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 marque’s mid-level. 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.
The 2022 Lexus NX 450h+ is comfortable, boasts all the modern technology you’d expect from Toyota’s premium brand, and is pleasantly powerful while also managing to be efficient. With its plug-in powertrain, a fullresults in an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric range, and we found that figure just about spot on in our own testing.
Even with its strong powertrain, the NX 450h+ is no performance vehicle. Its suspension errs on the side of compliance over flat cornering, and its steering is appropriate for a luxury crossover, by which we mean light and direct but never sporty or particularly communicative. Putting the vehicle into Sport or Sport+ firms up the ride and steering, if that’s something the driver feels is desirable. Normal felt about right to us, considering the NX’s mission statement.
We found ourselves irritated by the unmarked buttons on the steering wheel that control functions viewed through the head-up display. You’d probably get used to them after a while if you owned the NX, but they certainly aren’t user-friendly at first.