A refined blend of luxury, technology, and performance
The 2025 Lexus NX350 AWD continues Lexus’s mission to blend luxury, performance, and everyday usability in a compact SUV package. Slotting neatly between the smaller UX and the larger RX, the NX350 is designed for drivers who want upscale comfort without sacrificing agility. Add the optional Executive Trim ($13,913.00) and the NX350 delivers a refined blend of luxury, technology, and performance in a compact SUV. Coming in 2026, the addition of the popular F Sport Trim will be an option.
For 2025, Lexus sharpens the NX’s appeal with refined styling, updated tech features, and a powertrain that balances efficiency with confident performance. Competing in one of the most crowded segments of the luxury SUV market, the 2025 Lexus NX350 has to stand out not just with premium materials and advanced safety features, but also with the kind of driving experience that makes you look forward to every commute.
2025 Lexus NX350 – The Walk Around
The 2025 Lexus NX350 makes a strong first impression with its sharp, modern styling that perfectly balances elegance with sportiness. Up front, the signature spindle grille has been refined with a sleeker mesh pattern and is flanked by slimmer LED headlights that give the SUV a more focused, high-tech appearance. Subtle creases along the body add depth without feeling overly busy, while the sculpted fenders and strong character lines highlight its athletic stance.
Walking around to the side, the slightly raked roofline and chrome window trim enhance its premium feel, while the dark grey and silver machine finished 20-inch alloy wheels fill out the arches with confidence. At the rear, a full-width LED light bar and bold LEXUS script replace the traditional badge, giving the 2025 Lexus NX350 a contemporary, upscale finish. Overall, the exterior design feels cohesive and upscale, projecting a presence that’s just as much about sophistication as it is about sport.
When it comes to curb appeal, the 2025 Lexus NX350 easily stands out in the crowded compact luxury SUV segment. Parked in a driveway, it has the polished presence of a premium vehicle without being overly flashy, making it appealing to buyers who want sophistication with restraint. On a city street, its sharp lighting elements and bold rear light bar give it a modern edge that can hold its own against rivals like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3.
The proportions strike a sweet spot—substantial enough to look upscale, yet compact enough to feel approachable and maneuverable. It’s the kind of SUV that catches the eye not because it’s trying too hard, but because its design language is unmistakably Lexus—confident, contemporary, and subtly commanding.
2025 Lexus NX350 – Interior
Step inside the 2025 Lexus NX350, and the cabin immediately reinforces its luxury credentials with a blend of premium materials, thoughtful design, and cutting-edge technology presented on a 14″ touchscreen. Soft-touch surfaces, including a push button start and contrasting leather upholstery in the Executive trim, create a warm, upscale feel. Subtle ambient lighting rounds out the atmosphere, making the 2025 Lexus NX350 interior not only functional but also genuinely inviting.
The two-toned contrasting leather front seats are well-bolstered, offering just enough firmness to stay comfortable on my return trips between the Okanagan and the Lower Mainland without feeling stiff driving about town doing errands. The Executive trim features power-adjustable seating with heating and ventilation. While heating is somewhat expected by consumers, ventilation is an added bonus for those hot days of the summer in the Okanagan temperatures.
Rear passengers also enjoy a heated seat, respectable legroom and ample headroom for the compact luxury class. In my experience, the first compromise made when adding luxury features impacts the rear passenger space. Cabin insulation is excellent, with road and wind noise kept to a minimum, further enhancing the sense of refinement.
On the downside, the metallic accents and high gloss finishes on the dash and screen are sometimes difficult to read, particularly on a bright day, as they are rather reflective. At one point in my drive, I closed the shade of the panoramic moon roof to help with visibility.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available in the Executive trim allowing you to stream your favourite music, including a 3 month trial of Sirius XM. A premium, 17-speaker, Mark Levinson audio system delivers rich, concert-like sound throughout the cabin.
Driver focused options include power tilt and telescopic steering, head up display, reverse auto tilting and folding exterior side mirrors plus a 360 degree panoramic view on the touchscreen (including a rear camera washer).
