As you might know, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) has a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain with a larger battery and more powerful motors, typically allowing it to run longer in full electric mode without having to run the gasoline engine. And, of course, you can plug it in and charge it like an EV apart from refueling it like a regular pure gasoline-powered vehicle.

The focus today is on the Lexus NX 450h+. Offered in two trim levels—NX 450+ AWD and NX 450+ F Sport Handling AWD—both variants feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors (front and rear) with matching performance. With this lineup, Lexus is vying for the top spot in the Luxury Crossover SUV category.

PHEVs are gradually making their way into the automotive market thanks to the collective aim of reducing emissions, and they serve as a transitional bridge to go from conventional automobiles to vehicles with lower environmental impact. Stick around to discover more about these models offered by Lexus and expand your knowledge about them!

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Lexus, Fuel Economy, and Car and Driver.

Related: 10 Most Affordable PHEVs In 2023

1 The Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid Makes Over 300 Horses Combined

The NX series plug-in models share their mechanical foundation with the Toyota RAV4 Prime Plug-in, using a four-cylinder gas engine and dual-electric motor setup (Lexus Plug-in Hybrid Electric Drive), a configuration that enables them to achieve a total system horsepower of 304.

The 450h+ Reaches 60 mph In Six Seconds

According to Lexus, the 450h+ can haul from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds. While this speed is pretty quick for just a compact crossover, it falls slightly behind the competition (other luxury SUVs with plug-in powertrains, such as Volvo’s XC60, exhibit a quicker acceleration). Nevertheless, the 450h+ offers plenty of smooth power for day-to-day driving, which is essentially the primary purpose of these vehicles. The plug-in’s electrical system contributes additional low-range and midrange power, enhancing quick passing and merging maneuvers.

Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid’s Specs

(Specs sourced from Lexus)

2 The Battery Can Be Fully Charged In 4.5 Hours

The 18.1 kWh battery of the NX 450h+ can be charged in approximately 12 hours using a home power source of a 120-Volt outlet. Additionally, there is the option to charge it with a Level 2 EV charger using a 240-Volt outlet, with which the charge time decreases to about 4.5 hours.

The plug-in hybrid electric battery in the NX450h+ is designed for long-term use, and it’s backed by warranty. It is covered for 10 years from the original date of first use or up to 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

An all-electric range of 37 miles

Even though the Lexus NX 450h+ has an all-electric range of 37 miles, you should never drive the NX 450h+ without gasoline in the tank. While under certain conditions you may drive on electricity alone, the vehicle always requires gasoline to operate properly. Also, it is generally advantageous to keep the vehicle battery charged.

Depending on your electricity rate, you could reduce fuel costs by plugging it in at night (the more often you keep your NX 450h+ battery fully charged, the greater your potential gasoline savings will be).

Related: 10 Reasons To Buy A Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle Over An EV

3 Bold Exterior With Compact Dimensions

Compared to other Compact Luxury Crossover SUVs, the Lexus NX boasts a notably sportier design, if one may say, making it striking in that aspect. It features a slightly different design from the first generation; in this case, it exhibits beautiful body lines and a smoother design, giving it a more modern perspective.

It also comes with some new cool features. For instance, it doesn’t have movable door handles, as they are electronically powered (even though they appear like regular door handles, they are actually electronically assisted). But what if the car runs out of battery? You can still open them as it includes a manual opening too — so don’t worry!

Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid’s Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Lexus)

4 A Premium And Stylish Interior Design

This model features an updated interior with numerous changes compared to the previous generation, which represents a significant improvement. While the prior version seemed to have a more “basic” design, the actual one looks modernized.

Inside, the SUV boasts high-quality materials, and some features vary from one model to another. For instance, both come with heated and ventilated front seats and a leather-trimmed heated steering wheel, but the higher trim level includes F Sport materials such as seats, steering wheel, aluminum pedals, etc.

Standard specifications

• Dual-zone climate control with interior air filter, smog sensor, and automatic recirculation mode.
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with two-way power lumbar.
• Lexus Memory System for driver’s seat, steering wheel, and outside mirrors.
• SmartAccess with push-button Start/Stop.
• Ten-speaker premium sound system.
• Thematic ambient illumination.

Related: 5 Reasons To Buy The Lexus NX Hybrid (And, 5 Reasons Why You Should Stay Away)

5 No Dearth Of Tech Features

The NX 450h+ comes loaded with most of the latest in-car tech Lexus has to offer. The dashboard features a prominent 14-inch touchscreen display, and the navigation system seamlessly integrates turn-by-turn directions in the 10-inch head-up display. However, beyond the trial period (which lasts for three years), it requires a subscription to use.

