Lexus NX350H or NX350? Which SHOULD YOU BUY?

[@seajay985]

Made same decision you did here in TX. Get the best of both worlds. Agree with ICE portion reliability. The electric motor torque makes a huge difference for daily driving, about 60% hwy, 40% city and get nearly 40 mpg. Lexus hybrid, gas transition sooo smooth!!

[@carswithsonduren]

Nice and your probably getting that maximum fuel economy with that nice weather in TX! How many miles do you have on yours now?

[@seajay985]

@@carswithsonduren 2900 mi took delivery end of Dec 22

[@gosman949]

where did you buy your Nx350H? I live in the DFW area.

[@AlienwareAlienware136]

Another factor that may affect the decision is how long you would like to keep this NX. If your answer is about 3-5 years, sure, you should definitely go with NX350H. However, if you plan to keep the car for more than 10 years, NX350 might be a better option. That's mainly because the maintenance cost of NX350H will be more expensive after 10 years, and the resell value will go low. There is no one-fits-all solution between NX350 and NX350H, in my opinion. It all depends on how you gonna use this car and how long you want to keep it.

[@SonOfTheOne111]

Any idea how soon you need to replace the battery and how much that would cost? I’d want to keep mind for decades!

[@wyw201]

Why would hybrid maintenance exceed ICE equivalent after 10 years? For 3-5 years, the savings from hybrid won’t be worth it. It’s more worthwhile to keep the hybrid for 10 years and ICE for 3-5 years.

[@mijuajua4820]

Excuse my ignorance, but which one is the luxury one? Thank you.

[@gosman949]

who knows about the hybrid battery length of time. I've heard many last 200,000 miles and over 15 years!

[@william6765]

I have the 2022 350h in atomic silver and Rioja red interior and got it because it has luxury features, is reliable and has great fuel economy.

[@carswithsonduren]

Awesome William! What fuel economy are you getting by chance?

[@cloverktulu9]

Thanks for all your NX 350h reviews helped me to take a great decision.

[@carswithsonduren]

Glad you found them useful :) More great stuff to come!

[@yrralyrral]

I agree that the torque is more important than the overall horsepower. You mention that there are supply chain issues and I think that some people might not like the wait time and that could be the reason for selecting the non-hybrid version. Fuel economy, though, is excellent in the 350h and, in the long run, it will be the big winner. Another nice and informative video, Sonduren! Cheers!

[@carswithsonduren]

It’s interesting. It seems like Toyota more than any other manufacturers having the most issues with the supply chain. I hope they can sort it out because I know there’s so many people still waiting for their vehicles.

[@seajay985]

@@carswithsonduren I waited from May until Dec 22 for my 350h. Dealer told me panorama roof gating. I didn't want panorama roof (noise, heat in TX). Got US luxury pkg w/heads up, Mark L speakers, standard interior rear view mirror, no 360 view (I didn't like on my NX300)

[@seajay985]

P.S. did not pay over MSRP US. Dealer gave me out the door price prior to going in.

[@dms9275]

I picked up my NX 350h a few weeks ago (cancelled order) and I get between 8 and 8.5 L/100km. Might be a little colder where I am. Also I have less than 1000 kms, motor not fully broken in.

[@carswithsonduren]

You should see an increase in fuel economy as your motor breaks in. The winter does take a bit on your fuel economy but spring is on its way 😎

[@dms9275]

@@carswithsonduren Thanks. Great videos, to the point.

[@ericfu751]

The biggest difference for NX350H and 350 is the fuel types. 350h can use 87 , 350 only use 92

[@donaldbanner2185]

....................... & the reason for the "350" requires more Expensive gas is the DOG Turbo.....Requires Premium....Alternatively get the 450h+ "F" Sport that is: Naturally Aspirated ....More Power W/ three electric larger motor and large battery end result ...Do Not even have to use gas for 49 miles but have the option to use Regular gas, and have more horse power/Much quicker and Quieter!......WIN WIN!...except price and 450h+ "F" Sport & it is rare / hard to get!

[@gosman949]

controversial as Lexus says you must use higher octane premium fuel in the H.

[@yank4334]

its only a few hundred bucs more per year . i use 94 on my lexus

[@gosman949]

@@yank4334 wasteful

[@WokeisaJoke0522]

@@gosman949nope, it suggests.

