Our Thoughts Exactly: 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport

Fifteen years ago, Lexus was the first brand V&R has officially worked with for content. It has been a great relationship since. We probably worked with every model over time, including its current lineup. The brand has also been a part of some really awesome stories over the years, as well. 

How do we celebrate this relationship? Work with another current Lexus model!

The current generation of the compact NX has been with us for a few years now. So far, we had worked with the plug-in hybrid version, the NX 450h+, but no other versions aside from that. This time around, we get the “regular” hybrid version with its most popular trim level – the 2026 NX 350h F Sport. 

It is a combination we are familiar with from the previous generation NX. The combination of sportiness with the efficiency of the hybrid driveline. It may seem like an oxymoron, but it does work. It has done so for years. 

The 2026 NX has not changed much since the current generation’s introduction for the 2022 model year. The brand’s spindle grille is prominent on the flat front fascia. The rear end includes an LED bar that bridges both taillights with the Lexus name displayed right on top of it. The silhouette has a nice slant in the roofline with a three-glass side profile. 

Our F Sport test vehicle adds black-finished 20-inch wheels and a specific mesh grille texture. The Infrared exterior color adds more flair to this sporty compact luxury SUV. 

Inside of the NX, is a fully digital F Sport-specific instrument cluster that is customizable. The 10-inch head-up display will show you which steering wheel control will do exactly the function you need. In the middle is a 14-inch Lexus Interface infotainment touchscreen system. Other controls are exactly what you expect in a Lexus. 

The sporty two-tone Circuit Red and Dark Graphite NuLuxe front seats are heavily bolstered for support for the seatback and cushion. There is plenty of space for four-to-five people inside, along with a larger cargo hold than the previous model. You now have 22.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with those seats folded down. 

The hybrid driveline in the NX 350h starts with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with dual electric motors, an electronic continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. Together, it puts down 240 net combined horsepower.  

Performance is fine. We did notice some rubber-band response from the CVT under full throttle. It took some time to get to speed, but we did clock the 2026 NX 350h F Sport at 7.0 seconds from 0-60 MPH. The driveline is better suited to return improved fuel economy over the standard turbocharged engine. Yet, we observed an average of 31.1 MPG. 

The ride quality offered a balance. While it was smooth and well behaved on some surfaces, it did react to rougher pieces of tarmac. Flipping the drive mode knob to Sport S+ will stiffen the dampers a bit more. Overall, handling was controlled and managed curves quite well. 

We also found the steering to be a lot more controlled and precise. On-center feel was also on-point without the use of any driver assist features. Sport S+ weighs down the steering response and feel, which induces some enthusiastic driving through the curves. Braking was also good with a solid pedal feel and response to the wheels. We experienced solid stops in normal and panic situations. 

There are fifteen different trim levels available for the 2026 Lexus NX, with three power sources available.  Pricing starts at $46,720. Our NX 350h F Sport AWD test vehicle came with a sticker price of $61,655. 

We know that we said about how much of an oxymoron combining the hybrid driveline in the 2026 NX with the F Sport appearance and handling package. We also said that it has worked in the past. On some level, it made sense. While you return better fuel economy, you wished for more refinement for the driveline. Better shift points, perhaps?

However, it is still a Lexus. That is defined by that cache of luxury that Toyota brought to the public back in the fall of 1989. It is also the same attraction that brought V&R to the forefront in 2011. 

Over the years, the Lexus NX has been one of the leading vehicles in its class. Its advantages – multiple attainable drivelines, pricing strategy, and overall experience – are the reasons for its continued relevance and consumer acceptance. These should also be your reasons for considering one. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America – our opinions are of our own

All photos by George Torline and Randy Stern