You know that feeling when you walk into a high-end hotel and the lobby is just... quiet? That's basically the vibe Lexus was going for with the 2022 Lexus NX 350. It was a massive deal when it launched because it wasn't just a facelift. It was a total ground-up rethink of what their best-selling SUV should actually be. For years, Lexus owners just sort of "dealt" with that weird touchpad controller that felt like trying to use a laptop from 2004 while driving 70 mph.
The 2022 model changed that. It’s the year they finally listened.
If you’re looking at a used one now, you’re probably seeing a lot of marketing fluff about "Lexus Interface" and "Tazuna Cockpit." Forget the buzzwords for a second. What you actually get is a car that feels significantly more expensive than it is, paired with a brand-new engine that finally gives this thing some actual punch. But it isn’t perfect. Not even close, depending on how much you value tactile buttons.
The Turbocharged Heart of the 2022 Lexus NX 350
Let’s talk about the engine. Before 2022, the NX was fine. It was reliable. It was, honestly, a bit boring. But the 2022 Lexus NX 350 introduced a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four. It puts out 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. That’s a huge jump.
It feels different.
When you mash the pedal to merge onto a busy interstate, there’s this immediate swell of torque that just wasn't there in the old NX 300. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic that is tuned for smoothness, not snapping your neck back like a Porsche PDK. It’s sophisticated. Fast? Yeah, it’s plenty fast for a luxury crossover, hitting 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds according to Lexus’s official specs.
Is it a sports car? No. Don’t let the F Sport handling package fool you into thinking you’re buying a Supra. Even with the adaptive variable suspension found on the F Sport trims, the NX 350 remains a Lexus at its core. It wants to isolate you from the world. It wants to soak up the potholes in downtown Chicago or the expansion joints on a Texas highway without spilling your latte.
The steering is light. Some critics, like the folks over at Car and Driver, mentioned it feels a bit numb. They aren't wrong. If you want to feel every pebble on the road through your fingertips, go buy a BMW X3. But if you want a car that makes a two-hour commute feel like twenty minutes, this is your ride.
That Massive Screen and the Death of the Touchpad
We have to talk about the interior because this is where the 2022 Lexus NX 350 either wins you over or drives you slightly crazy.
Lexus ditched the Remote Touch interface. Praise be.
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In its place is a 14-inch touchscreen that is, quite frankly, gorgeous. It’s angled toward the driver. It’s crisp. The "Lexus Interface" system is miles ahead of the old software. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which actually works pretty seamlessly most of the time.
But here is the catch.
They moved almost everything into that screen. The climate controls? Mostly on the screen. The drive modes? On a dial, thankfully, but deep settings are buried in menus. Even the buttons on the steering wheel are weird. They are touch-sensitive pads that don't have labels until you rest your thumb on them, and then a little map pops up in the Head-Up Display (HUD).
It takes a week to learn. Or two.
My friend Sarah bought one and called me three days later because she couldn't figure out how to reset the trip odometer without looking at the manual. It's that kind of car. Once you learn the "logic" of the Lexus engineers, it’s great. Until then, you might find yourself shouting at the voice assistant—which, by the way, responds to "Hey Lexus" and is actually surprisingly good at understanding natural speech.
Safety Tech That Actually Works (And Some That Is Annoying)
Safety is the Lexus calling card. The 2022 Lexus NX 350 came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0.
It has this thing called Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist. Basically, if the car thinks you’re going to hit something and there’s room to swerve within your lane, it helps you do it. It’s impressive tech that hopefully you never have to use.
Then there are the doors.
Digital Latch.
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Instead of a traditional handle you pull, you push a button on the inside of the door. The car then checks its blind-spot sensors. If a cyclist or another car is coming, it won't let you open the door. It’s called Safe Exit Assist. It’s brilliant for city living. However, the first time you give a ride to your grandmother, she is going to be stuck in the passenger seat for five minutes trying to figure out how to get out. You’ll have to explain it. Every. Single. Time.
What Real Owners Complain About
If you spend any time on the ClubLexus forums, you'll see a few recurring themes regarding the 2022 model year. Since it was the first year of the new generation, there were some teething issues.
The run-flat tires are a point of contention. Lexus doesn’t give you a spare. To make room for the hybrid batteries (in the 350h) and to save weight, they used run-flats. They are a bit noisier than traditional tires and they are expensive to replace. Many owners swap them out for regular Michelin CrossClimate 2s the second they wear out, though you’ll need to carry a fix-a-flat kit if you do.