[@milche64]

Putting this vehicle on the dyno sounds like a great idea. I agree with you on the torque numbers. It is completely underrated. I am looking forward to a dyno video if you're doing it. I test drove both and the NX350H has definitely more than 167. It led me to go for the hybrid. Consumer reports rated the NX350H the best rated in its class including reliability. Cheers!

[@carswithsonduren]

Couldn't agree more!

[@gosman949]

the latest issue of Consumer Reports says that the hybrid model is just average in reliability. And the gas only is reliable.

[@josefernandez2722]

You did the right thing. The only negative that I can see about picking the hybrid over the 350 is waiting to get your hands on one. The 350 is much easier to come by. So if I hear you correctly, do you already have at least 1 performance car or did you trade it in? I am going on 1 year wait next month to get my hands on a NX350h. One thing that hurts me is that I want the top tier in the US which is the Luxury package with Mark Levinson, Triple Beam LEDS, and Pano roof. The atomic silver /palomino color combo in the luxury package is also difficult.

[@dawidodyjas7055]

Only 1 year😎 I have to wait till summer 2024 or even october the same year 😅

[@carswithsonduren]

Fingers crossed you get an early surprise!

[@zaidgerardovelazcoflores5957]

I know the 350h would be the smartest decision but I just love the way the 350 looks with the F Sport Package

[@carswithsonduren]

Can’t go wrong with either

[@kappaklub7]

Hey man! U know I’m a huge fan and really enjoyed ur video. As u know, I purchased the 350 FSport. One of the main reasons for my decision was, I cannot stand the drone sound of the engine. Yes the fuel economy is good and the power is relatively the same but, when it comes to that drone sound, a complete turn off.

[@carswithsonduren]

Thanks Shawn glad you liked the video :) That is true, the engine sound here does have some drone, it is something I can live with but I know others cannot :) How are you liking the 350 Fsport so far?!

[@gosman949]

@@carswithsonduren I wonder if the F sport has a rougher ride?

[@delsmontgomery]

Sonduren, can you please explain why you chose the NX over the RX? I can't decide between the two, but I keep seeing that the RX is more reliable. Can you please break that down? Thank you!

[@carswithsonduren]

It’s all about size and money. I made a few videos on the RX you can watch. The best thing to do is see them both in person and decide if the 15-20% increase is size is worth the extra $10,000 for you.

[@delsmontgomery]

@@carswithsonduren Thank you!!

[@iam_nobody_just_a_Nikon_nerd]

Im closing in to 1500km in my 350H, went from the Rav4 -22 and im really happy, the Rav4 is in compare like a tin can, but a very good tin can. I have a long road to work, 700km and the drive there is pretty good in the 350H, gas is between 0,54-0,68l/10km, the Rav4 was more fuel efficient with 0,50-0,58l/10km but the Rav4 is not as comfortable at all as the 350H is, so im really happy over that i got one.

[@lsft]

If the NX350H had a F-Sport, I may have gotten the 350h. But I went for the 450h+ F-Sport. More power, similar fuel economy and more money 😬 If it was between the 350 or 350h, you did make the good choice. I think many 350 owners still don't believe hybrid system or waiting for a hybrid, but can't wait and got a 350 and until the 350h arrives.

[@carswithsonduren]

You’re lucky I could get the 450H+. I feel like availability for that model is almost nonexistent. How much mileage are you actually getting on full EV mode when you are fully charged? I agree with you, a lot of it is about picking what is available since wait times are still so long!

[@lsft]

@@carswithsonduren The wait times are 12+ months... and yes - I am lucky to have one of the first few in the GTA. I have gotten max 81km on a charge in the summer, and 50ish km in the winter. My 1 year anniversary is coming up very soon and I will have my 1 year anniversary update soon.

[@carswithsonduren]

Looking forward to hearing about the 1 year update :) honestly having that type of all electric range is super handy! Glad you are enjoying it!

