I am bringing back Drive Notes, a little mini-review of vehicles I had in my garage. We tried it last year and for reasons I don’t recall moved away from it. Let’s see how it goes this time around. Don’t worry, a full review of most vehicles featured here will come later.
Up today: The 2024 Lexus NX 350h Luxury.
I used to think the NX was fun to drive but a bit undercooked. Finally it seems Lexus left it the oven long enough. This is a carryover model but it’s been a while since I piloted any type of NX. This hybrid — 2.5-liter four-banger mixed with two electric motors and a third, rear-mounted electric motor that is used for the all-wheel drive system — feels more mature than the last NX I drove. That one was not a hybrid but a regular internal-combustion engine model.
Here’s my pros and cons.
Pros
- I continue to dig the new Toyota/Lexus infotainment systems, and this one is integrated well into the center stack. The touchscreen reacted quickly and was easy to read. I also liked the head-up display.
- Lexus continues to set the standard for quiet interiors.
- I generally liked the well-weighted steering, and found it sporty in feel when the Sport drive mode was selected, but it did at times feel artificial and too heavy. Call this a pro and con.
- The stereo kicks ass.
- Handling in Normal and Sport modes is sporty enough and the ride isn’t sacrificed.
Cons
- The cost is way too much, even for a Lexus, at nearly $50K to start and nearly $60K optioned out.
- That grille, though.
- I never could get the seating position right.
- There’s no need for push-button door releases other than their cool.
- Same goes for the odd shifter.
- I struggled to get my sunglasses — which are normal size — into the sunglass holder.
Early Returns: The grown-up NX earns consideration but the price makes one blanche.
[Images © 2024 Tim Healey/TTAC]
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