As a car lover, I often ponder, “Why?” when I see a plethora of Lexus NXs on the roads. In other words, what motivated someone to select that over a BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, or Audi Q5?
The 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport is, in many ways, a walking contradiction, yet the NX nameplate stands as one of the company’s top-selling vehicles. It operates squarely in the heart of the petite crossover market and consistently pulls ahead in the intense competition for market dominance. Its reputation is founded on dependability and fuel efficiency.
After a week with the most recent version, I comprehend the appeal. I’m not saying it ignites passion in me as an enthusiast, but I at least grasp it more clearly. Here’s the reason why over 76,000 individuals purchased Lexus NXs last year.
It’s amusing, but I wanted to assert that the Lexus NX is a genuine crossover, yet honestly, I’m unsure. The presence of an F-Sport Handling edition—like my test model—essentially supports my assertion. The F-Sport Handling version features a prominent front end adorned with intricate piano-black plastic grille inserts, robust dual five-spoke wheels, and F-Sport high-back bucket seats that embraced my 5-foot-10 stature, all contributing to its distinctiveness. The two-tone red-and-black interior clashing with the leather, appeared somewhat out of character, and the new Infrared exterior hue did as well.
Throughout a week and over 407 miles of varied driving conditions, the hybrid powertrain averaged 34.3 mpg as reported by the onboard trip computer. One could argue that it was quite frugal with fuel. Add to that the same reason my mother once opted for a Lexus RX: established dependability, and the sales figures start to make sense.
Sure, a BMW X3, a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, or even an Audi Q5 equipped with just a turbo-four engine will provide a more exhilarating driving experience than the NX. However, none can match its efficiency, nor can they boast nearly the same level of proven long-term durability.
The 2.5-liter inline-four pairs with two electric motors (front and rear) along with an eCVT, which is a sophisticated term for a planetary gear system instead of a traditional transmission, producing a total combined output of 240 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is now an option on the NX 350h, but the tested variant came with all-wheel drive, which adds an electric motor to the rear axle.
It’s not especially rapid, but the immediate torque from the electric motors provides the NX 350h with more get-up-and-go off the line than one might assume. That burst of power dissipates rapidly as speed climbs. Unfortunately, this powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4, is not particularly smooth-sounding. Not what you’d typically anticipate from a Lexus. Yet again, would you expect a two-tone red-and-black interior in a Lexus NX?
The engine frequently shuts off and disconnects more than one might think, especially since this is not a plug-in hybrid. Nevertheless, the system operates on electric power a fair amount of the time, particularly at low speeds in residential areas or parking lots.
Inside—beyond that two-tone décor—the highlights include a genuine volume knob and defrost controls, wireless Apple CarPlay that functioned flawlessly every time, and a wireless smartphone charger that not only worked but also slid away to uncover a small hidden storage compartment that’s quite unexpected.
However, at $61,655, which incorporates a $1,295 destination charge, the absence of lumbar support for the front passenger is inexcusable. While seated in the NX, particularly in front, it’s undeniable that this vehicle feels compact. A Volvo XC60 or BMW X3 doesn’t convey this sensation.
This brings me to my concluding remark: at this price point, a Volvo XC60 easily outclasses the Lexus NX in terms of refinement, materials, fit and finish, and overall luxury ambiance. A BMW X3 surpasses the Lexus regarding driving dynamics.
Yet, despite being unexciting, moderately refined, and somewhat disoriented in F-Sport Handling form, the Lexus has secured its spot in the competitive sales arena by establishing and maintaining a reputation grounded in reliability and fuel efficiency. If those two elements are the main priorities on a shopping list, the NX garners the top position of choices. Now, I comprehend.
Lexus offered The Drive a seven-day loan of this vehicle for the purpose of creating this review.
2026 Lexus NX350h F Sport Handling Specifications
| Base Price (350h F Sport Handling) | $46,570 ($61,655) |
| Powertrain | 2.5-liter inline-four | eCVT | all-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 240 |
| Torque | 270 lb-ft |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Curb Weight | 3,836 pounds |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds |
| Cargo Volume | 22.7 cubic feet behind second row | 46.9 cubic feet behind first row |
| Ground Clearance | 7.68 inches |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 41 mpg city | 37 highway | 39 combined |
| Score | 7.5/10 |