While the NX is offered as an NX 350, we were privileged to test the NX 450h Plus. The latter is the plug-in version but the model is also offered in NX 450 AWD Premium, Luxury and Sport Handling versions.
The NX450h had Lexus’s traditional massive grille and chiseled, sculpted exterior lines that give it an aerodynamic look that appears it’s moving 55 mph standing still. Despite this racy look, the NX 450h is an all-weather crossover with an 8.07-inch ground clearance for traversing relatively deep snow.
NX 450h’s interior is classy and upscale with a low 19-inch step-in and leather trimmed heated/ventilated front seats that are exceptionally supportive with typical Lexus comfort.
Lexus nicely integrated a large 14-inch display that didn’t extend above the dash like some other cars have. It serves the HVAC controls, revolving cameras, front and rearview cameras, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto capable, and a host of features like navigation and more that are 4G Network dependent, plus self-parking assist. For your listening pleasure NX 450h offers a premium Mark Levinson audio system.
Paddle shifters add some extra sporty driving by controlling shift points and downshifts nice to have when descending a steep hill and for saving the brakes. The paddle shifters and are supplemental to the stubby console gear selector. This combines with a digital gauge cluster that offers a driver information display for alerts, features and functions.
NX 450h also had unique door handles that require a push forward to partially open the door.
The vertical stack and console house a rotary drive mode selector switch for Eco, Sport and Normal modes. This is in addition to two EV modes. The gauge cluster will give a notice if the EV battery is not charged enough for driving.
Two niceties are a full-length sunroof that rear passengers can also enjoy and a digital/conventional rearview mirror. In digital mode, it gives a wide-angle view and by-passes the rear headrests that stand-out in the switchable traditional view. I found that when switching to the digital view, my eyes needed a second or two to adjust to the expanded view. More carmakers are including this mirror in their new offerings, and it does have some advantages over a traditional mirror.
Rear seats are equally as comfy for two adults or three youngsters and the doors open wide for easy ingress/egress.
Back in the cargo area, and with the rear seats upright, there’s 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space that measures 37.5 inches deep, 40.5 wide and 28 inches high. Flip the rear seatbacks and cargo depth expands to 46.9 cubic feet.
Lift over onto the cargo area is a low 32 inches. Beneath the carpeted cargo floor is a hard-plastic bin that houses the PHEV charging cable plus jack tools and a bin for small item storage. To open and close the powered liftgate merely kick a foot straight under the middle of the rear bumper and pull it back quickly. Do the same to close it. A nice feature to have if carrying heavy packages or grocery bags.
NX 450h Plus is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and with electric motors generates 304-hp and 270 lb/ft of torque for EPA combined mileage estimates of 84 MPGe. Gasoline only is rated at 34 MPG. This combination offers a tow rating of up to 2,000 pounds. There’s certainly no want for power, and in Sport mode, acceleration is quick.
Under EV power alone and with a fully charged battery, NX 450h can attain 37 miles of EV range. Enough for short trips to the local grocery store or Lowe’s/Home Depot.
Shod with 20-inch Bridgestone tires, NX 450h has a sporty, yet smooth, quiet ride. It can be tossed in the turns and it holds like a sportster.
With a base price of $61,740, NX 450h comes with an exhaustive list of standard safety features such as Lexus’ Safety System 3.0 that includes Intuitive Parking w/auto braking, digital latch w/safe exit assist. Thematic ambient interior lighting that gives 14 selectable themes including Rain Forest, Waterfall, and Sunset illumination.
Extra cost options include front cross traffic alert and lane change assist ($270); Mark Levinson audio ($1,020); Panoramic glass sunroof ($500); Panorama digital view mirror ($800); Advanced Park w/Remote Park ($480); Technology Package ($375); Cross Bars on the Roof ($395); Side Puddle Lamps ($99); Carpeted Cargo Mat ($140); and with delivery they take the bottom line to $67,289. If you want to save a few bucks, you can shave off some of the options to bring the total price down.
All in all, the NX 450h Plus holds its price in the resale market as does all Lexus vehicles. And if it’s any testament to its quality build, my wife owns a 2008 RX 350 and hasn’t had any problems with it. In fact, she loves it and would hate to trade it because of one particular feature. Her model has two storage bins in the cargo area that she puts the grocery bags and other small items and they have lids. Newer Lexus models no longer offer it.
With a Lexus vehicle, you’re buying a quality vehicle that this NX 450h surely will offer.