[@emeraldr9028]

@@carswithsonduren I was reading a review in car and driver re the NX350 and NX350H. They said if the plan is to keep the SUV for 3 -5 years then get hybrid but if plan is 8 - 10 yrs it is better to get gas engine

[@carswithsonduren]

@emeraldr9028 honestly if they’re basing this off the battery degradation I don’t think that you should be placing your bets on this factor. I would always be going for the hybrid model versus the non-hybrid IMHO if you’re able to get it.

[@fernandosmurillo]

I was interested in the hybrid but the wait time is too long so I need a vehicle now. Got the 2025 nx 350 luxury. I'm happy with it, but if I want to change in the future for a hybrid I can. Just couldn't take the wait time and stay with nothing. At this moment nothing to complaint about. Yes I pay about 60 bucks a week in gas but so far it's worth it driving this Lexus. Family is very happy.

[@gosman949]

and the drive is probably better with the stronger engine?

[@fernandosmurillo]

@@gosman949 yes it's good. I did a test drive with a hybrid and did not like the drive. I prefer the gas version. The one I have not drive is the plug in and that's the one I'm told is the best driving as it has more horsepower and the mix of the electric engine.

[@gosman949]

@@fernandosmurillo but plug in not good unless you rewire your garage!

[@fernandosmurillo]

@@gosman949 yes so that's why I don't have one because I'm not there yet. But eventually will and then I will trade for a plug in

[@renantebarroga6154]

The only thing I don't like is the run flat tire and the fact that there is no spare tire!!!

[@gosman949]

I drove the run flats and they were not bad and quite. Run flats today are not your father's run flats.

[@josefernandez2722]

I'm trying to get the top trim here in the United States which is the Luxury Package. I am trying to find an atomic silver with your palomino interior. That combo is hard to find in a lux package. I am going for a test drive at least on Friday. I have never driven any hybrid vehicles so I am eager to see if it's a go or a bust. I tend to be picky. They said they didn't have an nx hybrid but I could try the es300h as well as the nx350 turbo. This would be a second car for me as I already own and love the 2019 GS350fsport. The nx would be more for practicality and local driving. I think it's a great fit for that.

[@carswithsonduren]

Gotcha enjoy the test drive let me know what happens and keep me posted :)

[@josefernandez2722]

@@carswithsonduren Thank you. Will do

[@josefernandez2722]

Hi Sonduren. Just to let you know that I changed my mind again and I am back on the hunt for an NX350h. After telling you that I gave up after waiting for so long, as well as having an interest in the upcoming Mazda CX70, I decided to jump back in. The reasons are that some of the cx90 reviews were a little iffy with herky jerky transmission complaints, as well as some felt the suspension is a bit too firm. Then finally I heard that there was a production delay where now we would have to wait until spring of 2024. Also, Lexus started increasing production instead of playing these hide-and-seek games. Hopefully I won't have to wait too long.

[@carswithsonduren]

I heard about those problems too. I think it’s the perfect time for you to get your NX in that case your absolutely right. Which package are you opting for again?

[@Mimi-el7rs]

I understand the fuel efficiency for an everyday driver. How if for those that don’t drive for work, and use the car for weekends and occasional trips, would this hybrid have more issue in the long run due to reliance on batter?

[@timmitchell3353]

Just bought the NX350… Don’t believe in the CVT and the drone sound that is obvious when you want acceleration. If you increase the torque like you want to you will hear a higher and longer drone sound… So its not recommended. Another fact from one of your commenters states that they use 87 octane gas in their NX 350h. This is also a misconception.

[@gosman949]

yes high octane fuel is recommended.

[@gosman949]

@LivingInAnInverseReality yes sir. These other weenies don't know how good the hybrids are. Time for them to join the 21st century!

[@timmitchell3353]

Received a reply from a knowledgable person stating the CVT from Lexus is a substantially better than say Nissan. If true, then the NX350h is much better an idea than I believed. Thanks for letting my know!

[@donaldbanner2185]

................................... Very nice honest review!...........However, you should have reviewed the MUCH nicer " 450h+ " F " Sport........as I never use gas gett'n 49 miles per Plug in 120 home .....with Michelin's not Dog Run Flats...............My car is Sooooooooooo quiet with no turbo and in elec only.............imo YOU SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN THE *450 h= " F " Sport with the Adaptive Suspensiob!

