This week I bring you one of Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds' most recommended luxury compact SUVs - the Lexus NX. With its luxury, technology, safety, and reliability, the NX's long list of attributes make it stand out in the segment. My test vehicle is the 2024 NX 450h+ F Sport plug-in hybrid. I reviewed the Luxury grade in 2023.
Exterior
The NX looks sporty in Redline with an F Sport exclusive grille and bumpers, color-keyed over fenders, dark roof rails and window trim. It rides on 20-inch black finish alloy wheels. Up front, my test vehicle upgrades to optional Triple Beam headlights. A blade taillight stretches across the tail end and optional crossbars sit on top.
Performance
The 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid powertrain earns high marks from me, and not for the first time. Its 304-horsepower delivers impressive acceleration. Off-the-line or not, the NX 450+ moves. The engine is mated to a continuously variable transmission. The F Sport is also equipped with all-wheel drive, F Sport adaptive variable suspension and front and rear performance dampers.
Interior
A Circuit Red NuLuxe trim and dark graphite aluminum interior gives off sporty vibes when you open the driver's side door. The driver-centric cabin features soft-touch materials, quality craftsmanship and hardware. Digital door latches open the door electronically, something to get used to if you're used to traditional interior door handles.
A 8-way power F Sport driver's seat with enhanced side bolsters kept me riding in comfort during a three-hour road trip during the week of my review. F sport badging adorns the front headrests as well as the leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel with red contrast stitching. Other F Sport goodies include a black headliner, aluminum trim, pedals and scuff plates, all of which look great, along with rain sensing wipers.
The driver digital display is bright and easy to read and along with traditional data you find EV mileage and driver assistance info.
I'm a huge fan of Lexus' new multimedia/navigation system that's compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The NX 450h+ features a 14-inch touchscreen display with great resolution, graphics, mapping and responsiveness. "Hey Lexus" voice command is terrific. A 4G WiFi hotspot is available.
Underneath the multimedia screen you'll find dual zone climate with traditional dials for temp control. It's also where you'll find haptic controls for this vehicle's heated and ventilated front seats.
On the slim center console you find your gear shift knob, cupholders, optional wireless charger and various other controls including auto brake hold. There are both USB and USB-C ports up front.
The 60/40 split second row felt roomy for a compact SUV. I was impressed with the amount of headroom back there. A nice drop-down center console offers cupholders for passengers. There are AC vents but no digital controls. You do however get 2 USB - C ports and a 12-volt back there. The 2nd-row seats fold down manually.
I do think the 2nd row could benefit from more natural light as the door panels are on the high side, limiting window real estate. So a panoramic sunroof would be great.
A power rear door with a kick sensor reveals the cargo area where a tonneau cover hides your valuables.
Ride and Drive
I knew the Lexus NX would make a great road trip vehicle and it did. It's at home on the highway with its powerful acceleration and smooth, quiet ride. Add to that my trip started off on the rainy side, but thanks to all-wheel drive the NX didn't miss a beat, navigating wet roads with confidence. It's not a super sporty ride, but handling is terrific rain or shine thanks to its F Sport adaptive variable suspension. Sport S and Sport S+ mode are the most engaging drive modes.
Fuel economy is great at 38 mpg combined and an EPA-estimated 37 miles in EV-only mode.
Safety
The NX lineup comes with the Lexus Safety System 3.0+ - a great suite of safety features. They include Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam Headlamps. For 2024, LSS 3.0+ adds Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking. The NX lineup also has Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist. The F Sport package adds a large color head-up display.
Options and What You'll Pay
As is typical Lexus, there's a lengthly list of options on my review vehicle. They include a 6.6 kWh internal charging system ($800), Triple-Beam headlights ($850), wireless phone charger ($450), panoramic view monitor, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross-Traffic Alert ($1070), Activity Mount ($390), Carpet Cargo Mat ($140), Rear Bumper protector ($130), Cargo New ($75), illuminated cargo sills ($300), mudguards ($165), Rear and Side Puddle Lamps ($460), Crossbars ($395), Wheel locks ($95).
As equipped with all of the above the MSRP totals nearly $67,000 with destination.
Verdict
The Lexus NX is an attractive package all around - and the plug-in hybrid powertrain only makes it more so.
- What I Liked Most: Performance, luxurious cabin, safety and multimedia system.
- What I would change: A panoramic sunroof would add more natural cabin light. Wireless charging should be standard.
- MSRP: Base: $60,005; As equipped: $66,800.
- Official Color: Redline.
- Fuel Economy: 36 combined city/highway; 84 MPGe.
- Odometer reading when tested: 8,509 miles.
- Curb Weight: 4,475 pounds.
- Spare Tire: None. Run-Flat tires.
- Length-Width-Height: 183.5” long/73.4” wide/65.8” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.53 gallons with filler on the driver's side.
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds.
- 2024 Lexus NX 450h+ in a few words: An easy decision if you're looking for a plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV.
- Warranty: 4-year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper with roadside assistance, 6-year/70,000 mile powertrain warranty, 8-year-year/100,000 Mile Hybrid Warranty.
- Final Assembly Location: Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan.
- Manufacturer's website: Lexus
