Lexus NX review – an efficient, upmarket hybrid SUV

Verdict – is the Lexus NX a good car?

The first-generation Lexus NX didn’t really grab much attention but it went down a storm with owners, finishing 13th in our 2021 Driver Power satisfaction survey – despite being seven years old at the time. The new model hasn’t yet featured in Driver Power, but Lexus will be hoping its all-new replacement proves just as well-loved, and that buyers opt for it over rivals including the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC. It has certainly impressed us, scooping our Best Large Plug-in Hybrid award.

Lexus NX models, specs and alternatives

If you’re looking for an upmarket mid-sized SUV, then it’s tempting to turn immediately to German manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes or Audi, but don’t overlook the Japanese Lexus NX. It aims to provide top-notch reliability, build quality and a reassuring warranty that meets, and in many cases exceeds, the standards set by rivals.

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Lexus is no stranger to producing premium SUVs ever since it released the RX in the late 90s. Parent-company Toyota has long been a pioneer of hybrid technology, and as a result there are few companies that do it as well. The Lexus NX is offered as a self-charging or plug-in hybrid, whereas many rivals are only offered with the latter alongside petrol or diesel engines. That means the Lexus NX hybrid is able to appeal to the gap in the market for buyers after supreme fuel economy but who don’t have a home wallbox charger which is needed to reap the benefits of a plug-in.

The Lexus NX’s styling is perhaps a little more daring compared to rivals, but it’s quite conventional by the brand’s own standards – it looks mostly similar to the last version. Rather than two-piece headlights from before, both the daytime running lights and headlights are contained in the same units, while the same hour-glassed-shaped grille is carried over. At the rear there’s a full-width light bar with the word ‘Lexus’ spelt out on the boot lid.

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 The NX has also grown by 20mm in length, with 30mm extra between the front and rear wheels giving shorter overhangs for a sportier look. This has also boosted interior space, not only for passengers but also for luggage. Its 521-litre boot (for both the 350h and 450h+) is larger than most rivals, but both versions of the NX can only tow up to 1,500kg, which is slightly less than most diesel SUVs of a similar size.

The entry-level NX is the hybrid 350h, starting from just over £44,000. It returns nearly 50mpg in front-wheel drive form. This version is likely to be the most popular with private buyers and those without access to a home charger, while company-car drivers will benefit from the plug-in hybrid’s low tax costs.

For the first time, the latest NX gets the option of a plug-in hybrid, badged the 450h+ and costing around £5,000 more. A combination of a 2.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors also gives the 450h+ 302bhp, for an impressive turn of speed with the security of all-wheel drive. Even in electric mode, the motors can get the NX off the line at a decent pace, and the transition between petrol and electric power is virtually seamless. Crucially, the NX is also very comfortable on typical British roads and can travel serenely on electric power at speeds up to 83mph.

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There are big changes to the NX’s interior this time, which features the new Lexus Link Pro infotainment system. With a larger central touchscreen, this is far more intuitive to use than the fiddly setup in its predecessor, particularly thanks to the arrival of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

There’s no such thing as a poorly equipped Lexus NX, as even the least expensive Urban version features heated front seats, adaptive cruise control and a reversing camera. It’s a shame, however, that you need to upgrade to the Premium Plus pack to get the big 14-inch infotainment screen you see in our pictures. Buyers can also upgrade to Takumi and F Sport models, each with more equipment than the standard specification.

Prospective NX buyers can be reassured by the brand’s strong finish in our annual Driver Power survey, where Lexus came 12th out of 32 manufacturers in 2024, and only 17.9% of owners reported a fault in the first year – a much lower figure than any of its competitors. Equally reassuring is the NX’s safety. When the model was crash tested by Euro NCAP in early 2022 it scored a maximum five-star rating. It was rated highly in all areas, with the standout being the 91% rating in the safety assist category.