Lexus NX trim comparison
2025 Lexus NX 250 Premium vs 350 F SPORT Handling
The NX 250 Premium starts at $42,890 while the 350 F SPORT Handling is $49,335. That $6,445 gap buys 8 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The 350 F SPORT Handling gets the 2.4L I4 Turbo and AWD, so the $6,445 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the 250 Premium if the 2.5L I4 with FWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the 350 F SPORT Handling only when the 2.4L I4 Turbo and AWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the 250 Premium to the 350 F SPORT Handling is about $114/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $6,840 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the 250 Premium and 350 F SPORT Handling share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $6,445 for 7 measurable differences, which works out to about $921 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 8 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 250 Premium | 350 F SPORT Handling |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $42,890 | $49,335 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.5L I4 | 2.4L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 203 hp | 275 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 26 | 21 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 28 |
| Combined MPG | 28 | 24 |
| Fuel Tank | 14.5 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,550/yr | $2,400/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,660 lbs | 4,035 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 105.9" |
| Length | 183.5" | 183.5" |
| Width | 73.4" | 73.4" |
| Height | 66.1" | 65.8" |
| Safety | ||
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 6yr/70k | 6yr/70k |
| Corrosion | 6yr/unlimited | 6yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/unlimited | 4yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Lexus NX 250 Premium vs 350 F SPORT Handling Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Lexus NX lineup, the Lexus brand hub, the Compact SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 NX 350 F SPORT Handling cost than the 250 Premium?
The 350 F SPORT Handling starts at $49,335 compared to $42,890 for the 250 Premium. That is a $6,445 difference, or approximately $114/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Lexus NX 250 Premium and 350 F SPORT Handling have the same engine?
No. The 250 Premium uses a 2.5L I4 (203 hp, 184 lb-ft), while the 350 F SPORT Handling has the 2.4L I4 Turbo (275 hp, 317 lb-ft). That is 72 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2025 NX 250 Premium come with AWD?
No. The 250 Premium comes standard with FWD while the 350 F SPORT Handling has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2025 Lexus NX come with?
All 2025 Lexus NX trims, including both the 250 Premium and 350 F SPORT Handling, come with Lexus's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 6yr/70k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Lexus NX 350 F SPORT Handling worth $6,445 more than the 250 Premium?
The 350 F SPORT Handling changes both the engine and drivetrain for $6,445 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2025 Lexus NX trim gets better fuel economy, the 250 Premium or the 350 F SPORT Handling?
The 250 Premium is the more efficient of the two at 28 combined MPG, versus 24 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $6,445 Gets You
The NX 350 F SPORT Handling is a clear upgrade over the 250 Premium. The $6,445 price increase gets you the 2.4L I4 Turbo engine (+72 hp) and AWD -- real functional changes, not just cosmetics.
250 Premium vs. 350 F SPORT Handling: Day-to-Day
The 350 F SPORT Handling comes with the 2.4L I4 Turbo instead of the 250 Premium's 2.5L I4. That means 72 more horsepower and 133 more lb-ft of torque. That extra power shows up most clearly once you are out of town and asking more of the drivetrain. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 4 fewer combined MPG. The 350 F SPORT Handling includes AWD, which adds confidence in rain, snow, and light off-road conditions. It also increases curb weight and slightly reduces fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The NX 250 Premium gets 4 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $250 per year or $1,250 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$6,445 more for the NX 350 F SPORT Handling gets you 7 real differences. At $114/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Lexus NX 250 Premium
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 250 Premium best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Lexus NX 350 F SPORT Handling
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 350 F SPORT Handling when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Lexus or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.