Worth it over the hybrid? // 2026 Lexus NX450h+ review

This is a Motormouth couple car review of the 2026 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid compact, luxury SUV. What’s New? There are minor changes for the 2026 Lexus NX450h+. In Canada, a new 2026 Lexus NX450h+F Sport 2 trim has been added offering another sporty option. In the US, a base Premium grade is now available enabling a more affordable entry level model and there’s a new exterior colour called Infrared. The 2026 Lexus NX450h+ plug-in hybrid is powered by a 2.5L 4-cylinder with Lexus hybrid drive, it has an 18.1 kWh battery with 60 km/37 miles of range. It’s matched to an eCVT and has a combined 304 horsepower, standard AWD. We are driving an F Sport model with an adaptive variable suspension, front and rear performance dampers and exterior and interior F Sport design elements. While this is supposed to be your sportiest NX, it still has that Lexus feel, it’s very refined, smooth, quiet and comfortable. I am surprised how little the gas engine comes on when the battery is fully charged, you really feel like you are driving a pure electric vehicle. The higher 2026 Lexus NX450h+ trims do get up there in price, but the good news is Lexus has loaded up the base model, I would be satisfied with the lower trim. The 2026 Lexus NX450h+ comes standard with a 7” multi-information display, 14” touchscreen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker audio system, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, driver seat memory, 8-way power front seats, 4-way power driver’s seat lumbar, heated steering wheel, moonroof, heated rear seats, power liftgate and Lexus Safety Sense 3.0. 2026 Lexus NX450h+ fuel economy is impressive. When the battery is charged, this plug-in hybrid gets 2.8Le/100 km, 84 MPGe. When the battery is depleted, 6.3L/100 km, 37 MPG city and 7.1L/100 km, 33 MPG highway. This plug-in hybrid comes with a 6.6 kW onboard charger. With a Level 2 charger it can reach a full charge in 2.5 hours. The NX is not compatible with a DC Fast charger. In Canada, the 2026 Lexus NX450h+ Ultra Premium starts at $63,353, F Sport 2 $76,453, Executive $79,968 Andrea Instagram   / motormouth_andrea   Zack Instagram   / motormouth_auto