[@LipStickJunkie64]

Got the NX fsport. Had to say the styling won me over. I get it the non f sport is your daily driver (fuel economy) but the f sport has that look that is unbeatable.

[@carswithsonduren]

That’s definitely true the F-sport does look better and handles better with its suspension. Congratulations on yours! How many kilometres do you have on it now? Which F-sport package did you get?

[@LipStickJunkie64]

Thanks! I have a little over 8,000km on it so far and it approaching the 1 year mark (benefits from working from home 😁) I got the f sport 2 package. I wanted the sound system in the package 3 but that was the only other option I wanted from that package. Could not justify spending more for a sound system, although it would have been nice

[@carswithsonduren]

Same here I couldn’t justify the ML sound system I’m happy with the pioneer system in our package :)

[@donaldbanner2185]

............... Hmmmmmmmmmmmm "Fuel Economy" LEXUS NX 450h+ " F " Sport I o not even use FUEL...but rathet simply plug=in for 49 miles per charge No Fue.....and 89 eMPG with regular gas and Adaptive suspension...& No Dog TURBO but rather Naturally Aspirated!

[@robertlaplaca3922]

Most reviews of the NX 350h give no commentary on the braking performance and linearity. Some reviewers have stated that the brakes are somewhat spongy on initial application and somewhat touchy during low-speed parking maneuvers such as pulling into a garage. Since there are virtually no NX 350 hybrid cars to test drive at dealerships in my area, I would appreciate any comments 350h owners have about the brakes on this model.

[@carswithsonduren]

This is true. Braking is progressive at medium to hard braking but for soft braking application it’s very touchy. It took some getting used is all it is. Brakes are phenomenal in terms of bite across the range.

[@robertlaplaca3922]

@@carswithsonduren Thank you for your response. I enjoy your reviews very much and I love how your 350h looks.

[@carswithsonduren]

Thanks Robert more to come :) Have a great weekend 🙏

[@lujiuwang6220]

350h for sure

[@carswithsonduren]

What was the main reason you went with it?

[@lujiuwang6220]

@@carswithsonduren First of all, if you choose to buy a Lexus NX model, you certainly won't be using it for major modifications and trips to the track. This model is suitable for people who like to drive SUVs in the city to prepare. NX350 it so much more horsepower as the average person simply can not feel the difference. Secondly, Toyota and Lexus their watchword is hybrid cars, so I strongly agree with the points mentioned in your video.

[@carswithsonduren]

100% and the average person buying this car doesn’t care about maximum horsepower otherwise there are other options better suited for them!

[@WokeisaJoke0522]

@@carswithsondurenI own this exact same car (2025) but with red interior. It’s quick enough, great on gas, has a nice design, and we all know hybrids from Toyota are extremely durable. I wish it had the Birds Eye view and ML speaker system, but other than that, it’s got everything I need and more. Paid 55k USD OTD .

[@bobdbeck]

Try finding an NX350h, or ANY Lexus SUV hybrid without paying at least 12-15% OVER MSRP sticker price. I've been shopping around for months with no success and finally bought the NX350 non hybrid luxury package. Terrific vehicle, very quiet ride (on the run flat 20"s), tight, loaded. P.S. If you wanted to order a Lexus 350h, in addition to the big bump over MSRP the wait time is many months in the future.

[@carswithsonduren]

Where are you from? Crazy to hear that they are marking up over MSRP still, but regardless congratulations on getting your NX350 :)

[@micheltran7115]

Why is everyone saying that? Here in Canada, I pay MSRP and I get $1700 off too. And that's on the 2023 RX 350h.

[@bobdbeck]

@@micheltran7115 My dealership was loaded with RX350h's but still bumped the price well over MSRP. I'm sure you know many Lexus vehicles (including my NX350) are manufactured IN Canada. PS. Try finding ANYWHERE (including the KZbin Deep Dives or the Lexus manuals) how to activate the headlight washers on the Luxury Package vehicles. It took me quite a while to find the secret "code". LOL

[@micheltran7115]

@@bobdbeck I will ask the salesman how to activate it when I take possession of the car.

