I've Driven My Lexus NX350h For Six Months And Consistently Get 38 MPG In City Driving, Despite Some Frustrations With The Entertainment System And Dirt-Showing Black Interior

The transition from an older, reliable vehicle to a modern, tech-laden car can be both exhilarating and frustrating. It’s a journey of discovery, where every new feature is a potential delight or a new puzzle to solve. One Lexus NX350h owner, coming from a 2006 Toyota Highlander, recently shared their six-month ownership experience, offering a candid look at the highs and lows of this automotive evolution. Their story is a perfect illustration of how modern cars have become a blend of impressive engineering and sometimes baffling technology.

“As the title says, I've had my NX for six months now. Went in for its first service with only 2400 miles on it. I came from a 2006 Toyota Highlander with only 105,000 miles on it, so obviously, I don't drive a lot. Anyway, here are my thoughts

Exterior-wise, it's about the same size as my Highlander, but the cargo area is smaller. This is not usually an issue for me, except sometimes at Costco. I really like driving the car. It's smooth and getting around 38 mpg with mostly in-town driving. I've had to get used to the better gas mileage, as I was used to filling my Highlander up when the tank got to about half empty.

I definitely enjoy all of the safety features on the car, which I obviously didn't have on the 2006 Highlander. The backup camera is great. The automatic high-beams were somewhat of a surprise, and I've learned how to turn off some of the sensors when I take it through the car wash. I love the ventilated seats when it's warm out. I haven't really had long enough to use the heated steering wheel or the heated seats. We'll see how that goes this winter, but my Highlander had heated seats, so I will probably enjoy those two.

I find the entertainment system somewhat frustrating at times when I start the car and it defaults to Android Auto, and I have to go through the process of getting it back to the Lexus system and to the radio, even though it was on the radio when I turned the car off. But that just may be me not being completely used to the entertainment system and how it all works.

And I really don't like all the shiny black in it. It just shows a lot of dirt, which makes me crazy, but it is what it is.

All in all, I'm really happy with the car, and I am happy that I went ahead and purchased i,t and hope to enjoy many years of driving.

Oh yeah, and I really like the top view of the car so I can see where I am in a parking place spot and whether or not I'm in the correct position in the spot.”

The owner, identified as ckmc131 on Reddit, is clearly pleased with their purchase, highlighting the smooth ride, impressive fuel economy of 38 mpg, and the wealth of safety features that were absent on their old Highlander. The backup camera and automatic high beams are welcome additions, and the ventilated seats have been a boon in warm weather. However, it’s the car’s sophisticated infotainment system that has been a source of some frustration.

“I find the entertainment system somewhat frustrating at times when I start the car and it defaults to Android Auto. I have to go through the process of getting it back to the Lexus system and to the radio, even though it was on the radio when I turned the car off. But that just may be me not completely used to the entertainment system and how it all works.”

This is a common refrain among new car owners. The seamless integration of smartphones is a major selling point, but the execution can be clunky. The system’s insistence on defaulting to Android Auto, even when the radio was the last thing playing, is a small but persistent annoyance. Fortunately, as another user, FIRE_Bolas, points out, there’s often a simple solution buried in the settings.

“FYI, you can disable auto-start for Android Auto from your phone.”

This simple tip is a perfect example of the kind of community-based knowledge that has become an essential part of modern car ownership. It’s a reminder that the dealership can’t always teach you everything, and that sometimes the best source of information is another owner who has already navigated the same learning curve. This is a recurring theme with modern infotainment systems, as even owners of other Lexus models have reported frustrations with their infotainment systems.

The Nuances of Drive Modes and Ride Quality

Another area of discovery for the new owner has been the car’s drive modes. While they have been enjoying the impressive fuel economy in Eco mode, another user, Laartista1, suggests that they might be missing out on a better driving experience.

“You can still get 38-40 mpg on normal mode, which is a much better ride. I don’t think Eco saves anything except a slower ride. Try it… You’ll like it.”

This is a fascinating insight into the real-world impact of drive modes. While Eco mode is designed to maximize fuel efficiency, it often comes at the cost of a less responsive and sometimes less comfortable ride. The suggestion that similar fuel economy can be achieved in Normal mode, with the benefit of a smoother experience, is a valuable piece of information. 

It’s a reminder that the most “eco-friendly” mode isn’t always the most enjoyable, and that a little experimentation can lead to a more satisfying driving experience. The Lexus NX has been praised for its safety, even being ranked as one of the safest cars under $22,000, and the drive modes are a key part of that safety and performance package.

Key Discoveries in the First Six Months of NX350h Ownership:

• The Lexus infotainment system can be frustrating, with a tendency to default to smartphone integration.
• Simple solutions to infotainment frustrations can often be found in the phone’s settings, not the car’s.
• Eco mode, while efficient, can compromise ride quality; Normal mode may offer a better balance of efficiency and comfort.
• Fellow owners are an invaluable resource for navigating the complexities of modern vehicle technology.

The Little Things That Matter

The owner’s review also touches on a number of other small but significant details. The 360-degree camera, or “top view,” has been a revelation for parking, providing a level of confidence that was unimaginable in their old Highlander. This feature, once the domain of high-end luxury cars, is now becoming more common, and for good reason. 

As another user, tore_a_bore_a, notes, it’s a game-changer for tight parking situations.

"360 camera makes parking a lot easier. Definitely a nice feature, had to parallel park just the other day, and the 360 camera helps to let me know when to turn the wheel."

This is a perfect example of how technology can genuinely improve the driving experience. It’s not just about a bigger screen or more horsepower; it’s about features that make everyday tasks easier and less stressful. The Lexus brand has a long history of integrating advanced safety and convenience features, and the 360-degree camera is a prime example of that philosophy in action.

Noteworthy Features and Frustrations:

• A game-changer for parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
• A common design trend that looks great in the showroom but is a magnet for dust and fingerprints.
• A much-appreciated feature in warm climates.
• A slight downgrade from the owner’s previous Highlander, a common trade-off in the modern SUV market.

Ultimately, the owner's six-month review is a story of successful adaptation. They have embraced the new technology, learned to navigate its quirks, and are thoroughly enjoying the benefits of a modern, efficient, and safe vehicle. 

Their experience is a valuable reminder that the transition to a new car is a process of discovery, and that a little patience and a willingness to learn can lead to a deeply satisfying ownership experience. The Lexus NX350h is a car that rewards an engaged owner, and with the help of a supportive online community, it's a car that is sure to be enjoyed for many years to come. 

The few frustrations are a small price to pay for the immense leap forward in technology, a sentiment echoed by many who have experienced Lexus's evolving infotainment systems. The transition from older vehicles to modern hybrids continues to reveal new insights about Toyota and Lexus safety technologies that make daily driving more confident and secure.

Have you made a similar transition from an older vehicle to a modern hybrid or luxury car? What features surprised you the most, and which infotainment quirks have you discovered solutions for? Share your own ownership discoveries in the comments below.

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.