For those who prefer using their phones, the NX comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both offering wireless connectivity. Additionally, Lexus includes a complete suite of driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning features. It also features other cool amenities, including the following:

• Wi-Fi Connect with AT&T Wi-Fi hotspot.
• Lexus app (Remote Connect, engine start, service scheduling, Vehicle Health Reports/Alerts, and more).
• Digital Key.
• Backup camera.

6 Spacious Cabin, But Unimpressive Cargo Space

The Lexus NX is one of the smallest vehicles in its class, something reflected in its below-average cargo capacity. Offering 22.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded down, this Lexus provides significantly less cargo capacity than its rivals.

The Cabin Is Another Thing Entirely

On the other hand, the NX’s interior is sufficiently spacious and well-organized. The cabin is quite roomy, the front seats offer decent adjustability, and it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position with all the major controls within easy reach. The rear seats also offer acceptable capacity, and storage in the rest of the cabin is a bit better; the center console is spacious, and the bin hidden underneath the wireless charging pad seems very handy.

Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid’s Exterior Dimensions

(Data sourced from Lexus)

Related: 10 Plug-in Hybrid SUVs That Are Perfect For City Driving

7 Boasts A Combined 36 MPG

Fuel economy is the real reason you’ll be interested in the 450h+. The NX 450h+ boasts an EPA-estimated 37 miles on all-electric power, providing 84 MPGe (considering a fully charged battery). Once that range is depleted, the 450h+ transitions to regular hybrid mode, delivering an EPA-estimated 36 MPG.

A Strong Point Against The Competition

Most competitors aren’t even rated for more than 30 miles on electric power alone, and none of them match that fuel efficiency (for example, the Audi Q5 has a combined MPG of 27). This starkly highlights the significant difference Lexus establishes in terms of fuel economy, clearly a strong point in comparison to the competition.

Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid’s Fuel Economy

(Data sourced from EPA)

8 The Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid Starts At $59,905

As mentioned earlier, there are two plug-in hybrid trims. While the base model, the NX 450h+ AWD, has a starting price of $59,905, the higher trim, the NX 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD, has a slightly higher price of $61,155, thus giving us a difference of approximately $1200).

Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid’s Prices

(Data sourced from Lexus)

Overall, the price of the base model compared to its direct competitors falls more or less within the same range (with the Audi being quite cheaper), making it crucial to analyze their differences purely in performance. For comparison, the Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 starts at $58,295, and the Audi Q5 Plug-in begins at $56,595.

Related: 10 Reasons Why The Lexus NX Hybrid Is Special

9 Offered With Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 As Standard

The safety features are the same for both trims as they are encompassed within the safety system offered by Lexus. Here are some of them:

• Pre-collision system: This system utilizes radar and camera technology to detect pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcycles. It provides alerts and can assist in steering or automatically applying the brakes to prevent potential collisions.
• Lane tracing assist: Designed to assist the driver in keeping the vehicle centered in the lane, this system offers steering support, particularly helpful in traffic and on highways with gradual curves.
• Lane departure alert with steering assist: Monitoring visible lane markings through a camera, this system warns the driver if an unintended lane departure is detected at speeds over 32 mph. It offers alerts and slight corrective measures to steer the vehicle back into the lane.
• Road sign assist: Using an integrated camera, this system provides road sign information on the instrument panel or Head-Up Display, enhancing driver awareness of road signs.
• Intelligent high beams: This feature switches between high and low beams based on detected vehicles ahead, providing high beams when the road is clear and switching to low beams to prevent glare for other drivers.

10 Stacks Up Well Against Other Compact Luxury Crossover SUVs

The NX 450h+ goes up against a growing field of plug-in hybrid luxury SUV competitors such as the Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid and the Volvo XC60 Recharge.

Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid’s Competitors

(Data sourced from each respective automaker)

Regarding performance and efficiency, the Lexus demonstrates a superior MPG, with a considerable difference. Boasting a value of 36 MPG, it significantly outperforms its competitors. At the same time, both the Audi and the Volvo offer higher power, which may or may not influence the purchase decision, depending on the intended use of the vehicle.

On the other hand, the electric range of the NX 450h+ is also greater. While the Volvo has a respectable range of 32 miles and the Audi of 23 miles, the Lexus extends up to 37 miles, a little bit more than the Volvo’s. This difference compared to the Audi, for example, could notably impact the consumer’s wallet in the long term.