Is the Lexus NX 350h 4 wheel drive?
Yes. The Lexus NX 350h is equipped with all-wheel drive (Lexus's e-AWD) in its current lineup.
The NX 350h is a hybrid SUV in Lexus's NX family. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, and uses an electronic all-wheel-drive system to send power to the rear wheels as needed.
How the NX 350h's drivetrain works
The hybrid setup blends gasoline power with electric propulsion to improve efficiency and traction. The drivetrain is supported by Lexus's e-AWD system, which can engage the rear wheels on demand while running in steady-state highway cruising or when extra traction is required.
Key components of the hybrid system
- Hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors
- Lexus e-AWD (electronic all-wheel drive) that distributes torque to the rear axle
- Electronically controlled CVT (E-CVT) transmission for seamless power delivery
- Estimated total system output around 239 horsepower
- On-demand all-wheel drive designed to improve grip and efficiency
In practice, this setup is intended to provide balanced performance and better fuel economy, with the rear wheels receiving power when needed rather than continuously driving all four wheels.
Regional availability and what to expect in your market
In the United States, the NX 350h is aligned with Lexus's hybrid/e-AWD strategy, and most models in this lineup use the e-AWD system rather than a traditional FWD. Some markets outside the U.S. have different configurations, and availability can vary by model year, trim, and local regulations. Always check the exact specification for the year and region you are considering.
Regional notes
- United States: Lexus typically offers the NX 350h with e-AWD; a front-wheel-drive version is not commonly listed for this model.
- Europe and other regions: AWD configurations may vary; verify local dealer listings for the precise drivetrain of the NX 350h in your country.
- Plug-in variant: The NX 450h+ is a separate plug-in hybrid offering with its own drivetrain options and is not the same as the NX 350h.
If you are shopping internationally, the most reliable source is the local Lexus brochure or a dealership, which will confirm whether a front-wheel-drive variant exists for the NX 350h in your market.
Summary
Bottom line: The Lexus NX 350h is an electrified SUV designed around an all-wheel-drive system (Lexus e-AWD) in its current lineup, delivering traction where needed while balancing efficiency. For buyers who specifically want a FWD hybrid, the NX 350h is not typically offered in that configuration in the U.S., and regional variations may apply elsewhere. Always verify the exact drivetrain on the model year you are considering.
Is the Lexus NX good in the snow?
The Lexus NX 350 comes equipped with an advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system that provides excellent traction in snowy and icy conditions. Unlike some AWD systems that only engage when needed, the NX 350's system is full-time, constantly distributing power between the front and rear wheels.
Is the Lexus NX AWD or 4WD?
LEXUS CROSSOVERS/SMALL SUVS WITH AWD
The larger NX offers a drivetrain choice on its base 300 and 300 F Sport trims, with AWD standard on the hybrid 300h. The RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 350 F Sport present AWD as an option to the standard FWD, but the hybrids, the 450h and 450hL, are AWD only.
Is the Lexus NX 350h all-wheel drive?
Leather Seats, All Wheel Drive, Power Liftgate, Heated Driver Seat, Cooled Driver Seat. Lexus NX 350h Luxury with ATOMIC SILVER exterior and HAZEL (WOOD) interior features a 4 Cylinder Engine with 240 HP at 6000 RPM*.
What is the difference between NX 350 and NX 350h?
The main differences are performance and fuel efficiency: the NX 350 has a turbocharged 2.4L engine with 275 horsepower, offering more power for highway driving, while the NX 350h has a 2.5L gas engine combined with electric motors for a total of 240 horsepower and significantly better city MPG. The NX 350 uses a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission, whereas the 350h uses an ECVT, which results in a smoother ride, especially at low speeds. The 350h also has a higher starting price but can recoup the cost through fuel savings in about 1.5 years, depending on your driving habits.
You can watch this video to learn about the differences in performance and fuel efficiency between the two models: 52sLife with SondurenYouTube · Mar 13, 2023
Lexus NX 350
- Engine: 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 275 hp
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: Lower MPG, especially in the city (21 MPG city, 28 MPG highway for 2025)
- Best for: Drivers who prioritize power, do more highway driving, and may want to avoid the feel of a CVT.
This video discusses the performance aspects of the NX 350: 58sModern MotoringYouTube · Mar 9, 2024
Lexus NX 350h
- Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder with electric motors
- Horsepower: 240 hp
- Transmission: Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
- Fuel Economy: Higher MPG, especially in the city (41 MPG city, 28 MPG highway for 2025)
- Best for: Drivers who prioritize fuel savings, do a lot of city driving, and prefer a smoother, quieter driving experience. The hybrid battery has a long warranty and the system may experience less wear and tear than a gas-only engine.
This video highlights the features of the NX 350h, including its smoother ride: 58scarsales.com.auYouTube · Jul 1, 2025
Which one to choose?
- Choose the NX 350 if: You drive more on open highways where the extra horsepower can be better utilized, and you prefer a traditional automatic transmission.
- Choose the NX 350h if: You drive mostly in the city and want to save significantly on fuel costs. The smoother ride from the hybrid system is also a major plus.
