Sunday Drive: Lexus NX PHEV proves a compelling, adventurous SUV
After having had the opportunity to drive various all-electric vehicles and also a myriad of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, or PHEVs, we have concluded that we would rather in our imperfect world have a PHEV in the garage than an all-electric.
Why would that be, one may ask. Our really good answer would be “wanderlust,” or the fact that we can go where we want to go when we want to go, and it doesn’t take a ton of planning or thinking to get there.
A great example would be our last trip home from Denver in an all-electric. It would have been awesome to detour down into Moab and spend some time hiking and enjoying the red rocks. However, there was just too much planning and thinking involved to motivate us to take the side trip. Was there a charger in Moab? Would it work? Was it worth the risk? It soon became evident the answer was no; we are going on to Green River where we have charged in the past and then continuing on to Springville.
So, when Lexus presented us with an NX plug-in hybrid (already one of our favorites in the line), we were very excited to see just how great of mileage we could attain plugging it in and using it as an everyday driver. The fact that it was an F Sport was just the icing on the cake and may or may not have affected the mileage we attained, as it just wants to be driven more rapidly than others in the line.
The NX boasted a striking exterior that commanded attention wherever we went. Lexus has refined the design language to present a more aggressive yet elegant silhouette. The signature spindle grille dominated the front fascia, flanked by sleek LED headlights and sharp daytime running lights that gave the vehicle a distinct, modern look. The F Sport trim enhanced this aesthetic with unique front and rear bumpers, blacked-out side mirrors and 20-inch alloy wheels that exuded athleticism.
The sculpted body lines and aerodynamic contours not only added to its visual appeal but also improved the vehicle’s efficiency. The rear end featured a new, full-width LED taillight design that connected seamlessly with the vehicle’s flowing lines, culminating in a sophisticated and sporty look that we really came to enjoy.
Getting inside the 2024 NX was a joy every day and revealed an interior that was both luxurious and meticulously crafted. Lexus has spared no expense by using high-quality materials throughout the cabin, from soft-touch surfaces to leather-trimmed seats. The F Sport trim added sporty touches, such as aluminum pedals, a unique F Sport steering wheel and exclusive interior color options.
The front seats were both heated and ventilated, thus providing comfort in all weather conditions — especially in the hot July when we drove it — and offered power adjustments with lumbar support for optimal comfort on long drives. The driver-oriented cockpit featured a digital instrument cluster and a large 14-inch touch screen infotainment system that is intuitively integrated into the dashboard. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa.
The NX offered ample space for passengers, with generous legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats. The panoramic sunroof enhances the sense of space, allowing natural light to flood the cabin and providing an expansive view of the sky. It really was the perfect vehicle for empty nesters, as we have become.
Under the hood, the NX featured a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined output of 302 horsepower. This plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered impressive acceleration, with a 0-60 mph time of just 6.0 seconds. The electric motor provided instant torque, ensuring brisk and responsive performance whenever we needed it.
On the plus side, we went over 450 miles in the NX with only about 180 of them using gas, while getting 37 miles a day. It worked quite well for both of us on a normal day with only an overnight trip up to Brigham City using up some of the gas. We ended our week averaging 39 miles per gallon even with the extended trip on Saturday and Sunday.
The F Sport package included adaptive variable suspension, which adjusts damping in real-time based on driving conditions, thus providing a balance between comfort and sporty handling. The steering was precise and responsive, giving us a confident feel behind the wheel. Additionally, the regenerative braking system helped recharge the battery while providing smooth and predictable braking performance.
Lexus has equipped the 2024 NX with a host of advanced technological features. The 14-inch touch screen infotainment system proved to be the centerpiece of the cabin, offering crisp graphics and intuitive controls. The system integrated navigation, climate control and entertainment functions seamlessly, ensuring that we could access all essential features with ease.
One of the standout features was the Lexus Interface, an advanced voice recognition system that allowed us to control various functions through natural voice commands. Simply saying “Hey, Lexus” activated the system, which could then handle tasks such as adjusting the climate control, setting navigation destinations or changing music tracks, all without taking our hands off the wheel or our eyes off the road.
The NX also came equipped with a 10-inch heads-up display that projected key information onto the windshield, such as speed, navigation instructions and safety alerts. This feature enhances driving safety by allowing us to stay focused on the road.
Safety has always been a paramount concern for Lexus, and the NX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, road sign assist and dynamic radar cruise control.
We found the 2024 Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport to be a compelling choice for those seeking a compact luxury SUV that doesn’t compromise on performance, technology or style. Its sleek design, luxurious interior and powerful yet efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain set it apart in a competitive luxury SUV segment.
Base price: $57,000
Destination charge: $1,195
Price as driven: $ 58,795
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- Deanne stands in the evening sunlight with the new 2024 Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV with the Brigham City Utah Temple in the background when we took a quick overnight trip for a chance to get away and spend some time in the Lexus.
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- Inside the new 2025 Lexus NX 450h+.
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- We decided to take a quick trip out to the Golden Spike National Monument and had to stop at the Northrop Grumman Rocket Garden for a photo op in the new Lexus NX 450h+.
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- Inside the new 2025 Lexus NX 450h+.
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- After the Golden Spike National Monument stop, we headed off to the Spiral Jetty and on the way back noticed the new sculpture at the monument and stopped for another photo, as it looked like we could just head on up the tracks in the Lexus NX 450h+.
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- Inside the new 2025 Lexus NX 450h+.