[@videogazer801]

I am just sure where you live, but my family bought our NX350h brand new last month for close to $4,000 under MSRP. SMH

[@UsharaniVankara]

Hey Sonduren! Thanks for sharing the video, this is very insightful. I wanted to buy NX350H ultra luxury package, but unfortunately there is a lot of waiting time. So leaning towards 350 regular, but before that wanted to know why 2024 has less price than 2023, what is the major difference? Could you please share your thoughts?

[@carswithsonduren]

Glad you found it helpful and welcome to the channel :) I have heard they removed some features due to chip shortages so I’d double check the spec sheet to see what they removed.

[@UsharaniVankara]

@@carswithsonduren Thanks for the prompt response. Appreciate it

[@billyrock8305]

350h Fun fact: All 2025 RAV4’s and Camrys will only be Hybrid. The Camry will be AWD only in Canada and have 232 HP.

[@carswithsonduren]

Wow, that’s really interesting. I had no idea. Do you have a source for this?

[@billyrock8305]

@@carswithsonduren Autoblog. “The RAV4 is the best-selling non-pickup vehicle in America. Some versions, like the RAV4 Prime PHEV, have waiting lists of over a year in parts of the country. Additionally, The Fast Lane Car says the RAV4 is likely to remove the 2.5-liter gasoline-only drivetrain altogether and become a hybrid-only model. If these rumors are true, it might be worth waiting just a few months more for the next-generation version to debut.”

[@gosman949]

not true it turns out. All 2025 Camry's will be hybrid!

[@billyrock8305]

@@gosman949 Correct, all 2025 Camrys are hybrid as previously stated. Both redesigned vehicles are. 😉

[@lilytobis5930]

What suvs were you considering before you bought the nxh? Did you look at the cadillac xt4? Also is it a problem that there is no spare tire if you changed to michelin tires?

[@renantebarroga6154]

I bought my Lexus NX350 luxury in April. The package has road side assistance when you buy the NX350. I bought my regular winter tires michelin xice snow since the run flats are more expensive

[@Mimi-el7rs]

On the topic of gas (as I see in some comments below) for both NX350 and NX350h would you go with the min required 91 octane or is there reason to go to the highest 94 octane gas?

[@KathyHaramy]

I live in CO and want a car that performs well on slippery, snowy conditions. I have been told NX350 handles better than NX350h in these situations. This is due to the electric battery engaging the rear tires while the gas motor controls front. Thus there can be a momentary lapse, in these conditions, when the car acts more as a FWD than an AWD???? Not an expert in this area so, would like to know if anyone has thoughts or experience with this?

[@carswithsonduren]

These cars have all wheel drive systems, so how the power is made is irrelevant to how a delivery of it is done. They will both be fine for winter conditions.

[@carswithsonduren]

Which is the winner for you? 🤔

[@shammieva]

Can you please do a review on the stereo? I am very anxious to know how it sounds. Ty.

[@carswithsonduren]

I’ll definitely do that! Honestly, it’s perfectly adequate unless you were some sort of audiophile.

[@gosman949]

you have to get the Mark L.!

[@LexxLuther100]

Did you lease or finance? I mean in your case purchase lol, I know you’re balling.

[@carswithsonduren]

Haha we bought it 🙏

[@jsc5590]

Thanks both for your review and also for sharing the logic you used to make this decision! It’s always interesting, at least to me, how I find others to be so smart…when they agree with my reasoning/decisions…well done!!

[@carswithsonduren]

Good minds think alike ;) I just feel like I was especially influenced to go to hybrid direction because I really wanted to go full electric in the first place, but I just felt the charging infrastructure wasn’t ready in Canada. This was the compromise :)

[@newyorkerik]

Now this is a review!

[@carswithsonduren]

Thanks man! More to come and welcome to the channel!

[@naruto2575]

Hello Sonduren, from a reliability perspective, which do you think will last longer: 350 awd or 350h awd? How long do you plan to keep your nx350h? I currently have a 2022 acura rdx aspec advance and have dealt with many issues. I'm looking for a car I can keep for 10+ years, but trying to decide if I should get the hybrid nx as it is a $3-5k difference (USD) from the nx350 same trim. Any input you can share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@gosman949]

the hybrid will be more reliable because it has a naturally aspirated gasoline engine with an electric motor that helps it along.

