It was a fantastic experience driving around in the hottest cherry red luxury SUV, the 2022 Lexus NX 350 F Sport AWD! This incredible vehicle owned the road, setting the stage with its striking physique and smooth handling.
My girls started attending a new school farther from where we live this year, and I wanted to start the school year in a vehicle that makes the trip to and from school a fun and comfortable experience. Also, make sitting in these car rider lanes less irritating.
If you remember, I had a brief test drive during my auto group luncheon a few weeks ago in the Lexus NX 350, and I knew I wanted a more extended experience to get familiar with it. Plus, this vehicle is on the list for my next car purchase for myself.
Although I loved driving around in the Lexus NX 350, it has its Pros and Cons; let me share my likes and dislikes with you.
PROS
1. Exterior Styling- As you can see, the Lexus NX 350 is a very gorgeous vehicle. It's a showstopper from every inch. The standout is the massive front grille that is the focal point of the car; it's like a huge smile that will brighten you up every time you look at it.
And the shiny red color exterior is like the cherry on top, making the car stand out from the sea of other vehicles on the road. And I can't forget the black 20-inch wheels that give the Lexus NX 350 a sporty appearance.
People stared at the car everywhere I went and even broke their necks to see the vehicle from front to back! So I wasn't kidding when I said this luxurious SUV is a showstopper!
2. Comfortable Seating- Not only is the red racer seating another focal point of the Lexus NX 350, the buttery soft seats make you instantly melt with comfort. And the front seats offered more comfort with cooling and heating features, which happens to be my youngest daughter's favorite!
After a long school day, Michelle would turn on her heated seat, lay back, and take a quick nap, even when it was over 90 degrees outside.
In the back seat, my other daughter Lauren would kick back and enjoy watching her favorite Tik-Tokers on her phone to keep herself entertained during her ride to and from school.
3. Safety Features- Lexus creates vehicles that keep their drivers and passengers safe on the road and the people around the outside of the car. Check out the Lexus NX 350 safety features below:
- Lexus Safety Safety System 3.0 Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam Headlamps, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, 8 Airbags/Brake Assist with Smart Stop Technology
- Smart Access Entry System with Push-Button Start/Stop
- Backup Camera with Dynamic Gridlines
- Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist
4. Parking Assist- When I drive cars I'm unfamiliar with, I need assistance with parking. Lexus NX's panoramic view monitor made parking between vehicles a breeze.
5. Rain Sensing Wipers- During the first few days with the Lexus NX 350, I had to drive through several rainstorms, but thankfully, the rain sensing wipers would automatically turn on so I could have a clear view of the road ahead without distractions.
6. 14-Inch Touchscreen Display- The Lexus F Sport offers a luxury crystal clear 14-inch display. With this massive display, drivers can connect with Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant (Hey Lexus), Wi-Fi 4G Network, SiriusXM, Wireless Apple CarPlay/Wireless Android Auto, Back up, and Panoramic View Camera.
7. Cargo Space- By looking outside the vehicle, you would think that the cargo space may be small since this is a mini SUV; however, there is plenty of trunk space and compartments to store your belongings. And to keep your items out of view, there is a privacy screen.
8. Turbocharged Power- Don't let the size fool you; the Lexus NX 350 drives like a champ with robust power! The Lexus NX 350 exhilarates a higher-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged gas engine that generates 275 horsepower with a 0–60 time of 6.6 seconds, that's half-second faster than the previous model. So, you have that racer-inspired feel when driving.
CONS
1. Premium Unleaded Gas- With gas prices on the rise, only being able to use premium unleaded gas in the Lexus NX 350 can put a dent in your wallet. But, there is a solution to the problem by purchasing a Lexus NX Hybrid instead. You'll have the option to switch between using electric power and gas. Check out my post about the different types of electric vehicles and their meanings. (Fuel Economy 25 MPG, 22 City, and 28 Highway)
2. Automatic Transmission- The automatic transmission is a bit of a learning curve, switching from different gears. I had a bit of trouble with it during my first test drive with the NX a few weeks back but got the hang of it after a couple of days of having the NX in my possession.
3. Spelled-Out Lexus Logo- I know that as a business, you have to evolve, meaning the look of the brand you're known for will make changes as they grow. But change is not always good, and I'm not liking the spelled-out Lexus symbol on the back trunk. The spelled-out Lexus lettering cheapens the look of the vehicle. I hope they consider bringing back the old L with the circle symbol.
4. Legroom- I am a family of four, with my two daughters being older teenagers. We were cramped with us all together in the Lexus NX 350, especially my daughters in the back seat. If I were to get a Lexus SUV, I would need to upgrade to the Lexus RX. The Lexus NX 350 works more for small families, singles, and teens.
5. Price- This particular Lexus NX 350 is a bit pricey, $55,325.00. But, if you're not needing all the bells and whistles this vehicle has, then you can get the base model with the starting price of $39,500.
As you can see, the Pros outweigh the Cons, making this a great vehicle! Being the coolest mom in the car rider lane was fun, making me depressed that I had to return to my old car.
I'm looking forward to reviewing more Lexus vehicles in the future! Make sure to check out the other Lexus cars I reviewed.
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