The 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Redefines Subcompact with Stylish Design
In 2022, Lexus NX brought a breath of fresh air and took advantage of a deep restyling to launch the second generation of the compact crossover. It has a new body, but also new onboard technologies and a sportier character, in addition to a wider choice of engines under the hood.
This week, Torque News reviews the F-Sport trim of the 2023 Lexus NX 350, which hasn’t changed at all from the 2022 model. And since I’m reviewing the 2023 Lexus NX 350 F-Sport trim, I want to start right away with the F-Sport trim specs.
2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Specs
Note that the 2023 Lexus NX 350 and NX 450h can be upgraded with the F-Sport package, which offers sportier driving dynamics thanks to active variable suspension systems and performance shock absorbers front and rear.
Cosmetic upgrades include the exclusive F-Sport package grille and bumpers, color-matched fenders, black roof rails, dark graphite aluminum accents, instrument clusters, sport seats with black and circuit red NuLuxe upholstery, an aluminum steering wheel, pedals and door sill plates.
All 2023 NX models are equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 Pre-Collision System Suite, as well as a digital locking system that allows the doors to be opened at the push of a button, while the Safe Exit Assist system helps protect the user from an impact with a nearby cyclist or pedestrian.
Why Lexus NX 350
The 2023 Lexus NX 350 is a luxury SUV that boasts a stylish design and a well-appointed cabin. Despite being based on the Toyota RAV4, the 2023 Lexus NX offers a unique, upscale feel that’s sure to appeal to luxury SUV buyers. To cater to a wide range of tastes, Lexus offers the NX 350 with four different powertrains, including a powerful 302 hp plug-in hybrid.
While the NX 350 may be practical compared to European crossovers like the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class, the NX 350 is less appealing. If practicality is far more important to you, then this is the vehicle to look out for. For this reason, the NX 350 will no doubt serve as a reliable and stylish vehicle for daily commutes, errands and road trips. In fact, in 2022, the Lexus NX plug-in crossover surpassed the Tesla Model Y’s safety rating in three different ways.
Equipment and prices of the Lexus NX 2023
For 2023, Lexus will offer the NX in the following trim levels: NX250, NX350h, NX350, NX350 F Sport, NX 450+ and NX450h+ F Sport. The entry-level NX250 starts at $39755 MSRP. The 2023 NX350 F Sport that Torque News is reviewing is priced at $55,235, while the top-of-the-range NX450h+ F Sport is priced at $58,955.
With a starting price of under $40,000, the 2023 Lexus NX 350 is an attractive option for luxury SUV buyers. However, the base model may be too basic for some luxury buyers, lacking the premium features and amenities expected of a luxury vehicle. For those looking for more reasonable performance, the mid-range NX350 with a 275hp 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a better choice.
The 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport is the sportier trim level of the NX range and is designed for drivers who value handling and performance. It is equipped with an adaptive suspension system that ensures firmer handling and more sovereignty on the road. Despite these upgrades, the NX F Sport still lags behind when compared to rival vehicles like the BMW X1 in terms of handling and performance on twisty roads. The F Sport is a good option for those who want a sportier look and a slightly improved driving experience, but there might be better options available for those who value performance.
For buyers who want the best of both worlds, the luxury package is a great option. This package includes a range of premium features such as a large 14.0-inch infotainment display, quilted leather upholstery, cloud-connected navigation, enhanced interior lighting, 20-inch wheels, four-way adjustable driver lumbar support and adaptive headlights. For those wanting an even sportier look and additional performance upgrades, the NX350 F Sport offers menacing looks and a similar price point, and can also be specified with the Luxury package.
Outside
NX 350 F SPORT 1 (MSRP: $58,550): Improves the NX 350 with more aggressive styling and sportier performance. This model gets the Adaptive Variable Suspension System, front and rear performance shock absorbers, 20-inch F Sport alloy wheels, an exclusive heated steering wheel with advanced touch controls, F Sport seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and a driver’s seat with memory System.
The model also features a single color ambient lighting system, Tribeam headlights with intelligent high beam control system, head-up display, power tailgate, sunroof, black trim and painted wheel arches.
