By: Krish Persaud
November 29, 2022
Keeping up with the competition is no sweat for Lexus, thanks to the brand’s three SUV offerings: the compact UX, the midsize NX, RX, GX and the LX. First unveiled in 2015, the NX is now in its second generation for 2022. We contacted our friends at Toyota Canada, and they graciously provided us with the keys to the 2022 Lexus NX450h+ F Sport Series 3. We couldn’t wait to put it through its paces for a week.
The 2022 NX450h+ F Sport Series 3 was outfitted with 20-inch F Sport black alloy wheels, Cadmium Orange paint, Lexus’ new infotainment system on a 14-inch touchscreen, and Lexus’ first plug-in hybrid system, which is borrowed from the Toyota Rav4 Prime.
A 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower that is combined with two electric motors, a 6.6-kW onboard charger and a continuously variable transmission all work together to produce a total of 302 horsepower. If you’re wondering how quickly this configuration can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h, the answer is 5.7 seconds.
You will have no trouble propelling the NX450h+ to highway speeds, but you may notice the gasoline-powered engine becoming a bit noisier as it climbs the rev range. Nevertheless, you can rest assured that at cruising speeds the engine is pleasantly quiet.
According to the manufacturer, the 2022 Lexus NX450h+, the company’s first plug-in hybrid system, has a full electric range of approximately 58 km. Despite our best efforts to use very light acceleration and braking techniques, we measured approximately 55 km in full electric mode. With the ability to reserve your electric-only range at the touch of a button, conserving energy for use in the city is far more beneficial than using it on the highway, which quickly depletes the range. When maintaining electric-only range, the vehicle continues to operate as a hybrid, with the gasoline engine kicking in when additional power is needed. With proper braking techniques, we were able to slightly extend our range while driving in all-electric mode in the city. Expect to get a full charge from empty in less than 2.5 hours on a level 2 charger.
The second-generation NX features a high-resolution 14-inch touchscreen and Lexus’ new infotainment system, which seamlessly integrates with smartphones that support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and offers the option to do so wirelessly. We are pleased to see that the new NX does not utilize the touchpad controls that were a mainstay of the Lexus lineup. Even though using the large touchscreen to access the volume and climate controls is simple, we wish there were a few more physical buttons available.
You won’t need to take any stretch breaks because the leather interior provides top-notch comfort with excellent lumbar support and just the right amount of padding to keep you happy, even for long periods of time. It is perfectly acceptable to have two adult passengers in the back seat, but it is not advisable to have a third passenger back there.
The Lexus 2022 NX450h+, as we have come to expect from the brand, provides a comfortable and refined driving experience. This is made possible by a suspension setup that absorbs road imperfections with a minimum of discernibility. The setup of run-flat tires and 20-inch rims does not significantly affect the level of comfort. The NX is very capable around corners, and the electric steering is very predictable.
The Lexus NX is available in multiple trim levels, with the NX 250 starting at $47,950, the NX 350h has a starting price of $50,450, the NX 350 has a starting price of $55,400, and while the NX 450h+ has a starting price of $59,950.
Our test vehicle was equipped with the $17,050 F Sport Series 3 package, bringing the as-tested price to $77,000.
Fuel efficiency ratings for the NX 450+ are 6.2L/100km in the city and 7.0L/100km on the highway. During our week long test, which took place in the warmer months of the year, we observed a combined average of 6.7L/100km. Please note that the NX 450h+ has a 55-litre fuel tank that requires 91-octane
Sharing its platform with the Toyota Rav4 Prime has done nothing but improve what was already a great vehicle. With the Lexus styling that we all love, the Cadmium Orange paint enhances the premium luxury SUV that has an interior that shows off the new infotainment system, the Adaptive Variable Suspension, the 20-inch glossy black wheels, and the F Sport goodness. The NX has grown on us, and we love the fact that you could potentially get up to 900km of gas/electric range with the right driving habits, and if your commutes are less than 50km, you could be totally gas-free in style.
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