Lexus NX trim comparison
2025 Lexus NX 250 vs 350 Premium
The NX 250 starts at $40,965 while the 350 Premium is $46,650. That $5,685 gap buys 8 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The 350 Premium gets the 2.4L I4 Turbo and AWD, so the $5,685 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the 250 if the 2.5L I4 with FWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the 350 Premium 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.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $100/month more over 60 months, or roughly $6,000 extra all-in once interest is included. 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 and 350 Premium share the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $5,685 for 7 measurable differences, which works out to about $812 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 | 350 Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $40,965 | $46,650 |
| 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" | 66.1" |
| 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 vs 350 Premium 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 Premium cost than the 250?
The 350 Premium starts at $46,650 compared to $40,965 for the 250. That is a $5,685 difference, or approximately $100/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Lexus NX 250 and 350 Premium have the same engine?
No. The 250 uses a 2.5L I4 (203 hp, 184 lb-ft), while the 350 Premium 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 come with AWD?
No. The 250 comes standard with FWD while the 350 Premium 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 and 350 Premium, 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 Premium worth $5,685 more than the 250?
The 350 Premium changes both the engine and drivetrain for $5,685 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2025 Lexus NX trim gets better fuel economy, the 250 or the 350 Premium?
The 250 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.
Is the NX 350 Premium Worth $5,685 More?
Spending $5,685 more on the NX 350 Premium buys the 2.4L I4 Turbo engine (+72 hp) and AWD. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the 250 has the 2.5L I4, the 350 Premium the 2.4L I4 Turbo. 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 Premium 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 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.
Bottom Line
$5,685 more for the NX 350 Premium gets you 7 real differences. At $100/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
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 250 best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Lexus NX 350 Premium
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the 350 Premium 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.