Electric Cars

A recent development has seen federal authorities launching an inquiry into the effectiveness of a previous recall campaign undertaken by Kia. This investigation focuses on certain Kia Soul and Seltos vehicles, specifically those from the 2021-2023 model years, which were subjected to a recall earlier this year due to concerns surrounding potentially defective piston oil rings. Despite Kia's implemented fix, a substantial number of owners have voiced complaints, indicating that the original remedy did not adequately address the identified issues, leading to ongoing safety hazards and potential engine damage. This situation has prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to scrutinize Kia's response and its impact on vehicle reliability and consumer safety.

In February of the current year, Kia initiated a recall (designated 25V099) affecting over 137,000 Soul and Seltos units. The core problem stemmed from piston oil rings that were potentially manufactured with imperfections, posing a risk of engine malfunction and, in severe cases, fire. However, the subsequent repair strategy, made available in April, primarily involved the installation of piston-ring noise sensing software. Crucially, this approach did not entail the physical replacement of the faulty piston rings themselves. Instead, it relied on a diagnostic tool to determine if an engine replacement was necessary, a process that has been criticized for being inconsistent and often leading to owners being denied the necessary repairs.

The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation received at least 47 complaints between late April and late June, with vehicle owners expressing dissatisfaction with the recall's efficacy or the lack of available solutions. These complaints highlighted a critical gap: while the software aimed to detect engine issues, it did not prevent the inherent problems of oil leakage and cylinder wall abrasion caused by the flawed piston rings. This oversight allowed the potential for continued engine damage and an elevated fire risk, undermining the very purpose of the recall. The inconsistent results from inspections further exacerbated the frustration among vehicle owners, who felt their safety concerns were not being appropriately addressed.

Moving forward, the NHTSA is conducting an Audit Query to thoroughly evaluate the validity of these owner allegations and to understand the specific challenges Kia's customers faced due to the revised recall procedures. The outcome of this investigation is expected to compel Kia to issue a new, more comprehensive recall, offering a genuine and lasting solution to the engine defects. While a definitive timeline for such a remedy remains uncertain, the current situation carries significant risks, including catastrophic engine failure due to oil pressure loss, particularly during highway driving. Nevertheless, authorities have indicated that the immediate fire risk, while present, is not severe enough to warrant a 'Do Not Drive' advisory for the affected vehicles, offering a small measure of reassurance to the owners.

The ongoing investigation into Kia's recall of Soul and Seltos models underscores the importance of effective and comprehensive solutions to automotive safety defects. The initial recall, which focused on a software-based approach rather than addressing the root mechanical cause, has demonstrably failed to alleviate the concerns of vehicle owners. This incident serves as a critical reminder for manufacturers to prioritize robust and definitive repairs in their recall campaigns, ensuring consumer safety and trust in their products.

The latest iteration of the Lexus NX 350 F Sport marks a substantial upgrade from previous models, transforming it into a vehicle that commands attention through both its performance and aesthetic appeal. This new generation goes beyond mere cosmetic alterations, introducing significant improvements in driving dynamics and interior sophistication. It presents a compelling package for those seeking a blend of Lexus's signature luxury with a more engaging and sporty character. With a powerful engine, refined chassis, and an intuitively designed cabin, the 2025 NX 350 F Sport is poised to impress, offering a notably superior experience compared to its predecessors. This comprehensive evaluation delves into the various facets that define this enhanced vehicle, from its spirited performance to its meticulously crafted interior and competitive market positioning.

Revealing the Reimagined 2025 Lexus NX 350 F Sport: A Deep Dive into its Dynamics and Refinements

In the vibrant automotive landscape of August 2025, a notable contender has emerged, challenging prior perceptions and setting a new standard for luxury crossovers. The 2025 Lexus NX 350 F Sport, after a week of rigorous evaluation, has firmly established itself as a remarkably different machine compared to its earlier iterations. Its significant advancements in both cabin architecture and, surprisingly, its on-road behavior, are truly commendable. This renewed focus on a more engaging driving experience, coupled with Lexus's unwavering commitment to comfort and reliability, positions the new NX as a formidable player.

At the heart of the NX 350 F Sport lies a potent 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. This spirited powerplant generates a formidable 275 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and a robust 317 lb-ft of torque, which becomes readily available at a low 1,700 RPM. This low-end torque is precisely what contributes to the vehicle's lively and responsive feel in urban environments. Power is seamlessly managed through a swift 8-speed automatic transmission and a standard full-time all-wheel-drive system. The all-wheel-drive system ingeniously distributes up to 50% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels when needed, ensuring enhanced balance and athletic prowess during spirited cornering. This sophisticated powertrain configuration allows the NX 350 F Sport to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a respectable 6.6 seconds.

