It is no secret that the Lexus brand is centered on comfort, and the compact luxury NX plays perfectly into that culture. The Lexus NX has been out since 2014 and is currently in its fourth year in its second generation, which came out in 2022. In typical Lexus fashion, the NX comes handsomely appointed with high-quality materials and tons of features. And there are three powertrain options available, including a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. This week we look at the range-topping NX450h+ plug-in hybrid.
The Lexus NX is a five-seat luxury compact SUV. Despite being several years since its last makeover, it still looks fresh with its double-angled grille and high-mounted running lights. Models range from the base NX350, to the hybrid versions NX350h and the NX450h+. Pricing starts at $46,470, while the tester has an MSRP of $67,289.
The cabin of the NX continues to impress 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 compact 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 NX350 (which gets a 9.8-inch display) and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard and work by way of a wireless connection.
The lineup for the 2026 Lexus NX consists of the NX350, NX350h and the NX450h+. The NX350 employs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 275 horsepower. From there, it's all about the hybrid drivetrain and nobody knows them better than Toyota and Lexus. The NX350h uses a normally aspirated 2.4-liter engine along with a hybrid powertrain to make a total system output of 240 horsepower. The NX450h+ also uses a normally aspirated four-cylinder, but this one being slightly larger at 2.5-liters. In addition to the larger engine comes more powerful electric motors that 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 NX450h+ is a plug-in hybrid, so its battery pack can afford 37 miles of pure EV range. Once that battery is depleted, the NX450h+ turns into a normal hybrid, bringing around 34 mpg combined city and highway.
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 available F Sport Handling package adds 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.
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.
Plugged in, the NX450h+ has a full recharge time of 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, the NX remains a full-fledge hybrid, bringing in great fuel economy. And with a total combined range of around 550 miles, the NX450h+ removes the stress of range anxiety.
For 2026, last year s base model, the NX250, has been discontinued, making the NX350 the new base. Also, for 2026, the NX350h is now available with front-wheel drive.
The NX has never been a flashy SUV, even as the NX450h+ wearing the F Sport attire, 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.