My Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Lexus NX 450h+
Remember when we had the Lexus NX 450h+ a few years ago? It came in the F Sport model. The blue one!
Right! I was wondering where Lexus was going with this new generation model. Not just design-wise, but with the expansion of electrification to include a plug-in hybrid driveline. Eventually. I “got it.”
When I found out that I was getting another NX, I was hoping to get another driveline. Perhaps the turbocharged internal combustion engine on the NX 350? Nope, it was the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid.
And, I’m not mad at it.
The driveline starts with a very familiar 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, Then, they add electric motors drawing from a rechargeable battery using a J1772 plug receptacle. When you have a full battery, power for the vehicle is given priority to the electric motor, before the gasoline engine kicks in. That should yield around 37 miles of range on a full battery charge. In all, 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.
Performance from the electric motor is smooth (our favorite word we use at V&R, but apt in this case). It seamlessly switches to the electric motor with a couple of bars on the battery gauge at zero EV range. When it does, it continues to deliver power from the gas engine without missing a beat. No hesitation at acceleration with smooth cruising.
In real world testing, we were able to achieve 36.1 MPG based on fuel consumption. We also got 35 miles on a full battery from a recharge off of our Level 2 charger.
The driving experience was fine. I was not expecting a bespoke experience, but it was fine. The ride quality was balanced on both smooth and rough tarmac. It managed potholes with ease. We also found the handling as controlled and manageable – curves and all.
The steering system was also controlled and precise. On-center feel was indeed on-point. Twist the knob on the drive mode button into Sport and the steering gets a bit heavier with more on-center control. Either way, the Lane Tracing Assist does a good job keeping the NX within the lines. That, I appreciate very much!
The brakes were also a high point of the driving experience. The pedal felt solid and actuated a good response to the wheels. We experienced solid stops in normal, panic, and wet conditions during our time in the NX. We never felt any regeneration back to the battery in any of our stops.
The driving experience yields to a luxurious and technology-rich cabin. In front of the driver is a combination of a digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch head-up display. The one thing I appreciate with the head-up display is how it would show you which controls are associated with the two four-way buttons on the steering wheel. No guesswork needed to decipher how to resume your cruise control or how to switch to the next station. Other controls are tactile and easy to use – even if you have never driven a Lexus before.
On top of the center stack is the 14-inch Lexus Interface infotainment touch screen. It is a intuitive hub for all playback and information options. Wireless smartphone integration fills the screen adding to the intuitive package. The vast array of entertainment options is emitted through the 17-speaker Mark Levinson PurePlay Surround Sound audio system. Nice…very nice (and, yet another overused word here at V&R – very apt in this case!).
The perforated leather front seats were formed in a chevron “quilted” design on the seatbacks and cushions. They offer a mix of support and comfort with minimal fatigue up front. In the rear, it is just as comfortable.
For the cargo hold, there is 22.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row. That is expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with those seats folded down.
Of course, you can’t talk about the Lexus brand without talking about its exterior design. Back in 2022, this was the first of a new wave of Lexus design. That new wave reshaped the Spindle Grille profile and revised the rear end signature with an LED light strip across the rear. All of the SUVs since have followed this design pattern.
There have been no changes to the NX exterior for 2025, with these elements in place. The only thing noticeable is the 20-inch dark finished alloy wheels on this NX 450h+ Luxury tester. They look cool when paired with the Nori Green paint finish. Just like Ultrasonic Blue and Copper Crest, this is another signature color that makes a Lexus pop more than its rivals.
For 2025, there are eleven NX models to choose from, along with four different power sources. Among these choices are two choices are plug-in hybrid models that have limited availability. Pricing for the entire lineup starts at $42,140. Our NX 450h+ Luxury tester came in with a sticker price of $64,764.
It is easy to say that because it’s a Lexus, it should get a pass. It could, but the NX is in a highly competitive space in the premium/luxury SUV field. This is a space where brand loyalty is the primary reason to buy a vehicle. After 35 years, Lexus has built a loyal ownership base.
Relevance is another reason to look at the NX. If there are consumers who would rather have their electrification and still need to gas up, this vehicle is indeed relevant. Although it is in limited supply, obtaining an NX 450h+ would be a guilt-free ownership experience.
We really do appreciate the Lexus NX. It has set the tone for all SUVs introduced during this decade. It has also pushed the agenda towards electrification at Lexus. It is still available for you to experience. So, what’s stopping you?
DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America – our opinions are of our own
All photos by Randy Stern