[@Kipad000]

Would’ve gotten the NX350H but here in NY, dealer said months wait and also a 5k markup

[@carswithsonduren]

That’s gross. Don’t pay markup my friend.

[@Mvk80]

Here in PA, my dealer don't even have a tentative date for NX350h luxury in cloudburst grey and palomino interiors. I don't understand why they can't even give me a timeline. Also, wondering why Lexus is giving the option to "build your own" Lexus in website and then just sent you to the dealership to pick something "close" to the configuration from their "random" allotment. Thinking of moving on to other reliable cars like Mazda CX-5 now, not in the same class, but works for now

[@carswithsonduren]

Is there any other dealer near you? Crazy that they can’t even give you a timeline? That seems kind of nuts. The Mazda is nice but honestly I would prefer the Lexus. Would you be willing to look outside of your local dealership network? Do you have a pressing need right now for something?

[@EricPark971]

If you ask my opinion about 350h, I would repeat word per word what I hear in this review😊

[@carswithsonduren]

That’s awesome to hear Igor :) How long have you had it for?

[@peyton1310]

which type of gas you are using for your nx350h?

[@carswithsonduren]

The minimum required fuel is 87 octane. That is what I am using and I honestly don’t think you’ll get any noticeable difference in fuel economy, or power going with a higher octane.

[@SES_0903]

The dealership recommended using run flat tires for winter… what’s your personal thoughts on it?

[@carswithsonduren]

I’m not surprised they would recommend this because it comes standard on the car but honestly I’ve been having a great experience with the Michelin Xice and they are not run flats. I believe you should go with something that is not a run flat, much better in terms of ride and noise.

[@bijoyvellanickal4608]

@@carswithsonduren Can we ask the Dealership to change the gyre to all wether avoiding the run flat tyres , any problem with that ?

[@carswithsonduren]

You can always ask and see?

[@milche64]

So I found out via the My Lexus website on the online manual states that the front electric motor has 199.1 ft•lbf (270 N•m, 27.5 kgf•m). The rear electric motor has 89.2 ft•lbf (121 N•m, 12.3 kgf•m). How would that translate when placed all together with the gas motor? 454 ft*lbs?

[@carswithsonduren]

Don’t think so, maybe that is total maximize power capable by the motors but the battery is the bottleneck?

[@raymondpiovesan5903]

What’s the pay back in years for opting for hybrid

[@carswithsonduren]

Well the price was the same as the regular 350. Immediate ROI.

[@jml9550]

Hybrid all day everyday for my wife. If she wants performance, for $10k or so more, I will buy the Macan.

[@carswithsonduren]

Yep agreed 👍 The Macan has its own unique style as well for those that want a sportier feel.

[@jml9550]

The NX350 F sport is a “sporty” and great looking SUV. it is not even in the same league as Porsches. We buy Lexus for it reliability, build quality and efficiency. Nothing more nothing less.

[@nelsong969]

What is the NX difference to the RX? Thank you

[@carswithsonduren]

Basically size. The RX is a little bigger! I’ll be doing a full test on the RX shortly and comparisons to the NX.

[@canamtools]

The 350H runs on regular gasoline.😊 It doesn’t have a spare tire. 😢

[@bijoyvellanickal4608]

What is your opinion about you NX450 H

[@carswithsonduren]

The plug-in hybrid is awesome of course if you can get your hands on one. I hear keeping it charged and full of gas is almost like a double chore.

[@bijoyvellanickal4608]

thank you it’s 10 grant more trim to trim and so if we drive 3000 kmtrs yearly is it worth , looking forward for valuable advice

[@mikej238]

still waiting....for my NX350H.......

[@carswithsonduren]

The wait will be worth it :)

[@najeebafanarredha5001]

Hybrid for me

[@JeffDietzphoto]

in what reality is the nx350h and nx350 the same base price? They aren't . Not even close

[@KathyHaramy]

I live in Co

[@alexanderevanska4274]

But the grill,,,,, its modeled oh the old mans nose from the film up.

[@carswithsonduren]

Do you prefer the older models nose? I much prefer the newer models but I guess it’s all personal preference.

[@jeffli4642]

Do not buy the NX350 2024

[@carswithsonduren]

Why? Curious

[@yank4334]

i bought one and i love it. runs fantastic...