The NX 450+ is the plug-in hybrid version of Lexus’ compact luxury SUV. It has the smooth ride Lexus is known for, comes well-equipped with lots of features and tech, and can go up to 37 miles on all-electric power. Once the gas engine kicks in, regular hybrid mode delivers an average of 36 mpg.
Base Price: $56,555
As Tested: $62,645
Horsepower: 304
Mileage: 84 MPGe electricity + gas/36 mpg combined gas only
The NX 450+ was added to the NX lineup for the 2022 model year. There are no major changes for 2023.
The NX 450+ comes in two trims: base and F Sport. Starting prices are $56,555 and $57,805, respectively. These prices are similar to rivals but the NX 450+ comes well equipped so it offers good value for the money. All-wheel drive is standard on both trims. There’s room for five passengers in two rows of seating.
The NX 450+ is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electric motors with a total output of 304 horsepower. The transmission is a continuously variable automatic.
The NX 450+ has decent performance. Acceleration is brisk – Lexus says it can go from zero to 60 mph in six seconds. And there’s plenty of smooth and eager power for merging and passing at freeway speeds. Brakes feel normal without the squishy pedal often found on hybrids. There is some body roll when cornering. Basically, the NX 450+ drives like a Lexus, which is a compliment. It won’t get your heart racing, but it does offer a smooth, capable and comfortable ride.
The estimated all-electric range is 37 miles. Like many, I often don’t drive more than 30 miles a day so was able to avoid using gas for much of my week with the NX 450+.
It takes about 4.5 hours to charge with a Level 2 240-volt charger. That time is cut to about 2.5 hours with the available 6.6kW charger. It can take about eight or nine hours with a regular 120-volt household plug.
EPA ratings for my tester are 84 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) with electricity and gas, and 36 mpg combined with gas only. These are excellent for the class. I burned less than one-eighth of a tank of gas during my week with the NX 450+ so you can save some serious money on fill-ups.
The interior is well built with high-end materials. Seats in both rows are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives. Front seats are spacious, even for taller adults. The second row easily fits two adults but three would be tight.
Standard features on the NX 450+ include proximity keyless entry, remote start, push-button start, rearview camera, head-up display, real leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, driver’s seat memory settings, power-adjustable passenger seat with memory settings, power adjustable and heated steering wheel, black open-pore wood trim, infotainment system with 14-inch touchscreen, navigation, 10-speaker premium audio system, Bluetooth, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, USB port, Wi-Fi hot spot, rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic high beams, ambient lighting, and a moonroof.
A 3.3-kW onboard charger is also standard. A 6.6-kW charger is available for $800.
Available features include a digital rearview camera, surround-view camera system, bolstered sport front seats, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, wireless device charger, panoramic glass roof and the Lexus Digital Key which lets you use your smartphone as a vehicle key.
Standard driver assistance technologies include forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-trace assist, adaptive cruise control, bind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.
Available driver assistance technologies include lane change assist (changes lanes when the driver turns on the turn signal, when adaptive cruise control is engaged); front cross-traffic warning and parallel and perpendicular park assist.
The infotainment system is better than the older versions. The 14-inch screen looks great, and the system responds quickly to touch and voice commands. Menus, though, aren’t all laid out logically and it can take time to figure out where everything is. Physical controls for audio and climate settings make it easy to make those adjustments.
Cargo space is below average for a luxury hybrid SUV. There are 22.7 cubic feet with both rows of seating in place, and 46.9 cubes with the second row folded. A hands-free power liftgate is standard on the NX 450+.
The good:
Excellent fuel economy
Good all-electric range
Refined handling
Peppy acceleration
Loaded with features and tech
Good value for the class
Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
The not-so-good:
Less cargo space than rivals
Infotainment system could be more intuitive
Pricing info:
My tester starts at $56,555. Advanced Park is $250. Digital inner mirror is $200. Triple beam headlamps with washers and cornering lamps are $850. 6.6-kilowatt internal charging system is $800. Premium paint is $595. Panoramic view monitor, lane change assist and front cross traffic alert are $1,070. Smart Phone Convenience Package is $450 and includes wireless charger and digital key. Carpet cargo mat is $140. Mudguards are $165. Rear puddle lamp and side puddle lamps are $325. Wheel locks are $95. Delivery fee is $1,150 bringing the grand total to $62,645.
