Lexus is well known for making excellent, reliable vehicles. But they aren’t especially known for their sportiness. However, the luxury automaker offers sporty models and packages, and that’s precisely what it’s done with the new NX 350. Here’s a look at the 2024 Lexus NX 350 F Sport and whether it’s worth the $5,100 upgrade. 

What’s new with the 2024 Lexus NX?

Overall, not much has changed with the 2024 NX. Lexus fully redesigned the luxury compact SUV for the 2022 model, so the 2023 model year carries over most of those updates. However, the 2024 Lexus NX has some more significant yet minor refreshes.

Most involve the SUV’s options and interior styling. For example, Lexus says some interior color options have been “enhanced” to create a more “seamless” design. In addition, the company gave the front and rear door panels new “color-keyed elements” that can make the vehicle look better. 

The Japanese luxury automaker also added an optional advanced parking feature for the top trims. Those trims can also be equipped with an optional moonroof or panoramic sunroof. And as with most other new models, the 2024 Lexus NX saw a price increase. The base trim is about $1,500 more.

Is the 2024 Lexus NX 350 F Sport worth the upgrade?

A standard 2024 Lexus NX 250 can be had for around $40,000, but the automaker offers several trims. The main trim option is the F Sport, now available only on the 350 and 450. Adding the F Sport option to the NX 350 adds an extra $5,100 to the purchase price. So the 2024 NX 350 F Sport costs just over $49,000.

The F Sport package brings performance-oriented features to the Lexus SUV. The main upgrade involves the suspension, adding an adaptive variable suspension. That should give the NX a better ride quality, and it should also make it handle better. The F Sport package also gives the NX sportier seats and 20-inch wheels.

The package also brings cosmetic enhancements via exclusive Dark Graphite Aluminum ornamentation. Plus, the F Sport received the sunroof-related upgrade for the 2024 model.

Although these upgrades are attractive, they’re likely unnecessary for most drivers. The NX doesn’t gain considerable performance enhancements with this package, and $5,000 is a hefty sum for primarily aesthetic changes. 

2024 Lexus NX 350: Price, specs, and features

Regardless of the F Sport upgrade, the 2023 Lexus NX 350 is an excellent compact luxury SUV as is. It starts at about $44,000 — around $4,000 more than the standard NX 250 trim. However, the main difference between the two is under the hood.

The standard NX 250 has a 203-hp engine, but the NX 350 swaps that for a 2.4-liter turbo-four making 275 hp. The NX 350 also comes with all-wheel drive. Additionally, it boasts a more luxurious and well-equipped interior. It has synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a 9.8-inch touchscreen. Lexus also gave it a long list of advanced safety features.