The Lexus NX450h+ was the Japanese luxurious model’s first plug-in hybrid car (PHEV) to reach in Australia when it was launched right here in 2022, and there’s been loads of exercise across the pioneering electrified mid-size SUV since then.
Exceedingly excessive demand and provide constraints led Lexus to droop NX450h+ orders in early 2023, after the mannequin had recorded a decent 230 gross sales in 2022, contributing to a complete of greater than 1000 electrified NX gross sales in the identical 12 months.
Orders re-opened in late 2024, after Lexus secured a wholesome provide of its plug-in NX to fulfill anticipated demand within the coming years.
The result’s the 2025 Lexus NX450h+ F Sport on take a look at right here, which has obtained minimal adjustments since its preliminary unveiling. It’s at present the costliest NX you should buy, however you’ll quickly have the ability to get a plug-in NX for a lot much less when Lexus introduces the cheaper NX450h+ Luxurious variant later this 12 months.
For now, the F Sport continues to function not solely a flagship mannequin grade but in addition a glimpse into what Aussies could possibly be supplied when the next-generation Toyota RAV4 arrives in 2026, bringing PHEV energy to the nation’s top-selling SUV for the primary time.
Watch: Paul’s video overview of the Lexus NX350h F Sport
It is because the NX and RAV4 share the identical platform and a few powertrains, so there are a lot of similarities discovered beneath the dolled-up face of the Lexus. There’s a profit to using the identical underpinnings as Australia’s favorite mid-size SUV, however they nonetheless have to bought to potential consumers of the extra luxurious PHEV, which lacks the general public consciousness of the RAV4.
The NX has lengthy been one in every of Lexus’ best-selling fashions, however does PHEV energy do it any favours?
How a lot does the Lexus NX price?
The NX450h+ is at present the only PHEV model of the NX and sits on the very prime of the mannequin vary, priced at $95,900 earlier than on-road prices.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus NX250 Luxurious 2WD | $63,400 |
| 2025 Lexus NX350h Luxurious 2WD | $71,600 |
| 2025 Lexus NX350h Luxurious AWD | $76,400 |
| 2025 Lexus NX350h Sports activities Luxurious 2WD | $79,100 |
| 2025 Lexus NX350h F Sport 2WD | $79,100 |
| 2025 Lexus NX350 F Sport AWD | $79,343 |
| 2025 Lexus NX350h Sports activities Luxurious AWD | $84,900 |
| 2025 Lexus NX450h+ Luxurious AWD | $84,500 |
| 2025 Lexus NX350h F Sport AWD | $84,900 |
| 2025 Lexus NX450h+ F Sport AWD | $95,900 |
There are a few caveats to this lineup. One is that solely vendor inventory stays of the bottom NX250 Luxurious, which suggests it’ll now not be accessible as soon as these automobiles are bought.
The opposite is that the cheaper Luxurious model of the NX450h+ will arrive subsequent month, and it’s anticipated to be a way more compelling worth proposition than the flagship F Sport on take a look at right here.
In the interim, it’s greatest to check the NX450h+ in opposition to different flagship PHEV mid-size SUVs, together with the Mazda CX-60 Azami P50e ($81,490 earlier than on-roads), Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GSR ($73,970 earlier than on-roads), and Vary Rover Evoque P300e ($91,902 earlier than on-roads).
As a baseline, the prevailing RAV4 vary tops out at $58,360 earlier than on-roads for the Edge AWD.
To see how the Lexus NX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s the Lexus NX like on the within?
Very usually Lexus, however hardly revolutionary.
Among the many extra distinctive elements are its door handles, which look ‘regular’ however are literally electrical and don’t transfer when pulled. There are additionally the Japanese premium model’s unusual button-like ‘handles’ inside, which aren’t new however nonetheless appear to be a needlessly sophisticated mechanism.
Consolation is a spotlight inside, even with the extra aggressive F Sport seats. They provide extra pronounced aspect and base bolstering and are barely firmer than the usual NX seats, they usually’re completed in high-quality artificial leather-based.
I discovered these seats, whereas definitely on the comfortable aspect, fitted my 173cm body fairly effectively; they keep comfy on longer drives whereas being supportive sufficient to maintain you planted round turns. The distinction between these sporty seats and the in any other case conventional SUV cabin presentation is attention-grabbing, although some could contemplate them pointless.
For now the NX’s PHEV powertrain is simply accessible in aggressive F Sport trim, however it is going to have broader enchantment when the NX450h+ Luxurious arrives in September with a cheaper price.
In any other case, the entire conventional Lexus luxuries are current and proper, and it’s good to work together with controls just like the premium-feeling leather-wrapped steering wheel – with perforated leather-based at 9 and three o’clock.
