Lexus' top-tier NX model delivers balanced performance and impressive electric range
Roseville, Calif. – Luxury compact SUVs are an alluring commodity right now. There are so many appealing ones that the issue facing many car buyers is which one to pick.
The Lexus NX brand is one of the choices. And to make things more confusing, the NX has three different models for 2026: a traditional SUV (NX 350) and two hybrid versions (NX 350h, NX 450h+). Note that Lexus dropped the NX 250 from its 2026 lineup, making the NX 350 its new base model.
Plug-in hybrid
This review will focus on the 2026 NX 450h, a plug-in hybrid that is the highest priced among the four NX models. While it is the most expensive, the latest version of the NX 450h has dropped in price. The 2025 base model cost approximately $61,300 and the 2026 version is around $57,900.
The five passenger, compact luxury SUV was all-new for 2022, coming out as a plug-in hybrid version of the NX that is comfortable, fuel-efficient, has an appealing exterior, and is loaded with technology.
Like many plug-in hybrids, the NX 450h doesn't offer outlandish range. However, at 37 miles in electric-only mode, the NX can transport people with a short commute to work and back without using any gas. It has an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery that can be fully recharged in around three hours with a 240-volt connection.
Performance
Naturally, one of the major strengths with the NX 450h is fuel economy. In electric-only mode it gets 84 mpge and when it shifts to being gas-powered the mileage is more than respectable at 37 mpg.
Some of the NX models get criticized for lack of performance, but we didn't find that issue with the NX 450h. While it's no rocket ship from a starting position, it still can move quickly, going 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
The NX has three electric motors (one on the front axle, two in the rear) that combines with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine to produce 304 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is a standard feature.
We found the NX 450h easy to maneuver in all driving situations and no problem when parking in tight spaces. The ride is smooth, comfortable and quiet at even high speeds. While the handling is not as sporty as some drivers might like, it handles fine around tight turns and challenging roads.
The NX 450h gets high marks for safety, offering standard features like a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, range departure alert, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, radar cruise control, automatic high beams, and more.
AT A GLANCE – 2026 LEXUS NX 450h
- Performance: three electric motors, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 304 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 84 mpge; 37 mpg
- Price estimate: $57,900 to $62,900
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; drivetrain: 6 years/70,000 miles; roadside assistance: 4 years/unlimited; corrosion: 6 years/unlimited; electric system: 8 years/100,000 miles
Interior & Infotainment
The cabin is attractive and well thought out, making it convenient for the driver and the four other passengers. The interior has lots of soft-touch materials and there's also leather seating and heated and ventilated front seats. The seating is extremely roomy for front passengers, while the back seat offers suitable space for a small SUV.
The vehicle's cargo area measures 22.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats that expands to 46.9 cubes with the seats folded to the floor.
The NX 450h comes standard with a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen (a 14-inch touchscreen is optional). It also comes standard with a helpful virtual voice assistant and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
What we didn't like was the steering wheel controls are multi-functional and unmarked, which can result in the driver hesitant to try them.
The 2026 Lexus NX 450 hybrid has a strong overall appeal, offering an attractive exterior, smart interior makeup, solid performance, and good fuel economy.