2026 Lexus NX450h Review
2026 Lexus NX450h
Estimated Price: Starting around $60,000
Engine Specs: 2.5L DOHC 4-Cylinder + Plug-in Hybrid System
Power/Torque: 304 hp combined / Instant Electric Torque
Efficiency (Observed): 40 MPG Combined
—Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi / Photography: Manufacturer
The Lexus NX has had the unenviable task of competing in one of the most competitive segments in all of automotive-dom, compact luxury crossovers. Taking on such stalwarts as the BMW X2, Audi Q3, and the Genesis GV70, the Lexus NX has to live up to Lexus build quality, have a competitive price compared to its peers, and enough personality to differentiate itself from them as well. Basically, I don’t envy the Product Managers for the NX a single bit.
This current generation NX has been with us since 2022. Which, in general automotive terms, is a long time, but in the Lexus universe, is about normal. What this model year comes to bat with is a plug-in hybrid option which increases horsepower to a pretty impressive 304 hp and a really impressive burst of electric torque. Making this one of the most powerful compact luxury crossovers you can buy today. All of that power helps launch the NX450h to 60 in only 6.0 seconds, which no matter how you shake it—is pretty brisk.
Since it's a plug-in hybrid, you can just go on electrons alone for 37 miles until the gas motor kicks in. So in theory, you would never need to touch an ounce of dino juice if your daily runs are on the shorter side. Unfortunately, when the gas engine does kick in, it's a bit rattly and rather un-Lexus like in its overall NVH. Bolted to that is a forgettable CVT, which for regular people out there is okay but makes people like me crawl in a corner and cry. But, as I said before, my people are proudly weird.
Since the TNGA-K platform that underpins this 2026 Lexus NX is nearly 9 years old, with the NX itself debuting in 2021…the NX is not ‘fresh as a daisy’ as they say…but the styling has held up over the years. Upon it’s release it was the most daring looking crossover on the road and that largely has held true with the 2026 model year. It still looks fresh, modern, and distinctive. Especially compared to the Germans whose styling makes me wince. Sure, it’s not as stylish as the Genesis, but let’s be honest here…there are very few automakers that can match Genesis on the styling front these days.
The exterior of our tester was a lovely shade of Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 and matches the Circuit Red interior color perfectly. It has the trademark ‘Lexus smell’ and as you would expect from an actual Japanese-made product—fit and finish is spectacular. But room-wise, it’s cramped, but the cargo area is generously sized.
The RAV4 underpinnings tend to come into play when you start moving, though. The ride is a bit choppy, thanks to Run Flat tires, and the wind along with road noise is ever-present. But, those same underpinnings reveal the RAV4’s excellent, slightly unbelievable fuel efficiency. We got over 40 mpg in our testing with the NX450h! That is a mix of city along with highway driving!
So, while it has a few quirks that remind you of its less luxurious cousin—mainly that engine noise and the CVT—the 450h+ delivers serious power, unbelievable hybrid efficiency, and that signature Lexus quality we all crave. It’s a compelling, if slightly quirky, option in this crowded segment.
Yousef Alvi
