Update: ‘Price & Release Date’ section updated.
Seven years after unveiling the first-ever NX and selling approximately one million units globally, Lexus has introduced the second-gen NX. The 2022 Lexus NX packs a host of improvements, but the Lexus NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid variant is the most important addition.
Video Source: YouTube/Lexus
Here are nine things you need to know about the 2022 NX PHEV, the first plug-in hybrid electric Lexus model worldwide:
Features Toyota’s Dynamic Force Engine
The powertrain of the 2022 Lexus NX plug-in hybrid clubs the A25A-FXS 2.5-liter engine with two electric motors. One motor powers the front wheels, and the other unit powers the rear wheels. The engine is the same ‘Dynamic Force Engine’ naturally aspirated that Toyota employs in the RAV4 Prime (RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid/RAV4 PHEV).
Technically the second-gen Lexus NX is closely related to the Toyota RAV4. Image Source: Lexus
The second-gen Lexus NX sits on the same platform as the fifth-gen Toyota RAV4 – GA-K – and both models belong to the same segment. The plug-in hybrid powertrain of both models delivers the same maximum power – 225 kW (306 PS/302 hp).
Offers 4 drive modes
The 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ allows the driver to choose from four drive modes: EV mode, AUTO EV/HEV mode, HEV mode, and Self-charge mode.
The vehicle runs on the electricity stored in its traction battery in the EV mode, thus emitting no CO2 from the tailpipe. In the AUTO EV/HV mode, the vehicle automatically selects the drive mode, either pure electric or hybrid, depending on the amount of charge remaining in the traction battery, route, traction information, and other data. The powertrain uses both gasoline and electricity in the HV mode to allow maximum performance. In the Self-charge mode, the traction battery charges itself up using the engine’s power.
Drivable 37 miles in EV mode
The 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ has an 18.1 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack. Image Source: Lexus
Being a technical cousin of the RAV4 PHEV, the NX PHEV also has an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. However, while the Toyota model can travel up to 42 miles (EPA-est.) in EV mode on a full charge, the Lexus model’s EV range (EPA-est.) is 37 miles. The combined fuel economy (EPA-est.) is 84 MPGe, about 11% lower than the RAV4 Prime’s (94 MPGe).
Another commonality between these plug-in hybrid SUVs is the capacity of the onboard chargers. Like Toyota’s RAV4 PHEV, Lexus’ NX 450h+ comes with a 3.3 kW onboard charger as standard. Similarly, there is an option to upgrade to a 6.6 kW onboard charger. Fully charging the battery pack takes approximately 4.5 hours with the 3.3 kW charger or about 2.5 hours with the 6.6 kW charger.
As fast as the Toyota RAV4 PHEV (EV mode)
The 2022 Lexus NX plug-in hybrid allows driving at a max speed of 135 km/h (84 mph) solely on electric power. That’s the same EV mode top speed as the RAV4 PHEV, one of the popular plug-in hybrid models in the mass market segment. Toyota’s plug-in hybrid SUV can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds, while Lexus expects its plug-in hybrid SUV to accomplish the same in 6 seconds. The 2022 NX 450h+’s track top speed is 124 mph.
Uncompromising boot space
In Europe, Lexus says that the 2022 NX plug-in hybrid offers the same boot capacity as the 2022 NX hybrid. Image Source: Lexus
The plug-in hybrid variant’s significantly bigger battery doesn’t compromise its practicality. The cargo space and the fuel tank capacity are the same as those of the gasoline variant. The cargo space is 22.7 cu. ft., and it’s possible to expand that to 46.9 cu. ft. by folding down the rear seats. The fuel tank capacity is 14.53 gal.
Highly digital interior
The 2022 NX has a highly digital interior with many new/improved technologies. Lexus is offering a 7-inch HD MID and a 10-inch head-up display for the first time in an NX, although a larger, 12.3-inch HD customizable display similar to the German rivals would have been nicer. Even the (Euro-spec) Toyota Corolla Cross comes with a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel has new ‘Touch tracer’ switches with a touch-based operation.
In the center stack, there’s an all-new Lexus Interface multimedia system. Developed in the U.S., it integrates a 9.8-inch touchscreen or a significantly larger, 14-inch touchscreen. Lexus Interface features cloud navigation, a new Voice Assistant, dual microphones, enhanced noise-cancellation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto. Nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination with 14 mood lighting theme options, wireless smartphone charger, and Digital Key make the 2022 NX more appealing than the old NX.
New Lexus Safety System+
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on every new NX model, including the plug-in hybrid. In addition to the current safety features for NX, including Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Intelligent High Beam, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the new version of the Lexus Safety System includes four advanced safety features.
Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist applies brakes gently and steers the vehicle when needed to keep the car within the lane and avoid a collision. Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking warns the driver and engages the brakes if the driver is about to make a left turn in front of an oncoming vehicle. Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection/Braking warns the driver and applies the brakes if the driver turns left or right in front of an oncoming pedestrian or cyclist. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management manages the vehicle’s speed even in curves when the driver has enabled cruise control.
Spec’d out
Lexus has confirmed the following standard features for the U.S.-spec 2022 NX 450h+ F Sport:
- F Sport front fascia and mesh grille insert
- 20-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels with Gloss Black finish
- F Sport front fender badges
- Gloss Black window trim and roof rails
- Black ORVMs
- Color-matched (body-colored) wheel fender arches
- Dark Graphite Aluminium trim
- Aluminum pedals
- F Sport front seats with enhanced bolsters
- F Sport perforated leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel
- Race-inspired paddle shifters
- G-meter and energy monitor displays
- 10-inch head-up display
- Adaptive variable suspension
- Performance dampers (front and rear)
- Adaptive Front Lighting System*
- 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system*
- Drive Connect trial with Cloud Navigation, incl. Google POI data; Intelligent Assistant, incl. Hey Lexus; and Destination Assist*
- Ambient lighting*
- Front-seat ventilation*
- Lexus Memory System for driver’s seat, steering wheel, and ORVMs*
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof*
- Power rear door with kick sensor*
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers*
- Intuitive Parking Assist with Automatic Braking*
*Part of F Sport Luxury Package included as standard in the 450h+ variant but not the 350 variant
Price & Release Date
The Lexus NX is now manufactured at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) plant. Image: Lexus Canada
The 2022 Lexus NX is on sale in the U.S., with prices ranging from USD 39,025 to 57,975 (incl. USD 1,075 delivery, processing, and handling fee). Early units are coming from Japan (Tahara Plant and Kyushu Miyata Plant). Sourcing is switching to Canada, where production has commenced at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada factory in Cambridge, Ontario. The company started producing the regular and hybrid versions of the new NX at the Canadian plant in April 2022.
Lexus NX ConfigurationPriceNX 250 FWDUSD 39,025NX 250 AWDUSD 40,625NX 350 AWDUSD 42,625NX 350 F Sport Handling AWDUSD 47,725NX 350h AWDUSD 42,125NX 450h+ AWDUSD 56,725NX 450h+ F Sport Handling AWDUSD 57,975
2022 Lexus NX prices in the U.S. incl. USD 1,075 delivery, processing, and handling fee
Lexus offers a fresh color palette for the all-new SUV’s interior. Atomic Silver, Caviar, Nori Green Pearl, Grecian Water, Redline, and Obsidian (F-Sport-exclusive) are the 2022 NX’s no-price color options. Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0 (F-Sport-exclusive), Cloudburst Gray, Eminent White Pearl, Ultra White (F-Sport-exclusive), and Cadmium Orange are also available, but they cost extra. In all, there are nine different options:
- Black
- Black/Rich Cream
- Palomino
- Rioja Red
- Circuit Red
- Stippled Black
- Black Prism
- Black Open-Pore Wood
- Dark Graphite Aluminum
NX sales in the U.S. grew 4.9%, from 55,784 units in 2020 to 58,514 units in 2021. The NX hybrid alone recorded 10,614 units, marking a 13.4% year-over-year growth (2020: 9,358 units). The NX plug-in hybrid started reaching dealerships at the end of 2021, registering only 18 units in annual sales.
2022 will be the first full year of sales of the new-generation NX, including the first-ever NX plug-in hybrid. Lexus sold 10,109 NX units in America in the first quarter, 30.1% fewer than in Q1 2021 (14,462 units). The share of NX Hybrid in quarterly sales dropped by 10.9% year-over-year to 2,559 units (Q1 2021: 2,872 units). The NX Plug-in Hybrid contributed 605 units to the NX’s Q1 2022 sales in the U.S.
2022 Lexus NX FAQs
What is the next-gen Lexus NX release date?
The 2022 Lexus NX is now on sale in the U.S. in gasoline and hybrid versions.
Which models are considered the 2022 Lexus NX rivals?
Audi Q5, BMW X3, Cadillac XT4 & Mercedes GLC are credible Lexus NX competitors.
What is the 2022 Lexus NX price?
The 2022 NX’s prices range from USD 39,025 to 57,975.
Featured Image Source: Lexus
Keyword: 9 things you need need to know about the 2022 Lexus NX 450h+