The 2023 Lexus NX 450+ Luxury Edition Plug-In Hybrid SUV
You Are What You Drive — A Bottom Line Review
What is a NX? The NX is a compact luxury SUV built and sold by Lexus, boasting an upscale high quality interior, and plenty of standard driver assist features. The NX SUV series now has 6 different models to choose from, and this year Lexus has introduced its first ever plug-in electrified hybrid SUV, the 450h+.
With a 0 to 60 time of only 6.0 seconds, and an impressive 304 total system HP horsepower, this is the fastest and most powerful NX ever. With an estimated electric driving range of 37 miles, the NX 450h+ is as fun to drive as it is extraordinary overall.
Lexus offers the 2023 NX 450h+ in two well equipped models: the 450h+ Luxury Edition for $57,705, and the 450h+ F Sport Edition for $58,955. The + designation indicates that this version is a plug-in hybrid model. This SUV in the EV mode can go up to 37 miles on battery power alone. As most people travel less than 30 miles a day, you can drive this Lexus 450h+ SUV in full electric mode every day of the week, and you still have the option to just keep on driving to Tahoe, without stopping for fuel at all.
Even when it’s not running as an electric car, the NX 450h+ is a true gas miser, with a 36 MPG fuel economy rating. The EPA rates this model at 84 MPGe in overall combined gas and electric driving, and the charging time on a 240 volt level II charger takes only 4.5 hours. Great gas mileage at 36 MPG, you can go 37 miles on a full charge, and it has a recharging time of less than 5 hours. These are great numbers for a plug-in hybrid SUV.
As luxury is the trademark for Lexus, this 2023 NX 450h+ has it all. Leather trimmed power and heated front seats, leather covered steering wheel, dual zone climate control with an interior air filtration system, a multi information center stack full color digital screen, an auto dimming rear view mirror with HomeLink automatic garage door openers, a tonneau cargo cover, and carpeted floor mats, all as standard equipment.
This week Lexus sent me a 2023 NX 450h+ Luxury Edition SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this new plug-in hybrid model is $56,555. The options on the test SUV are: the advanced parking system for $250, the digital interior mirror for $200, the triple beam headlights with washers and cornering lamps for $850, the 6.6 kilowatt internal charging system for $800, the premium paint for $595, the panoramic view monitoring system with lane changing assist and cross traffic alert for $1,070, the smart phone convenience package with a digital key and a wireless charging pad for $450, the illuminated cargo sill for $300, the wheel lock package for $95, the carpeted cargo mat for $140, and the rear and side puddle lamps package for $325.
The MSRP manufactures suggested retail price, including the $1,150 destination charge is: $62,780. After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the dealers door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $70,628.
At $70 Grand and change this Lexus plug-in luxury hybrid SUV is just below the Luxury Level entry price range of $75,000, and at near $5,000 under it, this 2023 Lexus NX 450h+ SUV is a great buy. With a gas and electric hybrid driveline, regenerative braking, and plug in capability, this is what you need. With all the options that keep you and your family safe, when you’re on the road taking the kids to school, or just shopping at the mall.
This is a vehicle that can go all day long on electric power, then switch to the gas engine when needed, and have regenerative braking to restore power while driving. Plus have the ability to plug in to charge the battery when depleted, at your convenience, not when the car says so, or it just stops running and leaves you stranded. Try that with an all electric car.
When you’re ready to buy a new compact luxury SUV, the 2023 Lexus NX 450+ Luxury Edition Plug-In Hybrid should be on your ride and drive list, as it’s one of the best hybrid SUV’s for sale in the entire compact hybrid luxury SUV class.
Call, click or visit your local Lexus dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2023 Lexus NX 450h. And remember that the base price for a new Lexus NX starts at only $38,605. Lexus - Experience Amazing.
Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today”.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a “Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense” editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net