What is the fuel consumption of the NX 350h?
The NX 350h typically delivers about 38 mpg combined in the U.S. on EPA tests, with front-wheel-drive models around 39 mpg city and 37 mpg highway, and all-wheel-drive versions around 37 mpg combined. Actual mileage varies by year, trim, and driving conditions.
The Lexus NX 350h is a compact hybrid SUV that pairs a four-cylinder gas engine with electric motors to boost efficiency. This article explains how its fuel consumption is measured, what you can expect in real-world driving, and how it compares with non-hybrid NX variants.
EPA fuel economy figures
Below are the official EPA estimates typically cited for recent NX 350h models in the U.S., highlighting the difference between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
Before listing the figures, note that these numbers refer to model-year 2023–2024 examples and can vary slightly by year and testing cycle.
- FWD NX 350h: 39 mpg city / 37 mpg highway / 38 mpg combined.
- AWD NX 350h: about 37 mpg combined (EPA estimates typically a bit lower than FWD).
These ratings translate to roughly 6.0–6.2 L/100 km combined for the FWD version, with AWD typically in the 6.3–6.7 L/100 km range depending on year and testing conditions.
Real-world performance and driving conditions
In everyday driving, actual fuel economy depends on factors such as driving style, traffic, climate control usage, terrain, and wheel/tire setup. The hybrid system tends to perform best in city and mixed driving, where the electric assist and regenerative braking optimize efficiency.
What affects fuel consumption
Several elements influence observed mpg:
- Driving style: gentle acceleration and steady speeds favor higher mpg.
- Terrain: hilly or mountainous routes reduce efficiency more than flat highways.
- Weather and climate control: cold weather and constant A/C or heating use lower efficiency.
- Tire choice and condition: lower rolling resistance tires can improve economy; worn or mismatched tires can hinder it.
Owners often report better fuel economy with moderate driving pace, smooth throttle application, and regular maintenance of the hybrid system.
Comparison with other NX variants
The NX lineup includes gasoline-only models and, in some markets, plug-in hybrids. Gasoline-only NX variants typically deliver lower mpg figures than the NX 350h due to the absence of electric assistance, while plug-in hybrids can offer electric-only trips before the gasoline engine engages.
Summary
The NX 350h provides a strong balance of performance and efficiency for a compact luxury SUV, with EPA estimates around 38 mpg combined for the FWD version and slightly lower for AWD. Real-world mileage varies with driving conditions, but the hybrid setup is optimized for urban and mixed-use driving. Always check the specific model year and drivetrain for the most precise numbers.
