Sunday Drive: 2026 Lexus NX 350h, Infrared style meets hybrid efficiency
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- Deanne Conover stands with the 2026 Lexus NX 350h amidst the stunning red rock formations of Southern Utah. The deep, vibrant tones of the optional Infrared paint finish perfectly mirrored the warm desert landscapes we encountered during our Easter weekend escape to St. George.
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- The upscale nature of the NX 350h cabin is elevated by these richly contoured, multitone seats wrapped in durable NuLuxe upholstery. Offering exceptional lumbar and side support, they kept driver and passenger completely refreshed through a week of stop-and-go commuting in Utah Valley and long highway stints down Interstate 15.
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- Tucked neatly under the shade of a tree in a St. George parking lot, the NX 350h showcases its athletic and sculpted compact SUV lines. Thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system and comfortable suspension tuning, it proved to be a highly capable companion for exploring gravel trailhead roads and canyon pathways alike.
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- A large, highly responsive touchscreen infotainment interface serves as the centerpiece of the modern dashboard layout. Boasting quick-pairing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the user-friendly system made switching between navigation routes, music streaming, and hands-free messages completely effortless.
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- The center console architecture places essential driving dynamics right at the driver’s fingertips, including toggles for EV Mode and trail settings alongside the electronic shifter. It is this advanced mechanical and electronic synergy that allowed the 240-horsepower hybrid system to quietly return an exceptional 41 miles per gallon over our 600-mile test week.
Craig Conover, Daily Herald
Deanne Conover stands with the 2026 Lexus NX 350h amidst the stunning red rock formations of Southern Utah. The deep, vibrant tones of the optional Infrared paint finish perfectly mirrored the warm desert landscapes we encountered during our Easter weekend escape to St. George.
First impressions: A bold shade of Infrared
The 2026 Lexus NX 350h made an immediate impression on us the moment it arrived from the fleet company, finished in a stunning Infrared paint that seemed to change personality with the light. Early mornings gave it a deep, almost elegant tone, while the midday sun brought out a vibrant brilliance that turned heads wherever we went around Utah Valley. Definitely one of the best colors yet in the Lexus stable.
Lexus has refined the NX’s exterior styling into something that felt both sporty and upscale without going over the top. The signature spindle grille had been softened just enough to feel modern, while sharp LED lighting and sculpted body lines gave the compact SUV a confident stance. It’s a vehicle that looked just as comfortable pulling up to a business meeting as it did heading out for our weekend getaway.
Daily driving in Utah Valley
As with many of our test vehicles, the NX 350h quickly found its place in our daily routine. Our week consisted of commuting to work, running errands through Springville and Provo and making the usual stops that fill a busy schedule.
Photo supplied
The upscale nature of the NX 350h cabin is elevated by these richly contoured, multitone seats wrapped in durable NuLuxe upholstery. Offering exceptional lumbar and side support, they kept driver and passenger completely refreshed through a week of stop-and-go commuting in Utah Valley and long highway stints down Interstate 15.
This is where the NX truly shone.
Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, the hybrid system delivered a combined 240 horsepower. Around town, the NX often operated in near silence, relying heavily on electric power at lower speeds. The transitions between electric and gasoline power were seamless, creating a smooth and refined driving experience.
Stop-and-go traffic never felt like a chore, and the NX’s compact size made it easy to maneuver through parking lots and tighter city streets. Add in the available 360-degree camera, and squeezing into crowded parking spaces became an easy task.
Interior comfort and technology
Inside, Lexus continued to deliver on its reputation for quality and comfort. The cabin of the NX 350h was thoughtfully designed, with soft-touch materials and a layout that felt both modern and intuitive.
Craig Conover, Daily Herald
Tucked neatly under the shade of a tree in a St. George parking lot, the NX 350h showcases its athletic and sculpted compact SUV lines. Thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system and comfortable suspension tuning, it proved to be a highly capable companion for exploring gravel trailhead roads and canyon pathways alike.
