Lexus has made some improvements to the NX, releasing it on March 2, 2023. Engines can be chosen from gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid. There are four types: NX450h+, NX350h, NX250, and NX350. We will explain in detail the differences between hybrid and gasoline vehicles, as well as the differences between grades.
Lexus “NX” partial improvement
- Improved handling stability and ride comfort further enhance the Lexus driving experience
- The interior coloring has been updated to create a more glamorous and high-quality interior space.
- Enhanced functionality of the Lexus Safety System + active safety system
A drive recorder (front and rear) is available as a manufacturer option . Camera footage from the front and rear of the vehicle is constantly recorded in the memory. All recorded footage can be played back on the display in the center of the instrument panel, allowing for quick review. Video data can be transferred to a smartphone or USB memory for easy portability. 20-inch run-flat tires (tires that can be driven even if punctured) used on the F Sport and version L are available as a manufacturer option, and standard tires are now standard equipment . The NX350 has improved response and torque when starting, and drivability has been improved by changing the engine and transmission control.
Aiming to further deepen the driving experience unique to Lexus , “Lexus Driving Signature,” body rigidity has been further strengthened based on the Always On concept, and the suspension has been optimally set to match, further drawing out potential. For the exterior, the high-mounted stop has been changed to a surface-emitting type. The interior color scheme has been renewed, and to create a more glamorous and high-quality space, the door trim, glove box, and passenger-side console side panel are the same color as the interior theme, and the interior color scheme has been renewed (excluding black and the black exclusive to “F SPORT”).
New NX interior
New NX interior
The functions of the “Lexus Safety System +,” which contributes to a safe and comfortable drive , have been expanded, and the pre-crash safety’s low-speed acceleration suppression function, which helps avoid collisions or mitigate damage at low speeds, has been enhanced . In addition to pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles directly in front of the vehicle, it can also recognize structures such as walls, making it suitable for a wider range of situations . Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), which provides unobtrusive driving support , now includes steering and deceleration support for pedestrians, cyclists, and parked vehicles, deceleration support for preceding vehicles , and deceleration support for curves, as well as deceleration support when turning right or left at signalized intersections .
The NX450h+ “F SPORT” is also equipped with Lexus Teammate Advanced Park (with remote function), which is compatible with various parking scenarios such as forward parking in parallel parking, backing out, and forward exiting, and the Parking Support Brake (surrounding stationary objects) [PKSB], which mitigates collisions caused by mistaking the brake for the accelerator and contributes to reducing damage . (The NX450h+ “version L” and NX350h are already equipped.)
Lexus NX price and grade selection
There are four engine options to choose from: gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid.
NX250
| grade | engine | transmission |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX250 “version L” |
Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine “DynamicForce Engine” |
Direct Shift- 8AT |
2WD (FF) |
5,526,000 yen |
| AWD | 5,796,000 yen | |||
| NX250 | 2WD (FF) |
4,550,000 yen | ||
| AWD | 4,820,000 yen |
NX350
The NX350 is available in only one grade, an AWD (4WD) model, which is equipped with high-octane fuel.
| grade | engine | Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NX350 “F SPORT” |
2.4L direct injection turbo engine |
AWD | 6,086,000 yen |
NX350h
The NX350h is available in 2WD and AWD (4WD) models. It is a popular model across the entire lineup! This model can be equipped with all options. Advanced Park Remote function is available on all grades. It uses the same engine and motor as the Harrier, but this one is a high-octane model.
| grade | Hybrid system |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NX350h “version L” |
Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine + motor D-4S + motor (THS II) |
2WD (FF) |
6,176,000 yen |
| AWD | 6,446,000 yen | ||
| NX350h “F SPORT” |
2WD (FF) |
6,176,000 yen | |
| AWD | 6,446,000 yen | ||
| NX350h | 2WD (FF) |
5,200,000 yen | |
| AWD | 5,470,000 yen |
NX450h+
The NX450h+ is available only as an AWD (4WD) model. The NX450h+ “F SPORT” is more expensive, but the NX450h+ “version L” comes standard with optional triple LED headlights and heated rear seats, making it the top-of-the-line model, but it is also expensive due to the various options that come as standard.
