2025 Lexus NX 450h+
It’s debut for the 2022 model year showed that Lexus was serious about pushing the envelope of their compact SUV. That was why they included a new plug-in hybrid driveline to the NX lineup.
Although you can get internal combustion and hybrid drivelines in the Lexus NX, it is the plug-in hybrid model that offers the most curiosity for us. Should you consider the NX 450h+ when it comes to looking at an electrified SUV?
The overall design continues with nominal updates from the then-new 2022 NX. The brand’s spindle grille has a prominent lower opening on a flat front fascia. The rear end includes an LED bar that bridges both taillights with the Lexus name displayed right on top of it. The silhouette has a nice slant in the roofline with a three-glass side profile.
Our Luxury trim tester adds black-finished 20-inch wheels. Set against the Nori Green paint job, it gives it a mix of sportiness and luxury.
Inside of the NX, is a fully digital instrument cluster that is customizable. The 10-inch head-up display will show you which steering wheel control will do exactly the function you need. In the middle is a 14-inch Lexus Interface infotainment touchscreen system. Other controls are exactly what you expect in a Lexus.
The front seats offer the right mix of bolstering and support for the seatback and cushion. There is plenty of space for four-to-five people inside, along with a larger cargo hold than the previous model. You now have 22.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with those seats folded down.
Our NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid tester starts with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and adds electric motors and a direct way to recharge the battery. A full battery is given priority to “fuel” the NX 450h+ before the gasoline engine kicks in. This system yields a total of 304 horsepower. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain is connected to a continuously variable transmission with power going to all four wheels.
Operating on battery power alone, Lexus states it should get up to 37 miles of driving on a full charge. However, the gasoline engine takes over once you are in hybrid mode. In that mode, we averaged 36.1 MPG.
The ride quality offers a balance. It is smooth and well behaved, including potholed and cracked streets. Handling was controlled and managed curves quite well.
We also found the steering to be a lot more controlled and precise. On-center feel was also on-point without the use of any driver assist features. Braking was also good with a solid pedal feel and response to the wheels. We experienced solid stops in normal, panic, and wet conditions.
There are eleven choices available for the 2025 Lexus NX, including two plug-in hybrid models. Pricing starts at $42,140. Our NX 450h+ Luxury tester came in with a sticker price of $64,764.
The Lexus NX continues to be a choice in the highly competitive luxury/premium compact SUV segment. The NX is compared to the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Audi Q5, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Volvo XC60, Acura RDX, Cadillac XT4, Buick Envision, GMC Terrain, Lincoln Corsair, Infiniti QX50 and QX55. It is also one of the few hybrids and plug-in hybrids in this segment.
Yet, the Lexus NX stands out with its unique styling and expected quality. The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid adds another incentive to enjoy this unique offering in the luxury SUV space. Within the NX lineup, you are pipped for choice. You will choose very wisely among the variants available.