The F Sport Handling trim further elevates the driving experience with its advanced chassis enhancements. A key feature is the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which employs electronically controlled dampers capable of instantaneous firmness adjustments. While maintaining a comfortable and composed ride in 'Normal' mode, a simple switch to 'Sport S' or 'Sport S+' modes transforms the vehicle, significantly firming up the suspension to reduce body roll and deliver a more controlled and agile feel. Complementing this, front and rear performance dampers are integrated to bolster torsional rigidity, minimizing body flex during aggressive maneuvers. The result is a more planted and communicative driving sensation, offering a genuinely enjoyable experience behind the wheel.

Aesthetically, the second-generation NX presents a bolder and more sophisticated evolution of its original design. Built on Lexus's GA-K platform, it boasts a commanding presence with its extended, wider, and lower stance. The front fascia is dominated by an intricate, multi-dimensional interpretation of the iconic spindle grille. The rear design makes a striking statement with a full-width LED taillight blade and the contemporary 'L E X U S' wordmark, replacing the traditional 'L' logo.

Inside, Lexus introduces its "Tazuna" cockpit philosophy, a Japanese term describing a rider's intuitive control over a horse. This design ethos creates a deeply driver-focused environment where every control feels perfectly positioned. The expansive central touchscreen is subtly angled towards the driver, ensuring easy accessibility for all essential functions. The cabin exudes luxury with premium soft-touch materials and Lexus's renowned high-quality fit and finish. The F Sport trim distinguishes itself with exclusive accents, including supportive sport seats upholstered in high-grade NuLuxe synthetic leather (available in classic Black or a vibrant Circuit Red), a unique perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a bespoke F Sport shift knob, and sleek aluminum pedals.

From a financial perspective, the 2025 Lexus NX lineup offers competitive pricing, with the F Sport Handling trim positioned near the pinnacle of the gasoline-powered variants, starting at an MSRP of $50,630. Opting for additional packages and features will, naturally, influence the final cost. A highly recommended addition is the F SPORT Handling Luxury Package, priced at $2,865, which includes a larger 14-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, a power tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and an elegant ambient lighting system. Other desirable options include the 17-speaker, 1,020-watt Mark Levinson Premium Audio system and a panoramic moonroof, adding $1,600. A fully equipped model is likely to reach approximately $58,000.

In terms of efficiency, the NX 350 F Sport achieves an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in city driving, 28 mpg on highways, and a combined 24 mpg. It's important to note that premium fuel is recommended to optimize its performance capabilities.

A significant leap forward for the 2025 model is the integration of the all-new Lexus Interface infotainment system, a vast improvement over the previous generation's widely criticized setup. The F Sport comes standard with a crisp 9.8-inch touchscreen, though the optional 14-inch high-definition display is highly recommended for its responsiveness and visual clarity. This system, powered by new in-house software, is intuitive, fast, and supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. Crucially, Lexus has intelligently retained physical rotary dials for climate control and volume, balancing modern touch-based interfaces with tactile usability. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and for audio connoisseurs, the optional 17-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson surround sound system delivers an exceptionally rich and immersive listening experience.

The "F" in F Sport pays homage to Fuji Speedway, the storied Japanese racetrack where Lexus refines its high-performance vehicles. Lexus employs a clear performance branding hierarchy: 'F Sport Design' for cosmetic enhancements, 'F Sport Handling' for chassis and suspension upgrades (like the AVS in the NX), 'F Sport Performance' which adds a powerful engine to the handling package, and the 'F Models,' representing the pinnacle of track-honed machinery. The NX 350 F Sport Handling, with its adaptive suspension, moves beyond a mere appearance package to offer a truly dynamic and responsive driving experience, a notable evolution from its static-suspension predecessors.

The 2025 Lexus NX 350 F Sport Handling successfully marries aggressive aesthetics and sharpened driving dynamics with the core Lexus tenets of luxury, including an exceptionally quiet cabin and plush interior finishes. For discerning drivers who desire a vehicle that is not only visually striking but also confident and genuinely enjoyable to pilot on a daily basis, the Lexus NX presents a compelling and refined choice.

This comprehensive redesign of the Lexus NX series, particularly the F Sport variant, offers a profound insight into the evolving luxury automotive market. From a journalist's perspective, Lexus's strategic move to enhance driving dynamics alongside its traditional strengths of reliability and opulent interiors is a testament to the brand's adaptability. The meticulous attention to detail, from the "Tazuna" cockpit philosophy to the integration of advanced, user-friendly infotainment, signals a clear understanding of contemporary consumer desires. This evolution suggests that luxury is no longer solely about comfort, but also about an immersive, intuitive, and exciting driving experience. For readers, this review provides a clear signal that Lexus is actively pushing boundaries, delivering vehicles that are not just modes of transport, but passionate expressions of automotive excellence, capable of inspiring genuine enthusiasm. It’s a compelling narrative of a brand re-energizing its core identity to meet the demands of a dynamic future.