What isn’t as good is the shortage of bodily switchgear. On the steering wheel are what seem like buttons, however they’re touch-sensitive haptic controls.
This enables Lexus to pack extra capabilities in than the eight directional ‘buttons’ enable, as urgent the most important buttons on every horizontal spoke will change what they management or modify. It may be complicated at first, however the truth that every perform is proven on the head-up show helps make clear issues.
The one actual criticism is that it’ll take a couple of presses earlier than the system registers you’re making an attempt to skip a music, for instance. Nonetheless, a short time residing with the automobile will cement this to reminiscence.
Equally, the NX’s local weather controls are virtually completely digital, apart from the 2 temperature dials. The local weather interface is completely on and takes up the underside portion of the infotainment show. Whereas extra finicky than actual buttons, every thing continues to be clearly labelled and straightforward to find on the transfer.
We nonetheless want there was some extra thought put in direction of bodily controls, as even the temperature dials really feel a bit doughy – one thing like Honda’s clicky, notchy dial motion would do wonders right here.
If the choice of everlasting controls isn’t sufficient, you too can open a devoted local weather menu for extra detailed data. Higher but, the complete system is unaffected by any smartphone mirroring interface.
Connectivity for each Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is wi-fi within the NX, and the previous was typically dependable over our week with the automobile. A few of Toyota’s typical gremlins have been nonetheless there although, with Melbourne’s toll gantries frequently inflicting glitches and lag.
Alternatively, the NX’s digital instrument show is tidy and purposeful. The digital central portion is flanked by easy meters for cost and gas degree, and there are different normal lights and icons scattered across the area.
There’s additionally a wealth of knowledge to be discovered on the central portion, which is navigable utilizing these haptic steering wheel buttons. A few of this data is tied to drive modes, like vitality consumption solely being seen when in EV mode, so it’s price taking part in round to search out what you need to show.
In the midst of the cabin is a tender armrest, in addition to a number of of these drive mode buttons completed in simply smudged shiny black plastic. A wi-fi charger is fitted right here too, together with particular person USB-A and USB-C ports and a unusually sized cut-out, maybe best for the automobile’s key.
Uniquely, that wi-fi charging pad sits atop a sliding panel that may open to disclose a small cubby housing two USB-C chargers and a 12V outlet. You’d be forgiven for lacking this, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a intelligent manner Lexus has eked out a bit extra cupboard space.
You additionally get two properly sized cupholders and a beneficiant central storage field, alongside comparatively small bottle holders within the doorways. Sadly, leaning on the driving force’s door card in our take a look at automobile induced it to flex and creak badly, virtually as if it wanted a couple of extra clips to safe it correctly.
There was the same clicking noise coming from the rear driver’s aspect door, which – annoyingly – we couldn’t pinpoint. This one appeared extra like a door seal repeatedly sticking and unsticking because the physique flexed barely over bumps, should you can think about that.
Climbing into the again is simple due to the automobile’s massive doorways. When you’re inside, you’ll discover the rear seats are comfy and that there’s loads of area that ought to simply accommodate taller passengers.
There are additionally two rear-facing air vents, albeit with no devoted local weather management panel, together with twin USB-C ports and a 12V outlet. A driveline tunnel will impression center seat leg room, however there’s a fold-down armrest with two cupholders for when that seat’s empty.
Moreover, there are two ISOFIX anchors and three top-tether factors for becoming baby seats.
Boot capability within the Lexus NX is similar no matter powertrain, measuring 520 litres with the rear seats in place and 1141L after they’re folded down. That is barely lower than in a RAV4, which affords a minimal of 542L, however greater than a plug-in hybrid Mazda CX-60 (477L).
The NX’s load ground is lengthy, however barely decrease than the boot opening. A internet on the passenger aspect is good for free objects and there’s a small quantity of area beneath the ground, the place you’ll discover the automobile’s commonplace 12V battery and equipment like charging cables. However there’s no spare wheel.
The tailgate is powered and might be operated hands-free, and there are a number of helpful hooks and tie-down factors scattered across the boot itself.
| Dimensions | Lexus NX450h+ |
|---|---|
| Size | 4660mm |
| Width | 1865mm |
| Top | 1670mm |
| Wheelbase | 2690mm |
| Cargo capability | 520L (rear seats up), 1141L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Lexus NX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
Lexus’ PHEV system pairs a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 136kW of energy and 227Nm of torque with a rear-mounted electrical motor that makes 134kW and 270Nm. Lexus says this electrical motor “achieves EV output equal to a 2.0-litre engine”.
| Specs | Lexus NX450h+ |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4cyl petrol |
| Engine outputs | 136kW/227Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 134kW/270Nm |
| System outputs | 227kW |
| Battery | 18.1kWh li-ion |
| Transmission | E-CVT |
| Drive sort | AWD |
| Kerb weight | 2050kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 6.3 seconds |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 1.3L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 5.7L/100km |
| Vitality consumption (as examined) | 22.9kWh/100km |
| Electrical driving vary (claimed, NEDC) | 87km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 55L |
| Gasoline requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 29g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 1000kg |
Our week with the automobile primarily concerned freeway driving, with the long-distance routes main us to prioritise hybrid mode over EV-only. This contributed to our spectacular real-world gas financial system – spectacular by itself and in addition in comparison with its formidable 1.3L/100km declare, which as with most PHEVs is much from achievable in the actual world.
