, which doesn’t sound very fast. However, the electric motors produce a ton of torque and makes this powertrain feel so much faster than it sounds. It’s also nearly silent at slow speeds and is by far the most comfortable option to drive. It has a total system horsepower of 240hp. Lexus doesn’t disclose torque numbers for their hybrids, however.
Lexus NX 450h+
2024 Lexus NX 450h+ Price
Just like the NX 350, the 450h+ comes in either the regular version or the F-Sport Handling version. The regular version starts at $59,405 while the F-Sport Handling starts at $60,655. There are no packages available for this trim, however, you can option on numerous a la carte items which can run up your price tag quite a lot.
2024 Lexus NX 450h+ Fuel Economy
The NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid, so we don’t get typical MPG estimates. Instead, we get MPGe numbers. The 450h+ gets an estimated 84MPGe in both the regular and F-Sport Handling versions.
2024 Lexus NX 450h+ Performance
While the NX 450h+ is the clear winner in terms of fuel economy, it just so happens to be the winner in terms of performance too. It will go 0-60mph in only 6.0 seconds. The plug-in hybrid setup also yields an impressive 304 total system horsepower. It also provides 37 miles of electric-only range.
Which Lexus NX Should You Buy?
If money is no object, my first choice is the NX 450h+. I’d personally choose the regular version over the F-Sport Handling because this is a vehicle meant for comfort. I don’t want to stiffen up the suspension and make it less comfortable to drive.
After the 450h+, I’d pick the NX 350h in the base model (if they exist). I don’t really need any of the extra stuff on the fancier trims. While I know other people really like some of the luxury features on the more expensive packages, I’m fine without them to save a few thousand dollars.
After the 450h+ and 350h, I’d actually pick the NX 250. I know some of you might be shocked by this, so hear me out. I genuinely prefer the feel of a naturally aspirated engine over a turbocharged one. The power is linear, there’s no worry of turbo lag, and typically, the engines last longer than their turbocharged counterparts. Once again, I’m fine with the base model. It’s what I currently own and it has more than enough tech and luxury to make it feel like a special experience every time I drive it.
Lastly, I’d pick the NX 350. The 350 is still a phenomenal vehicle and it drives really well. The F-Sport Handling option looks super aggressive and attractive, and it fits the turbocharged engine character well.
Overall, any 2024 Lexus NX that you pick is going to be a vehicle that you’ll enjoy driving for years to come. They’re dependable, spacious, and gorgeous all-in-one.
Aftermarket Rims and Tires
New rims and tires are a super common upgrade, and they can really add extra flare and customization to your vehicle. However, the process can be daunting if you’ve never done it before. We’ve written a complete guide to buying new rims and tires which you can read by clicking here.
I recommend using Tire Rack to buy new rims and tires. They guarantee proper fitment for your vehicle by using a program where you can enter the year, model, make, and trim of your vehicle. I recommend doing the “Wheel and Tire Package” because it will let you pick rims that you like and are guaranteed to fit and then take you to the next page where they show you tires that are guaranteed to fit the rims you just chose. They offer a 30-day return policy on unused items and fast free shipping on every order over $50.
