2022 Lexus NX: Petite Crossover With Grand Ambitions as Lexus’ Maiden Plug-In Hybrid

Initially met with skepticism, this “all-new” NX is indeed a next-generation model and not merely a heavily redesigned version of its predecessor. It is based on the company’s modular GA-K platform, which also underpins the ES sedan, as well as the Toyota RAV4 and Camry. In contrast, the earlier NX was constructed on the pre-TNGA, “New MC” framework.

If you’ve been keeping track, nearly every review of a Lexus product in the past decade has featured some critique of the infotainment system, and often for valid reasons. With complicated touchpads and even more complex Remote Touch systems resembling computer mice, Toyota’s luxury division has been home to some of the least favorable infotainment setups in the industry. However, it seems that Lexus has taken note of the criticisms and is committed to rectifying its infotainment deficiencies with the new “Lexus Interface” platform.

Housed within an expansive optional 14-inch touchscreen (with a standard 9.8-inch display), the system reportedly underwent development in North America and marks a significant departure from previous Lexus offerings. It will integrate modern features such as over-the-air updates, wireless charging, cloud-based user profiles, and, notably, wireless Apple CarPlay as well as wireless Android Auto as standard.

Similar to rivals like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the Lexus Interface will feature a voice-activated Virtual Assistant. Responding to “Hey, Lexus,” this assistant can undertake tasks such as setting navigation destinations, managing audio functions, adjusting HVAC settings, and even operating windows, among other capabilities.

All of this is expected to be accessible via voice commands or touchscreen inputs. Gone are the convoluted trackpads, mousepads, or even GameCube controllers. However, physical controls have not been entirely done away with, as volume and HVAC knobs are retained. In a surprising twist from Lexus, the temperature controls appear to be partially integrated into the top of the screen, reminiscent of Ford’s Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning.

Even though parent company Toyota has been a significant innovator in terms of conventional hybrids, the Japanese automaker was relatively tardy in entering the plug-in realm. Nevertheless, the era of Lexus plug-in vehicles begins with the flagship 2022 NX: the NX 450h+, the pioneering plug-in hybrid featuring the oval-L emblem. Equipped with a new, high-capacity, lithium-ion battery, the top-of-the-line Lexus PHEV is reportedly capable of covering 36 miles on electric power alone.

Merging an electric powertrain that supposedly offers acceleration similar to that of a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with an actual 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the all-wheel-drive NX 450h+ can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. While not as rapid as the RAV4 Prime’s 5.7-second 0-60 sprint (presumably due to the incorporation of leather upholstery and sound insulation which add weight), it still outpaces the new manual GR 86’s 6.1-second time.

When it comes to charging the new Lexus plug-in hybrid, the NX 450h+ can replenish its battery in around 2.5 hours using a 240-volt power source with the optional 6.6-kW Expedited Onboard Charger. With the standard 3.3-kW charger, the charging time extends to about 4.5 hours. Interestingly, Lexus has chosen to position the car’s charging port at the rear location where a passenger-side fuel cap would typically be located, instead of placing it just behind the front fender like many other PHEVs.

Possibly, “h+” will serve as the Lexus designation for future plug-in hybrid models.

Besides the new Lexus NX plug-in hybrid, three other editions will be offered, including a standard-hybrid NX 350h, a turbocharged NX 350, and a naturally aspirated NX 250.

The 350h hybrid features a 2.5-liter gasoline engine paired with two electric motors (with one devoted to the rear axle for e-AWD, following the common setup in AWD Toyota hybrids). This variant boasts a combined output of 239 horsepower and achieves 36 mpg—20 percent higher than its predecessor.