This week I'm back behind the wheel of the Lexus NX, which underwent a massive redesign in 2022. This go round, I'm reviewing the 2023 NX 450+, which is the designation for the NX plug-in hybrid model.
Exterior
My Grecian Water model certainly brightens up the day with its vibrant blue color. The Luxury grade rides on standard 20-inch Dark Gray Metallic wheels which look great.
Up front, Lexus' recognizable large vertical grille is flanked by LED headlamps and Daytime Running Lights. I love the exterior rear styling with its full-width LED blade tail lamp and block LEXUS rear badging. There are roof rails in top.
Powertrain
The NX 450+ is equipped with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers 304-horsepower. The engine is mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission and this model is equipped with optional all-wheel drive. The powertrain takes the NX 450+ to a Lexus-estimated 0-60 mph in 6 seconds and delivers an estimated 36-mile range on all-electric power, so it's not suitable for long commutes, but ok for close-to-home errands.
Interior
The NX's Luxury interior is indeed luxurious with soft-touch materials, leather seating, black open pore wood trim and premium switchgear. Lexus does not stray from its always impeccable craftsmanship.
The heated, power adjustable Palomino leather-trimmed front seats are a highlight. The Luxury's comfortable front seats are also ventilated. Above the leather-trimmed and heated steering wheel, sits a 7-inch colorful gauge cluster with driver information.
Unique features include the digital door latches on the soft-touch doors, which are quite cool.
On the center console, redesigned in 2022, you find a short gear shift knob and other controls including the electric parking brake. I was surprise to discover a wireless charger is optional, and missed having one.
The premium feeling continues to the 60/40 split second-row, where you lose a little bit of headroom due to elevated stadium seating. Back here you find more open pore wood and soft-touch materials. A drop down center armrest is quite cushiony. There aren't digital A/C controls but you get 2 USB-C ports, for a total of four in the vehicle.
The NX Luxury's power kick sensor lift gate opens at a nice speed to an impressive amount of cargo space. A tonneau cover hides your valuables. There is also some under storage beneath the cargo floor for the electric charger or other items.
Technology
The multimedia technology is wonderful in the NX. The 14-inch super-responsive high-resolution touchscreen looks great. The entire new multimedia interface and "Hey Lexus" Intelligent Assistant are both outstanding. (The system does require a subscription for certain features.) The screen is where you'll control many features, including the seat and steering wheel climate controls. It also houses a great panoramic view camera.
The Lexus multimedia system is compatible with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and comes with an AT&T WiFi HotSpot and can receive Over-The-Air updates.
Lexus sound systems never disappoint nor does the Luxury model's 10 -speaker premium sound system, which is a highlight.
Charging
The Lexus NX plug-in is capable of Level 1 (110V) and Level 2 (240V) charging.
Using the optional 6.6. kW Expedited Onboard Charger and Level 2, Lexus says you can achieve a full charge in about 2.5 hours. If you're using the standard 3.3 kW on board charger, it'll take about four-and-a-half hours.
Safety
The NX lineup comes with the Lexus Safety System 3.0+ that includes 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 me, the optional Advance Park isn't quite as easy to use as Hyundai's remote parking system.
Features and Options
The Luxury package nets you a power back door with kick sensor, rain sensing wipers, ventilated front seats, power moonroof, intuitive parking assist, black open pore wood trim, rear cross traffic automatic braking, thematic ambient illumination and a really nice, large and graphic focused Head-Up Display - one of most advanced HUD's I've experienced behind the wheel.
Options include Advanced Park ($250), Digital Inner Mirror ($200), Triple-Beam Headlamps ($850), a 6.6 KW Kilowatt on-board charger ($800), a Panoramic View Monitor/ Lane Change Assist/Front Cross Traffic Alert ($1,070), a 2,000 pound towing capacity ($160), illuminated cargo sill ($300), carpet cargo mat ($140), rear puddle lamp and side puddle lamp ($325) and mudguards ($165).
Total MSRP with options runs $61,965.
Ride and Drive
The NX plug-in hybrid delivers an enjoyable and smooth ride and drive with great acceleration. It's partially electrified powertrain lends to a sportier steering feel than a gas-only powered model.It's quiet inside and a great daily driver that's easy to park and maneuver due to its size.
Verdict
The Lexus NX plug-in hybrid is an easy to love, luxurious premium crossover that delivers all the quality you expect from Lexus, along with great fuel economy and an enjoyable ride and drive.
- What I liked most: The luxurious, comfortable interior and technology.
- What I would change: A wireless charger should be standard.
- MSRP: Base price $56,555. As equipped $61,965 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 36 MPG combined/84 MPGe combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 2,437 miles.
- 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 fuel filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Grecian Water.
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds.
- 2023 Lexus NX 450h+ Luxury in a few words: A luxurious and enjoyable SUV with the added benefit of electrification.
- 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
