2025 Lexus NX 450h+ AWD PHEV - What's New Review

2025 Lexus NX 450h+ AWD PHEV model year update :

The second generation of Lexus' entry family worthy sport utility vehicle has come into its own. The Nimble X [for crossover] is the Japanese luxury brand's number two best seller.

Sharing a TNGA-K platform with its Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV analog, it enters its third season largely undisturbed continuing to be offered with a standard petrol, optional hybrid & plug-in hybrid electric propulsion.

Charged with keeping some electricity in its on-board traction battery, Roadblazing.com dives into a deep freeze test of the 2025 Lexus NX 450+ AWD PHEV.

NEW FOR '25:

• New exterior color: Copper Crest
• SAFETY (newly standard):
  • Intuitive Park Assist + auto rear braking
  • Rain sensing windshield wipers
• SAFETY (available):
  • Traffic jam assist automatic braking
• CONVENIENCE (newly standard):
  • Power rear liftgate
  • USB-C x 2 (1st Row) for total of USB x 6
  • Digital key via smart phone app (by subscription)

2022 Lexus NX 450h+ AWD PHEV - Bottom Line Review

SPINDLED LUXE CUTE UTE SELLS: Distinctiveness uncommonly appeals to to the discerning senses. That characteristic alone couldn’t possibly explain the popularity of the Lexus NX series compact crossover utility vehicles. Despite straining the concept of Cute Ute it has bristled with luxury, quality and a sense of suave. PLUG INTO

RoadBlazingGeorge Straton

CARRIED OVER, MOSTLY UNCHANGED ON 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ AWD PHEV:

• two row, luxury compact crossover SUV, 5 occupant seating
• gasoline engine + battery hybrid electric motors x 2 + plug-in charging + direct shift continuously variable transaxle drivetrain, with electric rear axle motor all-wheel drive
  • NET POWER: 304 horsepower, 165 pound-feet @ 3600 r.p.m.
• TRACTION BATTERY: LiIon 96 cells x 3.7V @ 5.1 Ah, 18 kWh capacity
• 6.6 kW onboard SAW J1772 charger
  • 2.5 hours Level 2 charging time (0-90% state)
• Fuel economy: 31 combined miles per gallon
  • Battery Electric range: 37 miles, 84 MPGe
• Front strut, rear four link control arm suspension + four wheel disc brakes, front vented.
• "Top Safety Pick" rated by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (2024 MY)
  • Comprehensive Level 2.0 ADAS - Lexus Safety System 3.0 Plus
  • HUD, Surround cameras, Digital rear-view mirror, Advance Park - active

BOTTOM LINE:

• $66,764 price, as tested 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ Luxury AWD PHEV in Nori Green Pearl+ Panoramic roof (NX 250 front-wheel drive from $43,340)
• 4 years / 50,000 miles bumper to bumper; 6 years / 70,000 miles drivetrain, 8 years /100,000 miles hybrid components, 10 years / 150,000 miles traction battery warranties, 2 years / 25,000 miles scheduled maintenance

LIKES ABOUT THE 2025 LEXUS NX 450h+ Luxury AWD PHEV:

• Among the more affordable luxury PHEVs available in the U.S. market
• Active urban lifestyle suited
• Parabolic shape, sinewy body creasing + cladding
• Lustrous exterior finish, tight + even cabin panels, premium interior textures, convincing leatherette
• Swift acceleration on the roll
• 31 M.P.G. + fuel economy* (*cold weather impacted)
• 37 miles electric driving range (up to 87 m.p.h.)
• Exemplary road damping, subdued driver inputs, progressive brake feel, nearly indiscernable hybrid transitioning
• Complete advanced driver assist lane & distance control, sharp camera display
  • Huge Head Up Display
• Bright LED headlight broadcast
• Concise, clear TFT instrumentation, soft action controls, well hushed cabin
• 14.0" Lexus Human Interface touch LCD landscape media display
  • Drive Connected cloud navigation with Google Points of Interest (by subscription)
  • "Hey Lexus" wake-up phrase intelligent voice interaction
• Comfortable front seats, thick rim sport steering wheel
• Automatic cooled & heated front seats, heated steering
• Dual hinged center console bin armrest lid
• 2nd Row vents, power ports
• Approach activated power liftgate to expandable cargo bay
• Mark Levinson 17 speaker, 1800 watt, 12 channel, 7.1. DTS audiophile audio
  • 8-speaker streaming audio system, HD radio (standard)
• Wireless Android Auto, Apple CarPlay app projection

NOT PREFERRED ABOUT THE 2025 LEXUS NX 450h+ Luxury AWD PHEV:

• Love it / Hate it spindle grille
• Styling mostly unchanged for the third model year
• Hybrid fuel economy not much better than non-PHEV Lexus RX 350h
• Anesthetized steering feel and response
• 800+ pounds > Toyota RAV4 Prime PHEV cousin
• Limited variability instrument cluster
• Steering wheel spoke touch pad HUD display control requires practice
• No heated rear seating
• Open pore wood grain unconvincing
• Mark Levinson audio doesn't seem like 1800 Watts