Lexus NX 250 Vs. NX 350: A Side-By-Side Look At Features And Specs
In the luxury compact SUV segment, a Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 comparison is one of the most common. It's easy to see why – the NX trim levels are paving new roads in technology, luxury design, and safety, all while maintaining an accessible MSRP. Drivers like you are searching for the best SUV value for their hard-earned money, and the Lexus NX models take the crown.
If you're familiar with past Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 trims, you likely know that these two options are some of the hottest-selling luxury variants on the market. Though you can also purchase or lease a new Lexus NX 450h+ model to gain plug-in hybrid power, we're focusing today's review on the 2025 gas-powered Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 editions. Join the DARCARS Lexus of Silver Spring team as we compare Lexus NX 250 and 350 SUVs.
Scroll down for a highlight reel of Lexus NX 250 vs. 350, jump to the bottom of the page for a detailed Lexus NX models comparison chart, or cruise through other important topics like performance, interior, and dimensions. At the end of your search, whether you prefer a mid-range 350 trim or an entry-level Lexus NX 250, premium lease and finance offers are ripe for the picking at DARCARS Lexus of Silver Spring. Here's a closer look.
Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 at a Glance
- Every Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 trim optimizes your luxury driving experience with NuLuxe upholstery, a seamlessly integrated 9.8-inch touchscreen, voice command capabilities, and remote engine start.
- Enjoy some of the roomiest compact SUV cabins no matter which Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 you choose.
- The Lexus NX 250 can be further customized by adding a Premium package to your build, which includes heated and ventilated front seats and a power tilt-and-slide moonroof.
- Level up your comfort even more with Lexus NX 350 trim packages: Luxury and F SPORT Handling Luxury.
- Choose a Lexus NX 250 trim for FWD or AWD capability and high MPG, or upgrade to Lexus NX 350 horsepower for quicker acceleration and standard all-wheel drive.
- Lexus NX 350 specs also include a hybrid powertrain option that slingshots your EPA-estimated fuel economy to 41/37 MPG (City/Highway).1
The Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 Specs You Crave
The most prominent difference between Lexus NX 250 and 350 trims may be their powertrains, so we'll start our journey there. Though the Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 inline four-cylinder designs are the same, their displacements and power levels are not.
Entry-level Lexus NX 250 specs include a 2.5-liter engine and continuously variable valve timing with intelligence. This combination churns out 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque while maintaining an incredible EPA-estimated 26/33 MPG (City/Highway) with FWD on board.2 For anyone who's ever driven a five-passenger SUV, this wallet-friendly performance is noteworthy. Choose between FWD for the lowest starting price, or increase your budget ever so slightly to take home a Lexus NX 250 AWD SUV that only lowers your MPG by one point.
If you prefer a mid-range Lexus NX 350, AWD comes standard, no matter which variant you choose. The 350 trims also come in two different powertrain options: a gas-powered 2.4-liter turbo with 275 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 21/28 MPG (City/Highway),3 or the hybrid 2.5-liter gas/electric motor we mentioned above that produces 240 horsepower and an exceptional EPA-estimated 41/37 MPG (City/Highway).1
No matter how you slice it, these Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 powertrains are making luxury driving even more appealing, especially when you factor in our new Lexus specials.
The Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 Space You Need
Although the Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 models are compact SUVs, their interior space is so well planned you'll completely forget this class designation. The Lexus NX 250 interior seats five, offers 38.3 inches of front headroom without the available moonroof and gives front passengers a generous 41 inches of legroom to stretch out.
The Lexus NX 350 dimensions follow suit, with only slight reductions in headroom if you add a panorama glass roof to your design. In fact, the new Lexus NX for sale is actually one of the most spacious SUVs in its class, making every drive as comfortable as possible.
Cargo space is also a premium in Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 builds. While other automakers skimp on their maximum cargo storage, the 2025 Lexus NX has 46.9 cubic feet with the rear seat folded, making it much easier to haul furniture, boxes, or DIY project materials.
The Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 Design and Technology You Deserve
Gorgeously appointed and brimming with elevated technology, the Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 cabin is truly a sight to behold. The layout and flow are thoughtful, placing your most needed accessories within easy reach. Accent materials and upholstery are high-end, and advanced safety features like the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite come standard.
Many interior features are shared between the Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 trim levels, so no matter which option you choose, you'll enjoy these standard comforts and more:
- NuLuxe upholstery
- Wi-Fi Connect hotspot trial
- 9.8-in Lexus Interface touchscreen
- Remote Connect engine start
- Voice Command
- Backup camera
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® integration and Android Auto™ compatibility
In the NX 350, Lexus engineers increased your cabin comfort by adding Active Sound Control to 350 AWD and 350 F SPORT Handling AWD variants. You'll also gain G-force and turbo-boost displays in the 350 F SPORT Handling AWD trim, which is a thrilling addition for drivers who love to open up the throttle on the highway. An Advanced Park system is available in any Lexus NX 350, which gives you hands-free parking at the push of a button. Other optional features for every Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 model include:
- Panoramic View Monitor
- Mark Levinson® 17-speaker PurePlay Surround Sound
- Wireless phone charging
- Digital Key
Curious how these interior and technology specs stack up against other Lexus models? Take a closer look at other popular comparisons like the Lexus NX vs. Lexus RX before choosing your favorite!
The Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 Packages You Can Add
The only thing better than choosing the precise trim level, powertrain, and paint color you want in your new SUV is knowing you can customize your build even further with three outstanding packages. The most popular package, the Premium, can be added to the Lexus NX 250 or most Lexus NX 350 trims, while the Luxury and F SPORT Handling Luxury packages are reserved for 350 trims. Here's an overview of each add-on's best features:
- Premium: Heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-slide moonroof, a Power Rear Door with Kick Sensor, and a Black Prism interior
- Luxury: Premium package upgrades plus perforated leather upholstery with unique chevron quilting, a 10-inch Head-Up Display, a 14-inch touchscreen, and Black Open-Pore Wood accents
- F SPORT Handling Luxury: F SPORT heated and ventilated front seats, Thematic Ambient Illumination, a 14-inch touchscreen, and a Digital Rearview Mirror
| Specification | 2025 Lexus NX 250 | 2025 Lexus NX 350 |
| Trims | NX 250 / NX 250 AWD | NX 350 AWD / NX 350 F SPORT Handling AWD / NX 350h AWD |
| Engines | 2.5L inline 4-cyl |
2.4L turbo inline 4-cyl
2.5L inline 4-cyl hybrid |
| Horsepower | 203 | 275 / 240 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic / ECVT |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | AWD |
| EPA-Est MPG (City / Hwy) |
26 / 33 MPG2 - FWD
25 / 32 MPG4 - AWD |
21 / 28 MPG3
41 / 37 MPG1 |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 lbs5 | 2,000 lbs5 |
| Wheel Sizes | 18-in | 18 / 20-in |
| Passenger Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Exterior Length / Width / Height | 183.5 / 73.4 / 65.4 in | 183.5 / 73.4 / 65.4 in |
| Max Front Headroom / Legroom | 38.3 / 41 in | 38.3 / 41 in |
| Max Rear Headroom / Legroom | 38.5 / 36.1 in | 38.5 / 36.1 in |
| Cargo Capacity | 22.7 cu ft | 22.7 cu ft |
Unlock New Levels of Freedom in a Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 Today
A detailed on-page Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 guide like this one can help you explore your options and narrow your choices, but we all know that a top-shelf SUV like the 2025 Lexus NX deserves to be experienced in person. Visit the DARCARS Lexus of Silver Spring showroom to tour and test-drive your favorite Lexus NX 250 vs. NX 350 variants and see how our current lease specials can make this vehicle even sweeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lexus NX changing in 2025?
The 2025 Lexus NX trims benefit from exterior and interior refreshes, including a gorgeous new Copper Crest paint color and available wireless charging in every trim. Drivers can still enjoy premium features like NuLuxe and leather upholstery that carry over from 2024, as well as add packages like the Premium or Luxury to their builds to create a Lexus NX 350 Premium model.
Does the 2025 Lexus NX 250 require premium gas?
Yes, to perform at such high levels and maintain its impeccable gas mileage, the Lexus NX 250 SUV requires premium unleaded fuel in both its trims. With this elevated gas grade, your new Lexus NX 250 can deliver an EPA-estimated 26/33 MPG (City/Highway) in front-wheel drive2 or an EPA-estimated 25/32 MPG (City/Highway) in its AWD configuration.4
How many miles will a Lexus NX last?
According to longevity records at VehicleHistory.com, a well-maintained Lexus NX that's regularly serviced and cared for could be expected to last up to 300,000 miles6 as of the 2021 model. This outpaces many Lexus NX competitors, including the BMW X2.6 Every 2025 Lexus NX also comes with a six-year or 70,000-mile powertrain warranty7 to keep you covered for much of that time.
1EPA-estimated 41 city/ 37 hwy/ 39 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus NX 350h AWD. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
2EPA-estimated 26 city/ 33 hwy/ 28 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus NX 250. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
3EPA-estimated 21 city/ 28 hwy/ 24 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus NX 350 F SPORT Handling AWD. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
4EPA-estimated 25 city/ 32 hwy/ 28 comb MPG rating for 2025 Lexus NX 250 AWD. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
5Never tow beyond a vehicle's published towing capacities. Rating based on testing requirements prescribed in SAE J2807. Rating referenced in Owner's Manual may differ depending on testing standard used. Installation of accessories located near the rear bumper may require disabling or removing the kick sensor, and the sensor operation setting in your vehicle should be turned off. Follow all instructions in your Owner's Manual.
6This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/lexus/nx/2021
7Warranties listed on this web page shall not be solely relied upon. Warranties may be subject to specific terms, restrictions, exclusions, and fees. Additional warranty information may be obtained by visiting the official website of the warranty provider. Contact our dealership for complete details.