The Lexus NX Won't Win a Handling Contest, and Doesn't Need To

Both reviews agree on the same trade-off: this car isn't chasing the sharpest dynamics in its class, and reviewers keep concluding that's exactly the right call given what it does instead.

Illustration for editorial purposes

The Middle Child That Keeps Finding an Audience

Sitting between a smaller, cheaper model and a larger flagship SUV is rarely an enviable position in any lineup. Reviewers keep noting this car has carved out a genuine identity anyway, built on comfort and efficiency rather than outright presence.

Specs at a Glance

Body style	Compact luxury SUV
Engines	NX 350 petrol (275bhp), NX 350h hybrid (240bhp), NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid (304bhp)
Transmission	8-speed automatic (350) or CVT (hybrid versions)
Electric range (450h+)	Around 37 miles
Boot space	Around 22.7 cubic feet behind the second row
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles basic, 8 years / 100,000 miles hybrid battery

Full Review Summary

Edmunds

Edmunds' expert testing team rated the F Sport version's balance of comfort and capability as a genuine strength, while their overall score reflected a car that's solid rather than segment-leading. They noted the 2026 model year expanded package availability and added a new front-wheel-drive version of the NX 350h hybrid, which also became the least expensive way into the range following the discontinuation of the previous entry-level NX 250. Cargo space was flagged as smaller than expected for the class.

🎬 Watch: What Car?'s Lexus NX review

Watch on YouTube ↗

TrueCar / Owner Feedback

Real owner feedback consistently praised the ride as smooth and comfortable, particularly in hybrid form, with quiet, near-silent running in EV mode for short journeys. Recurring criticisms included tight rear-seat space, a smaller-than-expected fuel tank on the hybrid version, and a notable omission of blind-spot monitoring information in the head-up display — a feature some owners found surprising to see missing given rivals like Mazda include it as standard. The plug-in hybrid's small battery was also flagged as offering limited real-world electric-only range for genuine daily EV commuting.

Trims & Engines at a Glance

There's no non-hybrid petrol in the UK — every NX is electrified, with the plug-in hybrid's bigger battery the only way to add meaningful electric-only range.

Derivative	Engine	Power	Transmission	Body	0–62mph
NX 350h FWD (Urban / Premium)	2.5L full-hybrid petrol, FWD	240bhp	Automatic (e-CVT)	SUV	8.7s
NX 350h AWD (Premium Plus / F Sport / Takumi)	2.5L full-hybrid petrol, AWD	240bhp	Automatic (e-CVT)	SUV	7.7s
NX 450h+ (PHEV) Premium / F Sport / Takumi	2.5L petrol + electric motor, AWD	304bhp	Automatic (e-CVT)	SUV	6.3s

Trim walk runs Urban → Premium → Premium Plus → F Sport → Takumi, with a combined F Sport Takumi at the top. The PHEV's larger battery gives up to 47 miles of electric-only range. A broad exterior colour range is offered. Check Lexus's UK configurator for current pricing.

Strengths

Comfortable, smooth ride quality
Broad engine choice spanning petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid
Strong warranty coverage, especially for hybrid battery components
Quiet, refined running in electric mode

Weak points

Rear-seat space feels tight for the class
Cargo space smaller than expected
Blind-spot information missing from the head-up display
Plug-in hybrid's electric-only range is modest for daily EV use

Who It Actually Suits

Buyers who want a genuinely comfortable, efficient luxury SUV and don't need class-leading handling or maximum cargo space. The plug-in hybrid 450h+ suits company car drivers chasing lower tax bands, provided expectations for electric-only range stay realistic.

Common Lexus NX Parts & Costs

More Lexus Reviews

Watch the Reviews

Lexus NX review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)