Test-Driving The 2026 Lexus NX 350h F SportForbesJosh Max, ContributorUpdatedFri, September 25, 2026 at 3:15 PM UTCAdd us on Google2026 Lexus NX 350h F SportNATHAN LEACH-PROFFERThe NX 350h F-Sport manages to be something almost no SUV is - it's cute. It was like a little red lollipop sitting in my driveway and generated nothing but good cheer around the mean streets of Los Angeles during its week's test.The Lexus NX has been around since 2014 and the current second-generation model arrived for the 2022 model year. Four years later, it remains one of the more distinctive-looking compact luxury crossovers on the road.What's new for 2026?For 2026, Lexus made an important update - the NX 350h hybrid can finally be ordered in F SPORT Handling trim. That means buyers no longer have to choose between the fuel-sipping NX hybrid and the more aggressive appearance and suspension setup of the F SPORT. It also arrives while the NX is doing quite well sales-wise. Lexus reported that the NX Hybrid had its best sales year ever in 2025, part of a record year for the Lexus brand overall.2026 Lexus NX 350h F SportPriceThe 2026 NX 350h F SPORT Handling starts at $54,045 with front-wheel drive and $55,595 with all-wheel drive, including Lexus' current $1,395 delivery, processing and handling fee. Options can push an AWD example comfortably past $60,000. It's a Lexus.EngineThe NX 350h combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with Lexus' hybrid-electric system for 240 total system horsepower. Front-wheel drive is now available for 2026, while the AWD version uses a separate electric motor at the rear axle rather than a conventional driveshaft to send power to the rear wheels when needed. Power goes through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.2026 Lexus NX 350h F SportMileage is excellent, part of the big appeal here. The FWD model is rated at 42 mpg city, 38 highway and 40 combined, while AWD versions return 41 city, 37 highway and 39 combined. The AWD version reaches 60 mph in an estimated 7.2 seconds - plenty pokey, but there's that great mileage. You won't miss having a monster engine.ExteriorThe regular NX is already an angular, somewhat aggressive-looking machine, with Lexus' typical large grille, sharply drawn lighting and heavily sculpted bodywork. F SPORT pushes that further without turning it into a cartoon. It gets a specific F SPORT grille and bumpers, color-keyed fender trim, black roof rails and 20-inch black alloy wheels. The result is considerably more snappy-looking than the standard hybrid, particularly in one of Lexus' stronger colors such as the newly available Infrared - my color.InsideF SPORT models get more heavily bolstered sport seats, a different steering wheel and instrument display, aluminum pedals, Dark Graphite Aluminum trim and available Black or Circuit Red NuLuxe upholstery.2026 Lexus NX 350h F SportThere's an upscale quality to the cabin, but not overly complicated. Front-seat accommodations are comfortable, although the NX isn't enormous for a crossover and rear-seat and cargo room are adequate rather than cavernous.TechOne of the NX's better features is Lexus Interface, which finally moved the brand away from the infuriating touchpads of older Lexus models. A 9.8-inch touchscreen is standard elsewhere in the range, but the F SPORT can be equipped with the much more satisfying 14-inch screen.2026 Lexus NX 350h F SportAdvertisementAdvertisementWireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, along with cloud-based navigation, the "Hey Lexus" voice assistant, a head-up display, Advanced Park and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. There are six USB ports.How Does It Drive?Here's the big thing you should know - F SPORT Handling does not turn the NX 350h into a high-performance speedster. What it adds is Adaptive Variable Suspension along with front and rear performance dampers, giving the NX tighter body control and a more planted feel.Around town, the hybrid system's biggest virtue is smoothness. Electric assistance gets the NX moving and the transitions between electric and gasoline power are unobtrusive. Acceleration is more than sufficient for freeway entrances and passing.Push it hard, however, and it comes alive. The eCVT can hold the four-cylinder engine at high revs, producing more noise than acceleration would suggest. Sport mode doesn't magically produce another 100 horsepower.Room for improvementIt's not really a complaint, but the NX looks considerably faster than it actually is. Other than that, it's on-point stem to stern.AdvertisementAdvertisementConclusion: It's a stylish, comfortable luxury crossover with great mileage, and therefore recommended.This article was originally published on Forbes.com
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