Vitality consumption was nonetheless on the upper aspect, which is curious given our skew in direction of petrol energy. Nonetheless, I used to be in a position to get via 5 days of commuting (~120km per day) with no gas stops and just one cost for the week, with greater than 1 / 4 of a tank nonetheless to spare.
To see how the Lexus NX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How does the Lexus NX drive?
Lexus is a premium model, and the NX captures most of what a purchaser would possibly count on from one.
It might share its bones with Toyota’s best-seller in 2024, however it is a case the place Lexus’ Midas contact has been in a position to convey out the perfect of a given platform.
In consequence, the NX450h+ is exceptionally quiet on the transfer, with little highway or wind noise in a position to penetrate the cabin. Granted, it will not be as refined as a $100,000-plus BMW, for instance, nevertheless it’s nonetheless miles forward of the RAV4 by way of general refinement.
This implies it’s simple to spend an hour or two behind the wheel, which can even expose the prowess of the automobile’s PHEV system. To start out, its comparatively small battery means charging received’t take lengthy, and you’ve got a small choice of drive modes to select from if you set off.
Predictably, these are HEV, EV, and Auto. The latter is probably the most ‘regular’, because it’ll robotically select how energy is delivered from the petrol engine and electrical motor to adapt most appropriately to the driving force’s calls for – this can even rely upon the battery’s cost.
EV mode does precisely what you’d count on, as long as cost is enough, nevertheless it was HEV (or Hybrid) mode the place we discovered probably the most worth. On this mode, the NX450h+ behaves indistinguishably from a conventional hybrid car.
The petrol engine can be on more often than not, which is good when you have a long-distance commute with extended freeway driving as I do, as a result of it preserves battery cost – roughly 80 per cent in our case – leaving sufficient in reserve for short-distance, EV-only city driving, with loads of petrol left to get dwelling afterwards.
Surprisingly, this additionally had little impression on our gas financial system, which stayed beneath 6.0L/100km for the week. As talked about, no additional gas and just one cost was required for the week, for the reason that powertrain saves gas when coasting or at decrease speeds by disengaging the petrol engine.
It’s price noting that whereas Lexus claims 87km of electrical driving vary, the automobile’s laptop solely confirmed 53km with a totally charged battery. With HEV mode working as supposed, this wasn’t a difficulty.
This will likely sound like a plugless hybrid with additional complexity, however we discovered worth in with the ability to protect cost for driving the NX like an EV round city, whereas nonetheless having the engine drive us dwelling. Extra typically, well-calibrated capabilities just like the HEV mode may make PHEV like this extra interesting to individuals residing additional out of city.
Moreover, the NX450h+ is fast if you put your foot into it, since 227kW of energy is nothing to sneeze at. You definitely really feel it when each the petrol and electrical programs are working harmoniously in earnest, which is when the body-hugging F Sport seats come in useful. That mentioned, all that energy is simply there should you ask for it and it’ll by no means take you unexpectedly.
Supporting it’s a well-balanced chassis, providing assured and direct steering and really planted highway holding, making the package deal really feel all of the extra cohesive.
However the sporty chassis setup additionally contains journey high quality that we expect is just too agency. It’s nowhere close to as plush as you’d count on from an costly ‘luxurious’ SUV geared toward households, and the added weight from the PHEV battery makes the journey, significantly on the rear, a bit crashy over sharp highway holes and bumps.
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This is applicable even in Regular mode, the place the suspension ought to be at its softest. It’s adaptive, which suggests participating Sport S or Sport S+ companies the dampers up additional, making the automobile really feel extra planted than it already is round turns, with heavier steering additionally serving to to remodel the NX’s dynamic expertise.
Finishing the NX450h+ package deal is a complete suite of security gear, none of which is especially annoying to reside with.
Lane-keep help, for one, isn’t intrusive, and solely crops up with mild help and a delicate warning should you stray too near lane markings. There’s additionally adaptive cruise management with lane-centring, which does an excellent job of following the highway and maintaining with vehicles forward.
All thought-about, the NX450h+ affords a well-rounded driving expertise, with sufficient configurability to make it go well with all kinds of wants and tastes.
