2024 Lexus NX450h+ offers plug in power and luxury

The Lexus brand is centered on comfort, and the compact luxury NX plays perfectly into that culture. Currently in its second generation since 2022, the NX has been out since 2014 and has been at the top of the Lexus sales chart ever since. Most NX models come handsomely appointed with high-quality materials and tons of features. And there is an abundance of powertrain options available, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. This week we look at the range-topping NX450h+.

The Lexus NX is a five-seat luxury compact SUV. Being just a few years since its makeover, it still looks fresh with its double-angled grille and high-mounted running lights. Models range from the base NX250, which starts at just under $41,000, to the NX350, NX350h and the NX450h+. The tester, an NX450h+ with the F Sport package has an MSRP of $66,800.

Shared with the Toyota RAV4 Prime, the NX 450h+ has a plug-in hybrid powertrain that makes 304 hp and provides an EPA-estimated electric driving range of 37 miles.

The cabin of the NX continues to impress me with its typical Lexus look and feel. All interior touchpoints, starting with the leather-wrapped steering-wheel, have a quality feel. Along with the modern looks and classy materials, the NX offers one of the more spacious cabins in the luxury subcompact crossover segment, with slightly more passenger room in the rear seat and more cargo space with the rear seats folded than most of its rivals (Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA). A favorite feature of mine are the door handles which are electronic, popping open with a gentle press. Some of the optional features include a panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats, and an ambient interior lighting system with 64 different color choices. A large 14.0-inch touchscreen is standard on all but the base mode (which gets a 9.8-inch display) and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and work by way of a wireless connection.

For the 450h+ though, it’s all about the hybrid drivetrain and nobody knows them better than Toyota and Lexus. The NX450h+ uses the same 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four as in the base NX250 and the standard hybrid, the NX350h (the nonhybrid NX350 has a turbocharged 2.4-liter four.) Electric motors assist the gasoline engine and are the sole motive source for the rear wheels, providing all-wheel-drive capability and 304 total horsepower. Along with that power, the battery pack can afford 37 miles of EV range. After that, the NX450h+ gets a combined 36 mpg as a hybrid.

And that power is easily felt. The NX450h+ can hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, which is quite impressive considering how fuel efficient the NX is. The F Sport trim, which includes an adaptive suspension system, firms up the ride and delivers a bit more poise but doesn’t really turn the NX into a true sport SUV. It does enhance the looks of the NX with its own grille and bumpers, along with special seats, pedals and other trim pieces, and that alone is worthy of its $1300 price.

As expected in electric mode the NX 450h+ is extremely quiet, with the motors providing enough power to get you off the line and accelerate with plenty of pace without the gas engine needing to assist. The CVT transmission does send the revs soaring on occasion, however, the transition from electric to gas is so smooth it can hardly be detected.

When in EV mode, the NX450h+ can travel 37 miles (or 33 miles on the highway). Full recharge time is about 2.5 hours using a 240-volt power source. But the best part is that this is all totally optional. If you decide you want to plug it in and travel 37 miles gas-free, then do so. Otherwise, you can settle for a still economical 36 mpg.

For 2024, the only changes to the NX450h+ is that it is now available with either a regular sunroof or a panoramic sunroof and a remote parking feature is available.

The NX has never been a flashy SUV, even as the NX450h+ wearing the F Sport trim, it still won’t stand out in a crowd. But it covers all bases when it comes to comfort, luxury, technology, and efficiency. For buyers that want Lexus luxury yet don’t want to sacrifice fuel economy or utility, the NX450h+ certainly hits on all those points.

– Christopher A. Randazzo
By The Numbers:

2024 Lexus NX450h+ F Sport

Base Price: $ 60,005.00
Price as Tested: $ 66,800.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.5 liter inline 4- cylinder with electric motor
Transmission: CVT automatic
Horsepower (total): 304 hp
EPA Fuel Economy: 84 MPGe / 36 mpg

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