Lexus hybrid power makes for economical transportation 

LEXUS

The 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ is a smaller SUV with plug-in hybrid engine that runs 37 miles on an electric charge.

Lexus has been one of my favorite companies since its inception in 1989 with the masterfully done LS 400. 

It has released many vehicles since, and most have been successful. Like most car companies, Lexus has moved toward SUVs and crossovers to fill its offerings. The NX, the middle child of its smaller SUVs, offers a lot of amenities but they will cost.

The NX is one size down from the RX models that started the crossover craze in America. It’s big enough for five, but four will have the most fun – if those in the back are not too big. It comes in three models: 350, 350h and 450h+. The 350 is front-wheel drive, while the 350h and 450h+ are AWD. You can get AWD on the 350.

My test vehicle was the 450h+ which is a plug-in hybrid that can run as an electric vehicle for 37 miles while fully charged. That’s enough to get you around town. Charging the vehicle each night could keep you away from the gas pump if you are doing short trips. The hybrid engine will get you 34 miles to the gallon, which is great for a SUV with 304 horsepower.

The NX 450h+’s horsepower comes from a 2.5-liter hybrid engine combine with a large battery and two electric motors. The power is sent to all wheels via a continuously variable transmission. This is done smoothly and efficiently, making the NX feel very responsive. When you need a burst of speed to pass, power comes quickly. Getting to that offramp or surging past the slow-poke driving under the speed limit will not be a problem.

The NX’s compact size makes it feel surprisingly nimble. There is some body roll while cornering but otherwise the vehicle feels composed while engaging in sporty driving. The cabin is sealed tight. Not much wind or engine noise makes it inside.

The NX’s four-wheel independent suspension soaks up most of the bad stuff before reaching the cabin. The ride is firm and at times a bit jiggly but on most surfaces the vehicle’s road manners are impeccable.

The vehicle does have a sore spot, however. Some of the controls for certain functions don’t appear until you place your hand over keypads on the steering wheel. This is a bit confusing and distracting, but I think I could get adjusted if I owned the vehicle.

Some of this is due to how tight the NX feels. I detected no squeaks or rattles. All the switches and knobs felt expensive, as well they should for the asking price.

The 450h+ has a body-colored grille that looks better than the silver version. The look has been around since 2022 when the car got a full redesign. All models have the same standard equipment and are available with premium, luxury and F-Sport packages. 

Major standard equipment includes, roof rails, moonroof, heated steering wheel, heated, cooled, ventilated power front seats, leather interior, folding rear seats, all-wheel drive, wireless Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto, Lexus 3.0 Safety suite and Sirius/XM.

My vehicle was a luxury model which included triple-beam LED headlamps, head-up display, 20-inch wheels, digital rearview mirror and cornering lamps.

If that satisfies you, pay $61,740 and you are out the door. My test car came with extras like the wonderful Mark Levinson audio system, upgraded panoramic moonroof, panoramic camera system, remote parking, puddle lamps and a digital key feature. With destination, the as-tested price came to $67,289.

This is a lot for a compact vehicle. Still, Lexus still has a great reputation for resale, longevity and excellent service so you do get what you pay for. You can step up to the RX if you need more room or if you want something cozier there is the smaller UX.

Pros:

• Peppy hybrid engine

• Plug-in for 37 miles of EV range

• Excellent build quality

• Lots of standard equipment

• Adroit handling

Cons:

• Some controls are confusing

• A tad expensive

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