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Price Range: Less Than
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$154,765
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Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2023 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

2022 Lexus NX 450h+ Luxury

Vehicle Type: SUV Hybrid
80
 overall score
Category Ranking: 26

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $55,650
Price as Tested: $62,090

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Electricity/regular
Fuel Capacity (gal): 14.8
120V Charge Time: 1.8 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 8.2 miles per hour
EPA City mpg38
EPA Highway mpg33
EPA Combined mpg: 36
EPA Combined MPGe: 84
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 37

Advanced Safety Features

  • Adaptive Cruise Control [S]
  • Advanced Headlights [S]
  • Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • Blind-Spot Warning [S]
  • Driver Monitoring [S]
  • Forward-Collision Warning [S]
  • Lane-Departure Warning [S]
  • Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
  • Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [O]
  • [S] Standard, [O] Optional

Overall Observations

Lexus redesigned the NX, its compact luxury crossover, for 2022. Two new models were added, including the automaker’s first plug-in hybrid, the NX 450h+, which shares a platform and powertrain with Toyota’s RAV4 Prime. The NX 450h+ is an attractive, stylish vehicle inside and out. It’s not flashy, but it exudes an understated elegance. Fit and finish throughout are up to expected Lexus standards. Arguably, the NX’s strongest performance feature is its EV-only range, 37 miles, which allows many drivers to visit gas stations only infrequently. The drivetrain - an inline 4-cylinder engine and 2 electric motors - is smooth but noisy. Unfortunately, the driving experience is unremarkable and lacking in engagement. All-wheel drive is standard. The NX has a spacious, well-appointed interior, with heated and ventilated front seats and plenty of room for passengers and cargo. A full suite of ADAS features is standard, as is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Lexus has improved its infotainment system, relying more on a touch screen than the previous NX’s touch pad, but the menu structure is not intuitive. The multifunctional (but unmarked) steering-wheel buttons aren’t easy to use, either. Finally, the narrow rear window restricts visibility considerably. The main question, though, is one of value: Potential buyers will have to decide whether the NX 450h+ is worth nearly $15,000 more than the NX 350h hybrid, which doesn’t have EV-only capability but is even more fuel efficient in hybrid mode (39 mpg versus 36 mpg).

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Strong Points

  • • Good EV-only range
  • • Spacious interior for all passengers
  • • Comprehensive set of ADAS features
  • • Stylish interior and exterior design
  • • Good exterior and interior fit and finish

Weak Points

  • • Much more expensive than the NX Hybrid
  • • Nonintuitive infotainment system
  • • Difficult-to-use steering- wheel controls
  • • Large rear blind spot

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2022
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 4500.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 183.5 / 73.4 / 65.8
Wheelbase (in): 105.9
Number of air bags: 9
Warranty (months/miles): 48/50,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Bridgestone Alenza A/S
Front and rear tire size: 235/50 R20
Max towing capacity (lbs): 2,000
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Hybrid drive
Drivetrain type: All wheel
Engine/motor: 2.5L I4 DOHC 16-valve
Engine horsepower @ RPM: 181 @ 6,000
Combined system horsepower: 302

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

9.70

Fuel Efficiency:

8.66

EPA Emissions Score:

7.00

Acceleration:

1.10

Braking:

3.79
Handling: 6.55
Quality and Drivability: 7.42

Ride Quality:

7.86

Interior Size:

3.30

Easy of Entry and Exit:

7.04

Visibility:

8.07

Interior Noise:

7.83

Cargo Capacity:

2.05
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