| grade | Hybrid system |
Drive system |
Price (10%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NX450h+ “version L” |
Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II) |
AWD | 7,295,000 yen |
| NX450h+ “F SPORT” |
AWD | 7,535,000 yen |
Lexus NX fuel economy data
Fuel economy for gasoline vehicles (2WD) is WLCT mode: 10.6km/L (8.5km/L)
Hybrid vehicle (2WD) fuel economy in WLCT mode: 17.5-17.7km/L (14.0km/L)
( ) is approximate actual fuel consumption
| Specifications | NX250 “version L” |
NX350h “version L” |
NX450h+ “version L” |
|---|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,660mm | 4,660mm | 4,660mm |
| Overall width | 1,865mm | 1,865mm | 1,865mm |
| Overall height | 1,660mm | 1,660mm | 1,660mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690mm | 2,690mm | 2,690mm |
| engine | Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine “DynamicForce Engine” |
Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine + motor D-4S + motor (THS II) |
Inline 4-cylinder 2.5L direct injection engine D-4S + motor (THS II) |
| Maximum power | 148kW (201PS) / 6,600rpm |
140kW (190PS) / 6,000rpm |
135kW (185PS) / 6,000rpm |
| Maximum torque | 241Nm (24.5kgmf) / 4,400rpm |
243Nm (24.8kgmf) / 4,300-4,500rpm |
228Nm (23.2kgmf) / 3,600-3,700rpm |
| Front motor maximum output |
– | 88kw (120ps) | 134kW (182ps) |
| Front motor maximum torque |
– | 202Nm (20.6kgm) | 270Nm |
| System maximum output | – | E-Four: 163kW (222ps) 2WD: 160kW (218ps) |
225kW (306ps) |
transmission |
Direct Shift-8AT | Electric continuously variable transmission | Electric continuously variable transmission |
| Drive system | 2WD (FF) /AWD | 2WD/AWD (E-Four) | AWD (E-Four) |
| WLTC mode fuel economy | 13.9km/L (2WD) 13.5km/L (AWD) |
20.9km/L (2WD) 19.9km/L (AWD) |
19.6km/L (AWD) EV driving range: 87km |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people | 5 people | 5 people |
NX450h
NX350h
Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid: How to recoup your investment
This became a very difficult question when considering fuel economy and price. When comparing the three grades of the “version L” AWD, the gasoline model costs 5,796,000 yen, the hybrid model 6,446,000 yen, and the plug-in hybrid model 7,295,000 yen. The difference is 650,000 yen for the hybrid model and 1,499,000 yen for the plug-in hybrid model . Furthermore, if you apply for the “Clean Energy Vehicle Adoption Promotion Subsidy” with the plug-in hybrid model, you can receive a total tax reduction of 620,000 yen .
Now we’ll calculate the cost of gasoline . We’ll examine how much you need to drive to make up for the gasoline costs of 620,000 yen for the hybrid model and 879,000 yen for the plug-in hybrid model . Based on the actual fuel economy figures listed above,
| Amount item | NX250 “version L” |
NX350h “version L” |
NX450h+ “version L” |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base price | 5,796,000 yen | 6,446,000 yen | 7,295,000 |
| difference | – | +650,000 yen | +1,499,000 yen |
| Total tax reduction benefit amount |
0 yen | -30,000 yen | -620,000 yen |
| Total difference | – | +620,000 yen | +879,000 yen |
Fuel economy for the gasoline vehicle (AWD) is 13.5km/l (10.3) in WLCT mode. Fuel economy for the hybrid model (AWD) is 19.9km/l (18.2) in WLCT mode. Fuel economy for the plug-in hybrid model (AWD) is 19.6km/l (21) in WLCT mode. Calculated based on an EV driving distance of 87km.
Gasoline prices: Regular gasoline 165 yen per liter, premium gasoline 177 yen per liter
Gasoline model 10,000km = 160,194 yen
Hybrid model 10,000km = 97,252 yen
Plug-in hybrid model 10,000km = 84,285 yen
| distance | NX250 “version L” |
NX350h “version L” |
NX450h+ “version L” |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000km | 160,194 yen | 97,252 yen | 84,285 yen |
| 50,000km | 800,970 yen | 486,260 yen | 421,425 yen |
| 100,000km | 1,601,940 yen | 972,520 yen | 842,850 yen |
Fuel cost per mileage
After 10,000km, the hybrid model was priced at 62,942 yen, while the plug-in hybrid model was priced at 75,909 yen. After 50,000km, the hybrid model was priced at 314,710 yen, while the plug-in hybrid model was priced at 379,545 yen. In other words, this still doesn’t make up for the difference in the price of the car itself…
If you’re likely to get rid of your new car after about five years, or even if you plan to drive it for 100,000km, choosing a hybrid car will pay off. The plug-in hybrid model will cost 759,090 yen more, meaning you won’t get your money’s worth . Just because it’s a hybrid car doesn’t mean you can choose it lightly. Furthermore, in the case of the NX, the exterior design is no different from the hybrid, so you can’t be too proud of it.
About NX body colors
- White Nova Glass Flakes
- Blazing Carnelian Contrast Layering
- Heat Blue Contrast Layering
- Sonic Chrome
- Madder Red
- Graphite Black Glass Flakes
- Sonic Quartz
- Terrain Khaki Mica Metallic
- black
- Sonic Titanium
- Celestial Blue Glass Flakes
Conclusion Summary
The 2WD models of the “NX350h “F SPORT”” and “NX350h “version L”” will likely be the most popular. These two will undoubtedly be the most popular due to their hybrid grade and the freedom of option selection. The 2WD “NX250 “version L”” will likely be even more popular. It is the only gasoline model and its exterior design and equipment are almost impeccable, so it will likely be popular.