The seats offered excellent support throughout the week, whether it was a quick trip across town or a longer drive south. Lexus’ NuLuxe upholstery proved to be both comfortable and durable, and the attention to detail throughout the cabin was evident.
Front and center was a large touchscreen infotainment system that has finally reached a point where it felt truly user-friendly. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connected quickly each time we entered the vehicle, allowing us to easily access music, navigation and messages.
Ambient lighting added a subtle but welcome touch during evening drives, giving the interior a refined and customizable atmosphere.
Easter weekend escape to St. George
With Easter weekend arriving and spring beginning to show itself along the Wasatch Front, we decided it was the perfect opportunity to take the NX 350h on a road trip south to St. George.
Photo supplied
A large, highly responsive touchscreen infotainment interface serves as the centerpiece of the modern dashboard layout. Boasting quick-pairing wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the user-friendly system made switching between navigation routes, music streaming, and hands-free messages completely effortless.
The drive from Utah Valley to St. George is one we’ve made many times, but each vehicle brings a different experience. This time, the NX delivered one of the more comfortable and enjoyable road trips we’ve had in recent memory.
Heading down Interstate 15 early in the morning, we immediately noticed how quiet the cabin was. Road and wind noise were minimal, allowing for easy conversation and a more relaxing drive overall.
The adaptive cruise control and lane tracing assist systems proved especially useful on the long highway stretches. Together, they helped maintain speed, distance, and lane position with subtle inputs that reduced driver fatigue without ever feeling intrusive.
As we moved farther south, the scenery transformed into the iconic red rock landscapes of Southern Utah. The NX, with its Infrared exterior, seemed right at home among the warm tones of Dixie.
Light adventure ready
Photo supplied
The center console architecture places essential driving dynamics right at the driver's fingertips, including toggles for EV Mode and trail settings alongside the electronic shifter. It is this advanced mechanical and electronic synergy that allowed the 240-horsepower hybrid system to quietly return an exceptional 41 miles per gallon over our 600-mile test week.
While in St. George, we took advantage of the beautiful weather and spent time hiking and enjoying the early spring sunshine. The NX 350h handled these lighter adventures with ease.
Cargo space was more than sufficient for our weekend gear, including hiking equipment and a cooler. The rear cargo area was well-designed and practical, making it easy to load and organize everything we needed.
Although the NX was not built for serious off-roading, its available all-wheel drive gave us confidence on gravel roads leading to trailheads. It’s the kind of capability that fits perfectly with the lifestyle of many Utah drivers — ready for adventure but still focused on comfort and efficiency.
Efficiency that stood out
One of the most impressive aspects of our week with the NX 350h was its fuel economy.
Over more than 600 miles of driving — including daily commutes and our round trip to St. George — we averaged just over 41 miles per gallon. What made that number even more impressive is that much of our driving was on the highway, where hybrids don’t always perform at their peak efficiency.
Ride quality and performance
The NX 350h was not designed to be a performance SUV, and that’s perfectly fine. Instead, Lexus had focused on delivering a ride that was smooth, composed and comfortable.
The suspension absorbed bumps and rough patches around Utah County with ease, and the vehicle remained stable and composed at highway speeds. Steering was light and precise, making the NX easy to drive in a variety of conditions.
Braking, often a weak point in some hybrids, was well executed here. The transition between regenerative and traditional braking was smooth and natural, something Lexus continues to refine year after year.
At the end of the week
By the end of our week with the 2026 Lexus NX 350h, it was clear that this is a vehicle designed with real-world driving in mind.
It exceled as a daily driver in Utah Valley, offering comfort, ease of use and outstanding efficiency. At the same time, it proved itself capable of handling a longer road trip to St. George, delivering a quiet and relaxing experience along the way.
The combination of bold styling, highlighted by the Infrared paint, a refined interior, and impressive fuel economy makes the NX 350h a compelling option for those looking to step into a luxury hybrid SUV.
Base price: $54,200
Destination charge: $1,295
Price as driven: $58,264
