If you are wondering what are some differences between NX 350 and NX 350 F Sport, then you will find it really helpful for you to read this article.
We all know that Lexus is one of the best car makers in the market. The company offers some of the best and most luxury cars for quite a price, but it also does have a perfect balance between the luxuriousness of its cars and their prices. However, when it comes to selecting 2022 Lexus NX 350 vs NX 350 F Sport, you as a buyer must think about what you truly want from your car and determine whether this is exactly what this car can offer. In other words, no matter how beautifully crafted Lexus NX 350 or NX 350 F Sport is, you will have to make certain that both have the exact features required by the buyer.
What Is The Difference Between the 2022 Lexus NX 350 And NX 350 F Sport Handling? It’s very easy to grasp the difference between these two models because they share most of their major components, including their platform and powertrain, but as you’ll find out, these models are also unique.
Table Of Contents
Prices
The 2022 Lexus NX 350 AWD’s base model has a starting MSRP of $42,625 while the F Sport Handling starts at $47,725. The price range is nearly the same as that of its competitors such as Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3, Audi Q5, Jaguar E-Pace, and Infiniti QX50.
But despite that, both offer decent performance and handling. Both models are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.
Differences In Exterior Features
The NX 350 comes with a slew of exterior features, including 18-in 15-spoke alloy wheels with Dark Gray and machined finish, Bi-LED headlamps and daytime running lights, Blade Taillamp, Auto-dimming heated outside mirrors with auto tilt-down in reverse, etc.
The NX 350 F Sport Handling is equipped with a variety of exterior features that the NX 350 does not have. These include a unique spindle grille, aluminum roof rails, and front and rear bumpers that are exclusive to this SUV. The F Sport also has 20-inch wheels with a gloss black finish, which lend it a more aggressive look than the standard NX 350.
Key exterior features unique to the F Sport Handling model:
- F SPORT Gloss Black roof rails, side-view mirrors and window trim surround
- F SPORT front-fender badges
- F SPORT front fascia and mesh grille insert
- F SPORT rear bumper with rear valance
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- 20-in split-5-spoke alloy wheels with Gloss Black finish
- F SPORT color-matched wheel fender arches
Differences In Interior Features
The Lexus NX takes the standard SUV to the next level with its luxurious cabin filled with high-quality materials and exciting technology features that help make every drive more enjoyable and convenient.
Some of the interior features common to both models include SmartAccess with push-button Start/Stop, Dual-zone climate control with interior air filter, smog sensor and automatic recirculation mode, Heated front seats, NuLuxe® interior trim, Thematic Ambient Illumination (Premium Package), Lexus Memory System for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outer mirrors (Premium Package), and etc.
While the interior features of the Lexus NX 350 and NX 350 F Sport are quite similar, there are a few key differences that are unique to the F Sport model:
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
- F SPORT perforated leather–trimmed steering wheel and shift knob
- F SPORT perforated leather–trimmed shift knob and heated steering wheel (Optional)
- F SPORT Aluminum pedals
- F SPORT front seats with enhanced bolsters
- F SPORT heated and ventilated front seats (Premium Package)
- F SPORT black headliner
- Dark Graphite Aluminum trim (Stippled Black interior trim in NX 350)
- G-force and turbo-boost displays
Differences In Performance And Handling
The two cars have almost identical specs when it comes to the engine, transmission, mileage, and fuel tank capacity. However, there are minor yet noticeable differences in their handling.
The Lexus NX 350 comes with a MacPherson strut front suspension and double-wishbone rear suspension. The Lexus NX 350 F Sport Handling has an upgraded Adaptive Variable Suspension system that offers 650 levels of damping force adjustment for a smoother ride, sharper handling, and more precise body control.
| 350 AWD | 350 F SPORT | |
|---|---|---|
| Race-inspired paddle shifters | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Lateral performance dampers | ✔️ | |
| Adaptive Variable Suspension | ✔️ |
In addition, The F Sport Handling model has a total of five different drive modes, which can be selected using the Drive Mode Select switch. The switch is located on the center console next to the shift lever.
- ECO mode: This mode enhances fuel economy by adjusting engine output, Hybrid System operation and climate control.
- Normal mode: This mode provides a balance between performance and fuel economy. It also features automatic transmission operation with upshifts at higher RPMs in order to improve responsiveness when accelerating.
- Sport S mode: This mode offers improved driving performance by increasing throttle response and improves handling by adjusting suspension damping force. It also has a more direct shift schedule for quicker acceleration with manual shifting. In addition, it uses a sportier display on the instrument cluster as well as a more aggressive shift pattern on the tachometer.
- Sport S+ mode: This mode provides further improvements to driving performance and handling compared to Sport S mode.
- Custom mode: This allows you to adjust settings such as engine performance, steering feel and transmission shifts to suit your personal preferences.
Differences In Packages
While both models have high-quality interiors with leather upholstery and generous seat adjustments, the NX 350 F Sport Handling has an exclusive luxury package that includes a Power tilt-and-slide moonroof, Heated and ventilated front seats, and Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking. The F Sport also has more trim options and interior colors than the NX 350.
F Sport Handling Luxury Package:
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof
- Power Rear Door with Kick Sensor
- Lexus Memory System for driver’s seat, steering wheel, and outside mirrors
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking
- Lexus Interface* with 14-inch touchscreen display
- Drive Connect* trial with Cloud Navigation, including Google* points-of-interest (POI) data; Intelligent Assistant, including Hey Lexus; and Destination Assist. (4G network dependent.)
- Thematic Ambient Illumination
Premium Package (NX 250, NX 250 AWD, NX 350 AWD, NX 350h AWD):
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Lexus Memory System for driver’s seat, steering wheel and outside mirrors
- Black Prism interior ornamentation
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof
- Power Rear Door with Kick Sensor
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Power tilt-and-telescopic steering column
- Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking*
Luxury Package (NX 250, NX 250 AWD, NX 350 AWD, NX 350h AWD):
- 20-inch 20-spoke alloy wheels with Silver finish (NX 350, NX 350h only)
- Perforated leather–trimmed interior with unique chevron seat quilting
- 4-way lumbar support for driver
- 10-inch Head-Up Display
- Lexus Interface with 14-in touchscreen display
- Drive Connect* trial with Cloud Navigation, including Google* points-of-interest (POI) data; Intelligent Assistant, including Hey Lexus; and Destination Assist. (4G network dependent)
- Door courtesy lamps
- Black Open-Pore Wood trim
- Thematic Ambient Illumination
2022 NX 350 VS 350 F Sport Handling: Which Is Better?
Lexus NX 350 and Lexus 350 F Sport Handling are two of the best car models by Lexus, and it is hard to say who is better. They both possess their own advantages that make them preferable.
You might find that the differences between these two models are not as noticeable as you might expect. Either model will provide a comfortable ride, smooth handling, and plenty of power for merging onto highways or passing slower traffic.
However, if you value handling more and are willing to sacrifice some comfort for enhanced performance, the F Sport Handling may be worth considering.