For a compact SUV, the NX350 makes smart use of space. The center console and door pockets are thoughtfully designed for everyday items, while the rear cargo area (accessible by power rear door with kick sensor) offers enough room for grocery runs, weekend luggage, or outdoor gear. While cargo volume isn’t best-in-class, the 2025 Lexus NX350 flat load floor and split-folding rear seats make it versatile enough for most lifestyles.
2025 Lexus NX350 – Power and Performance
Under the hood, the 2025 Lexus NX350 is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 275 HP and 317 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain provides smooth, responsive acceleration that feels more than adequate for highway merging and passing. Ascending the higher elevations at speed is effortless.
All-wheel drive comes standard, giving the 2025 Lexus NX350 reassuring traction in varying conditions, whether navigating the wet city streets in the Lower Mainland, the snow of the weekend drives to the mountains or tackling light off-road trails.
The 2025 Lexus NX350 offers three drive modes – Sport, Eco and Normal – accessible via a dial knob in the centre console.
- Eco mode softens throttle response, reduces aggressiveness in transmission behavior, and tends to favour smoother, more fuel-efficient operation. Great for city driving or when you want a calm driving experience.
- Normal mode balances comfort and responsiveness. This is likely what you’d use most of the time—good for mixed driving conditions.
- Sport mode increases responsiveness: the engine reacts more sharply, the transmission holds gears longer, giving you a livelier driving experience. It adds a bit more “snap” when accelerating or overtaking, though without the full performance enhancements (e.g. from AVS) you’d get in specialized trims it won’t be radically different.
Normally, as a spirited driver I like a more spirited drive but in the case of the 2025 Lexus NX350, Normal mode was sufficient for all driving and did not disappoint at all on those high elevation ascents of the Coquihalla (BC Hwy 5) and the Connector (BC Hwy 97C).
2025 Lexus NX350 – Safety Features
The 2025 Lexus NX350 Executive trim steps up the safety game with a well-rounded suite of driver-assist and active protection technologies. Chief among these is Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which bundles in a Pre-Collision System (PCS) capable of detecting not just vehicles, but pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Being a motorcyclist myself, anything that helps drivers see motorcycles is welcomed.
To help prevent accidents in everyday scenarios, the Executive trim adds Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Brake, Lane Change Assist, Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking, Panoramic View Monitor that I mentioned above, and even Advanced Park. These features are especially helpful for tighter parking spaces, backing out onto busy streets, or changing lanes in fast-moving traffic. Digital latch doors with Safe Exit Assist are also part of the package, providing warnings when a vehicle or cyclist approaches as occupants are getting out.
In terms of structure and passive protection, the Executive trim holds its own. It includes a full complement of airbags (front, side, curtain, even a driver-knee airbag) to protect occupants in various collision scenarios.
Vehicle stability and handling aids are also comprehensive, thanks to systems like Electronic Stability Control, ABS with traction control, lane-tracking (Lane Tracing Assist), and steering choices (e.g. Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist) that help maintain control during sudden maneuvers or under slippery conditions. Happy to advise that I did not have to test this feature out or need it.
What’s especially reassuring is how many of these systems are tied into both convenience and safety — parking aids aren’t just about making life easier; they also reduce the risk of bumping into obstacles or misjudging space. Overall, the Executive trim delivers peace of mind, combining both preventative safety technology and strong passive crash protection.
2025 Lexus NX350 – Driving Experience
The 2025 Lexus NX350 was a pleasure to drive and would equally be a great choice of vehicle to own. While it’s not positioned as the sportiest SUV in its class, the 2025 Lexus NX350 AWD offers a well-rounded drive experience, with composed handling and a comfortable ride that leans more toward refinement than aggression. For most buyers, this balance of power, control, and everyday usability will hit the sweet spot between luxury comfort and capable performance.
For me personally, I find all the safety features, bells and whistles etc. are sometimes overwhelming. This is often because I have learned to drive without the conveniences of technology so getting used to all the features and functions can sometimes be daunting. However, for those that have come to rely on their safety and security in a vehicle based on technology, the 2025 Lexus NX350 is a great choice.
MSRP – Executive Trim: $70,719.58