Fuel economy is... okay. The EPA says you’ll get about 22 mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. In the real world? If you have a heavy foot and enjoy that turbo, expect closer to 20 mpg in stop-and-go traffic. It also requires premium fuel. If that’s a dealbreaker, the NX 350h (the hybrid) is the better play, though it lacks the punch of the gas-only 350.
Another thing: the cargo space. It’s 22.7 cubic feet with the seats up. That sounds like a lot, but the rake of the rear window means you can't really stack boxes high. It’s great for groceries or a couple of suitcases, but don't expect to help your kid move into a dorm room with just one trip.
The F Sport Handling vs. Luxury Trim
If you are hunting for one of these, you'll likely choose between the Luxury trim and the F Sport Handling.
The Luxury trim is exactly what it sounds like. You get the open-pore wood trim, the 14-inch screen is usually standard, and the leather is top-tier. It feels like a miniature LS sedan.
The F Sport is the "cool" one. It has different bumpers, darker trim, and those bolstered seats that hold you in place. It also has the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). Honestly? Unless you really love the aggressive look, the Luxury trim is the more "Lexus" experience. The F Sport seats can feel a bit tight if you have a broader frame. Sit in both before you sign the paperwork.
Why This Specific Year Matters
The 2022 Lexus NX 350 represents a pivot point. It was the moment Lexus stopped trying to play catch-up with German tech and actually built something that felt modern.
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It’s built on the GA-K platform—the same bones as the Toyota RAV4 and the Lexus RX. This is a good thing. It means the center of gravity is lower than the old model. It handles curves with a lot more grace. It doesn't feel "tippy" when you take an off-ramp a little too fast.
There’s a sense of solidity here. The doors close with a heavy "thunk." The cabin is remarkably quiet at highway speeds, thanks to extensive sound-deadening material in the wheel wells and double-pane glass on the higher trims.
Critical Maintenance and Reliability Realities
Because it's a Lexus, people assume it's bulletproof. Generally, it is. But the 2.4L turbo is a relatively new engine for the brand compared to the old naturally aspirated V6s.
- Oil Changes: Don't skip them. Turbos are sensitive to heat. Lexus recommends every 10,000 miles, but many mechanics suggest 5,000 or 7,500 if you do a lot of city driving.
- Software Updates: Since this was the first year of the new infotainment, make sure the firmware is updated. Early units had some bugs where the screen would go black or CarPlay would disconnect.
- Brake Wear: The NX is a heavy beast (about 4,000 pounds). If you live in a hilly area, keep an eye on those pads.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
If you are seriously considering a 2022 Lexus NX 350, here is exactly how you should approach the purchase to avoid the "first-year model" blues.
First, check the VIN for any outstanding recalls. There were early recalls related to the welding of the shock absorbers and some electronics. A reputable Lexus dealer should have already handled these, but verify.
Second, prioritize a car with the "Luxury Package" or the "Premium Package." The base NX 350 comes with a 9.8-inch screen that looks a bit lonely in that massive dash. The 14-inch screen is the one you want; it transforms the entire feel of the interior and makes the car feel like a 2022 model rather than a 2018.
Third, test the "E-Latch" system multiple times. Ensure the interior buttons respond instantly. If they feel mushy or delayed, it could indicate an electronic gremlin.
Finally, look at the tires. If the original run-flats are nearing the end of their life (usually around 30,000 miles), use that as a negotiation point. Replacing all four will easily set you back $1,200 to $1,500.
The 2022 Lexus NX 350 isn't the fastest SUV in its class, and the tech has a learning curve that can be genuinely frustrating for the first 48 hours. But once you settle in, it offers a level of serenity and build quality that the Germans struggle to match at this price point. It’s a grown-up car for people who are tired of the "flash" and just want something that works beautifully every time they hit the start button.
Next Steps for You:
- Locate a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) model to get the balance of the factory warranty plus the L/Certified 2-year/unlimited-mileage warranty.
- Download the Lexus app before your test drive to see how the remote start and vehicle health reports integrate with your phone.
- Verify the Mark Levinson PurePlay 21-speaker system is included if you are an audiophile; it is one of the best systems in any compact SUV, but it was a standalone option that can be hard to find on dealer lots.