There are test vehicles that come and go. Then there are a few that stay with you. The Lexus NX 350h is one of those.
After a week behind the wheel, it is clear this may be one of the best all-around vehicles on the market today, particularly in the $55,000 range.
Finished in a striking bright red, the NX makes an immediate impression. But what matters most begins once you settle into the driver’s seat.
The sport model features supportive, well-contoured bucket seats that hold you firmly in place without sacrificing comfort. It is the kind of cockpit that makes you want to take the long way home.
The turbocharged power-train delivers responsive acceleration, whether merging onto Interstate 25 or climbing into the foothills. Power comes on smoothly and confidently, and paddle shifters add a welcome level of driver engagement.
What stands out is the balance. This performance-oriented vehicle still delivers impressive fuel economy — approaching 40 miles per gallon — without sacrificing road feel. The sport-tuned suspension grips the pavement with confidence, corners cleanly and feels planted at highway speeds.
That stability matters in Colorado. With all-wheel drive, the NX is prepared for late-season snowstorms along the Front Range. It feels just as comfortable in a spring squall as it does on a clear summer drive.
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is fully integrated, offering a suite of driver-assist technologies that operate quietly in the background while providing added confidence.
Inside, the cabin reflects Lexus’ refined, driver-focused design. Controls are intuitive, materials are upscale, and the layout balances technology with usability.
What stands out most is how complete the NX 350h feels. It does not ask you to compromise. You get performance, efficiency, comfort and all-weather capability in one package.
For Colorado drivers looking for a vehicle that can handle city streets and mountain roads with equal ease, this Lexus deserves a close look.