To see how the Lexus NX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
The Lexus NX lineup is expansive. See beneath the usual tools for the plethora of NX350h variants, and our range-topping NX450h+ tester.
2025 Lexus NX350h Luxurious tools highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre restore equipment
- Bi-beam LED headlights with auto levelling
- Entrance and rear fog lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- Eco, Regular and Sport drive modes
- Twin-zone local weather management
- Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
- Energy-adjustable steering column
- 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10-speaker sound system
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- 8-way energy passenger seat
- Heated entrance seats
- Leatherette upholstery
- Powered tailgate
- 12 months complimentary subscription to Lexus Related Companies
Over the Luxurious, the Sports activities Luxurious provides:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Tri-beam LED headlights
- LED cornering lights
- Good Key Card
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Rear privateness glass
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Head-up show
- Ventilated entrance seats
- Leather-based upholstery
- Driver’s seat reminiscence perform
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
- 12-way energy driver’s seat with reminiscence
Over the Luxurious, the F Sport provides:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Tri-beam LED headlights
- LED cornering lights
- Good Key Card
- Rear privateness glass
- Head-up show
- Leather-based-wrapped sports activities steering wheel
- Sport S, Sport S+, and Customized drive modes
- Entrance seat reminiscence
- Ventilated entrance seats
- F Sport leather-accented upholstery
- F Sport steering wheel with contact management
- Fingers-free powered tailgate
2025 Lexus NX450h+ F Sport tools highlights:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre restore equipment
- Tri-beam LED headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Heated aspect mirrors
- Tilt and slide moonroof
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- Digital rear-view mirror
- Rear privateness glass
- Head-up show
- F Sport leather-accented upholstery
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Driver’s seat reminiscence perform
- Heated steering wheel
- F Sport steering wheel with contact management
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- 8-way energy passenger seat
- 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Digital multi-information show
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10-speaker sound system
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Fingers-free powered tailgate
- Good Key Card
- Twin-zone local weather management with humidity sensor
To see how the Lexus NX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
Is the Lexus NX protected?
The Lexus NX boasts a five-star ANCAP security score primarily based on testing carried out by Euro NCAP in 2022.
| Class | Lexus NX |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 91 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Susceptible highway consumer safety | 83 per cent |
| Security help | 92 per cent |
Commonplace security tools highlights:
- 10 airbags
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian, bicycle owner detection
- Daytime motorbike detection
- Intersection help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Lane centring
- Lane-keep help
- Parking Assist Brake
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reversing digicam
- Protected exit help
- Site visitors signal recognition
- Tyre strain monitoring
Sports activities Luxurious and F Sport trims additionally obtain a surround-view digicam, whereas the NX450h+ F Sport positive aspects Clever Parking Help.
To see how the Lexus NX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Lexus NX price to run?
The Lexus NX is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, and servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Lexus NX450h+ |
|---|---|
| Car guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Battery guarantee | 10 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 3 years (Lexus Encore) |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years or 75,000km ($595 every) |
| Common annual service price over 5 years | $595 |
| Complete capped-price service price | $2975 |
It’s price noting the high-voltage battery guarantee for Lexus PHEVs is 5 years with no mileage restrict, however it may be prolonged by a further 5 years topic to an annual battery well being examine “in accordance with Lexus specs”.
NX consumers additionally get three years of free Lexus Encore membership, which incorporates enticements together with entry to complimentary mortgage vehicles if you service your car.
To see how the Lexus NX stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus NX450h+ F Sport
The Lexus NX was already an excellent automobile due to strong foundations it shares with the hyper-successful RAV4.
Its efficient PHEV powertrain expands its capabilities from an effectivity and driveability standpoint, even when it’s extra complicated than the usual plugless hybrid NX options.
The result’s a automobile that presents and drives like a hybrid however affords a bit extra electrical fortitude, offering a flexible driving expertise that we have been in a position to take full benefit of, at the very least for per week. It’s a well-sorted system that provides drivers sufficient management over vitality administration to really feel assured with out getting overwhelmed.
The inside is comfy and a bit extra attention-grabbing in F Sport guise, although we nonetheless yearn for extra bodily buttons.
We are able to solely pull the automobile up on its less-than-plush journey consolation, in addition to the very fact it’ll seemingly price greater than $100,000 as soon as all is claimed and completed – particularly now that there’s no FBT exemption for PHEVs.
The color palette accessible for the NX is refreshingly vibrant, and we expect the Sonic Copper paint utilized to our tester is up there with the perfect of them.
Extra importantly, we imagine the NX450h+ F Sport is worthy of its flagship standing, however we eagerly await the arrival of the extra inexpensive NX450h+ Luxurious variant, which ought to higher reside as much as the promise of ‘premium PHEVs for the individuals’.
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