Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 Review : A Little Goes A Long Way

Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 Review : A Little Goes A Long Way
Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 – How frugal is this PHEV?
Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 – The PHEV Powertrain
Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 – The Looks
Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 – The Cabin
Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 – The Drive
Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV

Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 Review : A Little Goes A Long Way

Singapore – Lexus, and by extension Toyota, have had moderate success with their range of hybrid vehicles. As it stands, half of the brand’s model range in Singapore are hybrid vehicles. On the fully electric side of things, less so.

Let’s face it, the Japanese carmakers have been a little slow where fully electric vehicles are concerned. Lexus currently has one BEV in its lineup, coming in the form of the UX 300e. Though in time to come, the Toyota Motor Corporation has announced its intention to produce 30 fully electric models between Toyota and Lexus, as well as turn the latter into a fully-electric vehicle manufacturer.

In a manner of speaking, the new Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV exists in this transitional phase between EV and ICE. So it’s clear that the brand is actively making inroads into the EV scene.

Naturally, we’d expect big things from Lexus’ first Plug-In Hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 – How frugal is this PHEV?

By now, we’d all be familiar with several forms of hybridisation tech: mild hybrids, full hybrids and series hybrids. But this is a plug-in hybrid, which sees the traits of the other hybrid systems segue into a single powertrain package. In theory, that should counteract the shortcomings while reaping the benefits of the respective hybrid powertrains. Better fuel economy, no range anxiety, and the added benefit of a part-time EV drivetrain.

According to the press kit and specifications sheet of the 2022 Lexus NX450h+ PHEV has an average combined fuel economy of just 1.1L/100km. So on paper at least, the NX450h+ is the most fuel efficient production vehicle in Lexus’ lineup. Even more so than the crop of hybrids from the Toyota Motor Corporation.

Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 – The PHEV Powertrain

The NX 450h+ is powered by a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-pot, like the one we’d find under the hood of the Toyota Camry Hybrid and Toyota Harrier Hybrid, mated to an eCVT transmission. The car is also powered by two electric motors, one on each axle, so this particular NX is an all-wheel drive vehicle.

Bear with us as we delve more into the power figures, because it gets a little confusing. The engine’s power fugues are rated at 182hp/227Nm, while the front and rear motors produce 180hp/270Nm and 54hp/121Nm respectively. So in theory, the EV gubbins lurking under the body should supply a combined 234 horsepower and 392Nm of torque.

However, the NX 450h+ has a combined system output of 304 horsepower and 227Nm of torque. We know, the math doesn’t add up. There are other factors at play when an ICE and EV drivetrain have to work in tandem, but truthfully, 304 horsepower is plenty for this mid-size SUV. Any more, and it’d be crossing into full Lexus F territory.

Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 – The Looks

Although, the car certainly does look the part of an aggressive crossover, especially since our test car came in its F Sport guise. In fact, save for the model designation on the tailgate, it’s a dead ringer for the NX 350 F Sport, save for the AC charging flap on the right flank.

As per Lexus’ current design language, the imposing front end sees all manner of angular creases and sharp lines emanating from the brand’s signature spindle grille. The side profile continues the sporty theme, with creases flowing down the bodywork to the wide rear haunches before culminating in the tail end. The rear also sees the addition of a continuous strip of LEDs, along with a new Lexus name logo, as opposed to a badge in the previous generation NX.

Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 – The Cabin

Like the angular exterior, the interior also sees several F badged embellishments. F Sport sill plates, F Sport badge on the steering wheel and sportier (looking) F Sport seats. But you’d more likely be drawn by the curved panel over the digital instrument cluster and the absolutely huuuuuge 14-inch centre screen.

Massive screen aside, there are plenty of niceties in the cabin. Wireless smartphone connectivity for iPhone users (sorry Android users), a sliding wireless charging pad beneath the infotainment screen that retracts into the dash, a colour HUD and ventilated seats. Sit behind the wheel and you’d find most of the driver-centric controls within an arm’s reach from the driver’s seat. That’s done by design, something Lexus is calling the Tazuna Concept which literally translates to “reins of a horse”.

Lexus NX 450h+ PHEV 2022 – The Drive

But the beauty about the NX 450h+ is the choice of cycling between two drivetrains. Housed within the TNGA-K chassis is an 18.1kWh battery pack that works in sync with the engine, or on its own in full EV mode. Running on electrons alone, the NX 450h+ has an WLTP range of 69 to 76 kilometres. Plenty for an average day’s commute here in Singapore.

And it would be a very fun commute indeed. The car’s chassis feels rigid and planted on the road, despite suffering from a slight hint of torque steer when you jab your foot down. The steering, while being sharp and precise enough to place on the road, suffers from a lack of feedback. However, it’s only in extreme situations that the lack of communication becomes more apparent. Driven in a civil manner, it’s a flaw that rarely reveals itself.

Driving in hybrid mode, my average consumption hovered between 2.6L to 5.1L per 100km. Bear in mind, my drive included a considerable amount of idle time doing a photoshoot and loitering with the drive systems switched on. And putting my foot down in the name of science. And fun.

In the real world, it would take some serious talent to rack up an economy figure worse than what I achieved. Even after clocking a total of 150km on the car, my fuel gauge only dipped by an eighth. The 18.1kWh battery pack on the other hand? Let’s just say I was in need of a top-up.

We’re certain that the Toyota Motor Corporation has plenty more in the works. They’ve already got the recipe for a conventional hybrid locked down, so it’s only a matter of time before the engineers in Toyota figure out how to produce mass-market electric vehicles on a larger scale. Perhaps when the Lexus RZ EV comes out, we’d see the fruits of Lexus’ labour.

PHOTOS Jay Tee