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2022 Lexus NX 450h+ Road Test: A notch better than good enough

At first glance, you may think the spec sheet and its position in Lexus’ lineup tells the prospective buyer almost everything they need to know about the marqueÂ’s mid-level crossover. And a short stint behind the wheel of a heart-of-the-lineup model confirms it: the NX is exactly what it needs to be to fill a profitable hole in the Lexus lineup. But there's a bit more nuance to the NX nameplate that bears closer inspection. There's one version weÂ’d suggest is best to simply avoid, and that's the base-level NX 250 with its meager 203-horsepower engine, which serves adequately for the Toyota RAV4 that shares much of its mechanicals with the NX but isnÂ’t befitting of a luxury badge. Which brings us to the one real standout model that weÂ’d recommend above all others. The NX 450h+ (a truly clunky naming convention that will come up again) adds a plug and an extra dose of power to the NX that pushes this one particular version across the good-enough line and into actual desirable territory. ItÂ’s an awfully nice little crossover. And we literally mean little, but more on that later. The 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ is comfortable, boasts all the modern technology youÂ’d expect from ToyotaÂ’s premium brand, and is pleasantly powerful while also managing to be efficient. With its plug-in powertrain, a full battery results in an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric range, and we found that figure just about spot on in our own testing. To our eyes, it looks better than the last NX, though in a nondescript blobby sort of way in every direction other than straight ahead, in which case itÂ’s pinched and spindly just like every other Lexus youÂ’ve seen in the last decade. With 304 total horsepower, the plug-in NX 450h+ is quite a bit more powerful than the 240-horsepower NX 350h hybrid (as opposed to the gasoline-fueled and turbocharged NX 350 minus the lowercase h). ThatÂ’s power you can truly feel from behind the wheel. The torquier plug-in powertrain of the 450h+ scoots the ‘ute from 0-60 in in 6.0 seconds flat, according to Lexus. The 350h does the deed in a comparatively leisurely 7.2 ticks (in case youÂ’re wondering, Lexus says the non-h 350 scores a 6.6). Mid-range power from the 450h+ is quite satisfying as well, again buoyed by the strength of its powerful electric motors front and rear. Even with its strong powertrain, the NX 450h+ is no performance vehicle.

Lexus gives IS early updates for 2015

After just a year on the road, Lexus is bringing some modest tech and style upgrades to the 2015 IS. There are no mechanical changes to speak of, but the refinements should spruce things up a little bit.
The only exterior change for the 2015 IS models is the addition of LED foglights, but as they say, it's what's on the inside that counts. All models get an improved radio with Siri Eyes Free voice command for iPhone 4S and 5 users, and the standard backup camera now includes dynamic grid lines. There is also new piano black trim around the instrument panel and window switches, and a Stratus Gray interior color replaces the previous Light Gray. Buyers get a one-year subscription to the Lexus Enform Remote, which allows drivers to use their smartphones to control some aspects of the car, like remotely locking the doors.
Vehicles ordered with the F Sport package get heated and ventilated front seats, and all-wheel-drive F Sport models get a heated steering wheel, as well. The warmed wheel is also optional on non-F all-wheel-drive models. It should keep drivers nice and toasty in the winter.

Lexus considers additional powertrains for the F Performance brand

As the European hardcore competition integrates small-displacement engines and hybrids ( Mercedes-AMG), as well as pure electrification ( Polestar), Lexus' F Performance brand sticks to eight-cylinder guns. The IS F, RC F, and GS F all use the same 5.0-liter V8, the brand's hallmark all the way back to the 2007 IS F. Things could be changing, though, to hear Lexus president Yoshihiro Sawa tell it during his first visit to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. He told Auto Express that "we cannot stick to the one solution when it comes to providing emotion." It sounds like a hybrid has the best chance of reality in the near-term. In April, Lexus said several powertrain options are "all on the table" for the primary brand, and we know Lexus is working on a more powerful hybrid system. Sawa broached the unexpected idea of "a pure F GT car, which could be a hybrid with an electric motor and a strong engine." Mention of a "pure F GT" has us wondering if Sawa means a version of the rumored LC F, or another vehicle above or beside that LC F. A trademark filing and heaps of rumor posit the LC F will have a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pushing 600 horsepower or more. It's also possible Lexus plans to do something with the anticipated Gazoo Racing road-going supercar that reworks the hybrid powertrain from Toyota's LMP1 race car. An electric vehicle is under consideration as the F Performance brand works to "think of our own original way," and Lexus itself tries "to find a way to connect to the next era." Sawa knows performance buyers seek the feel and sound of an ICE, but says "we cannot stick to the one solution when it comes to providing emotion." The subcompact Lexus UX crossover will be half-electrified when it arrives later this year, one of its powertrains putting electric motors on the rear axle. The brand boss said "We will introduce an EV," but whatever they create needs to be both "lovable" and "have a luxury feeling," the former adjective leading us to believe the F sub-brand won't be going down that avenue just yet. The only reasonable candidate we've heard of so far as a battery electric version is the next-generation CT in Europe. Speaking of the CT, the compact hatchback has brought new buyers to the brand with a 70 to 75 percent conquest rate. Sawa said the spindle grille has done the same; sales have grown since the introduction of the polarizing face, so don't expect it to go away.