I’ll be new to the Lexus brand, been driving Jeep Grand Cherokees for about 11 years via leases; just turned in a ‘22 Summit level and was spoiled with the ride and features (massage seats, pano sunroof, all kinds of alerts, 360 camera, approach lights even when vehicle locked)…I’m ready to become part of the Lexus fam for #1 reliability as I plan for the next vehicle to be a forever vehicle. I’m buying used but so torn between a ‘22 NX350 premium or ‘22 RX350 base or premium…I’ve test drove all 3. Im in the US.

What’s your pros and cons of these? Thx in advance 🙂

 

It depends on what’s important to you between size and features. It sounds like you are comparing a smaller SUV with more features to a larger SUV with less. The RX350 with 6 cyl 3.5L is going to be smoother, but less efficient especially in the city. I rarely have passengers or a loaded rear cargo area so the NX hit a sweet spot for me. I went with the 350H because I liked the quick get off after I drove an electric car for a few years.

I thought about buying used , but both vehicles have held their values. It made more sense to me to buy new.

 

I bought a new 2025 NX350h premium and did the same comparisons and came to the same conclusion. The NX is very comfortable, has a lot of bells & whistles and hybrid ensures great gas mileage. Very pleased with our purchase.

 

Coming out of a Grand Cherokee I think unless you are specifically looking to downsize, the RX will feel more equivalent for space. On occasion I do miss the extra space my RX offered, but the NX is certainly a bit more nimble around town. From another point of view, the 22 NX is the first year of the new generation. the 22 RX is the last year of the previous generation. Many will say the RX will therefore be more refined and more reliable over the long term because of this, depending on how much weight you put on these things. I personally have owned 4 Toyota/Lexus products and 3 of them have been 1st year vehicles, my '23 NX is actually the very first ToyLex that wasn't a first year vehicle. The previous three 1st year vehicles have all been very reliable but have had some minor first year quirks. Finally, depending on how bad theft is in your area, the 22 NX is less likely to be stolen than the 22 RX. The '22 NX is one of the first Toyotas that started using some encryption within the vehicles' computer network. That didn't start on the RX until the '23 year. In our area we take great pride in having shipped millions of dollars worth of stolen luxury vehicles to Africa. The 16 to 22 RX is an absolutely favourite. All a thief has to do is toss a little dog treat to an RX and it'll follow you home like a lost puppy.

 

Not sure where you are in life, but if you plan for this to be a forever vehicle and also might have a growing family, the RX will definitely have more room to accommodate for kiddos/luggage/pets.
And when the time comes, be a great first vehicle for said kiddo(s).

If you’ve already been there, done that and want to ride this into retirement and beyond, I’d say the NX — but I’m biased as that’s what I planned for and why I got my NX.
____________________
2020 NX300 Luxury
2012 Tundra Limited
2014 MDX SH-AWD Tech (college daughter’s now)

 

We have both a newer NX and older RX.

It all comes down to space. NX is a sportier ride where as the RX is a more smoother ride and offers more space but at a higher price point.