Inner
The interior of the Lexus NX 2023 obviously gains in sophistication, but the design is much more refined and coherent than that of the previous generation, interspersed with buttons, textures and different shapes. As always, the build quality is beyond any doubt. Four colors for the seats are offered, including black, red, beige, and white and black arrangement.
Cargo space has grown from 500 to 643 liters over the previous generation with the rear seats folded up, but when they are folded down the maximum volume drops from 1,545 to 1,328 liters compared to the previous generation crossover. The NX is one of the smallest in its segment. Remember this is a small car. But I personally find it spacious enough for my family of five and my kids are grown.
However, the 2023 Lexus NX 350 has one of the more spacious cabins in the luxury small crossover segment, offering ample space for passengers and cargo. With slightly more passenger room in the rear seats and more cargo space with the rear seats folded, the NX offers a comfortable and comfortable driving experience. To further enhance the vehicle’s luxurious feel, a range of optional features are available, including a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, an ambient interior lighting system with 64 different color options and black open-pore wood trim. These features allow for a personal touch and make the NX a standout choice in its class.
Overall we note good ergonomics of the controls, but several buttons are now visible on the touchscreen, including, for example, those for activating the heated and ventilated seats or adjusting the intensity of the fans. I personally like having the real manual buttons. So if you’re new to Lexus NX, please take a moment to play with the infotainment system to get used to where certain things are located. There is a pad with four unidentified directional arrows on the two side arms of the steering wheel, as their functionality varies depending on the menu selected on the digital driver display. In addition, these functionalities are shown on the head-up display projected into the windscreen if the vehicle is equipped with them, which will not always be easy to understand for less technically savvy drivers.
Let me elaborate on the 2023 NX’s infotainment system. The 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport is equipped with an advanced infotainment system with a touchscreen display. Base models come with a 9.8-inch display, while high-end builds come with a larger 14.0-inch screen. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard and are easily accessed over a wireless connection. A wireless smartphone charging pad and a head-up display are optionally available. The standard 10-speaker stereo system comes with a free trial from Amazon Music, and for those who want even better sound quality, a Mark Levinson 17-speaker stereo system is available as an option on Premium or Luxury packaged models. The NX 350 F Sport’s infotainment system is both user-friendly and packed with features to enhance the driving experience.
The F Sport packages give the 2023 Lexus NX a touch of sportiness without increasing performance. You can still enjoy adaptive variable suspension, but for the rest, these packages add black roof rails, uniquely designed 20-inch wheels, painted wheel arch moldings, triple LED headlight harnesses, F-Sport seats, and an F-Sport steering wheel and shifter. There is also a Sport+ driving mode that emphasizes the engine’s responsiveness.
Performance
The 2023 NX 350 packs more power with its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, also mated to an eight-speed transmission. Many competitors offer comparable displacements with comparable performance. But the NX 350 F Sport packs even more power with its 2.4-litre turbocharged engine, delivering the same 275 hp and again mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox
The 2023 Lexus NX 350 F Sport achieves 25 miles fuel economy or 22/28 city/highway.
The mixed average MPG of all NX trims is among the lowest fuel consumption in the segment, nose to nose with that of the Audi Q5.
Apparently, hybrid engines will be offered in the Lexus NX 2023 since 2021. The NX 350h version features a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, three electric motors (including one starter/generator) and a continuously variable automatic transmission for a total output of 239 hp.
drive
On the road, driving the 2023 Lexus NX is a lot more fun. The steering is communicative, the 2.4-liter turbo engine of the NX 350 F Sport is powerful. I felt the vehicle was better prepared to attack twisty roads. However, it’s not a decidedly sporty vehicle, and that’s a good thing. The ride is solid whether on the freeway or poorly maintained urban boulevards.
The redesigned Lexus NX 2023 is undoubtedly an improvement over the previous generation. It has become more modern, looks more dynamic and noble and its multimedia system is much easier to use. The NX 350h hybrid version would be the best choice in my opinion as I liked the fuel efficiency of hybrids, but if it’s not available due to lack of inventory try the other trims and see where you feel more comfortable.
Armen Hareyan is the founder and editor-in-chief of Torque News. In 2010 he founded TorqueNews.com, which has published automotive industry news and analysis ever since. He can be reached at Torque News TwitterFacebook, Linkedin and Youtube.
Reference: Auto123, EcoloAuto.