2023 Lexus NX 450h+ has plug-in power and profuse luxury
Published 4:00 pm Monday, April 17, 2023
The Lexus NX 450h+ bears the burden of a name that is not catchy, but it’s the granddaddy in the brand’s NX compact luxury SUV lineup. The “plus” symbol in the name signifies a plug-in hybrid system.
When operating on electric power only, the NX 450h+ has an EPA-estimated range of 36 miles. Combined electricity and gasoline operation gets a mileage rating of 84 MPGe.
Using the maximum charging current of 240V, the plug-in Lexus NX 450h+ can be fully charged in about 2.5 hours when equipped with an optional 6.6 kW Expedited Onboard Charger ($800). With the standard 3.3 kW onboard charger, full charging takes approximately 4.5 hours.
The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid system generates 304 horsepower in total, and Lexus testing results came up with a 0-to-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds. That’s plenty quick and fun, but this SUV’s magnetism is more related to comfort and luxury than to automotive exhibitionism. Fine by me.
A couple of quirky features cast a small pall over the NX 450h+ interior. Mystery control buttons on the steering wheel aren’t labeled as to their function, but are revealed in the head-up display. Not a big deal once you figure it out, but more challenging if you’re like me and disable head-up displays the instant they raise their ugly heads.
The second issue is the electronic door-latch release mechanism. It works well if you press the button and push on the door simultaneously with precision. Failing that, you’ll have to pull twice on what is basically a lever trying to pass as a door handle. Awkward.
There are two 2023 NX 450h+ trim levels. With a $1,150 destination charge included, they are Luxury ($57,705) and F Sport ($58,955). Both trims include a profusion (not exaggerating) of advanced safety, multimedia, comfort and convenience features as standard equipment.
Priciest items on my test car’s $6,000 option list were a panoramic view monitor, triple beam headlamps with washers and cornering lamps, and the Expedited Onboard Charger.
A 14-inch touchscreen display is the focal point of the new Lexus multimedia system that replaces the previous version and its exasperating center console touchpad control. It’s a life-changing improvement.
Goodies included with the multimedia system include a 10-speaker audio system, four USB ports, SiriusXM satellite radio with a three-month platinum trial, Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, Hey Lexus intelligent assistant voice commands, remote connect, and wireless integration of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
2023 LEXUS NX 450h+ LUXURY
Base price, including destination charge: $57,705
Price as driven: $62,645
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
