The 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ occupies a strange space in the luxury SUV market. It lacks a direct rival, forcing buyers to compare it against gas-only rivals or plug-in models from other brands. This creates a unique purchasing dilemma, especially considering the 2026 NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid SUV that straddles the line between compact and mid-size.
The 2026 NX 450h+ falls into what used to be considered the compact SUV segment, but has grown over the years, with many now calling it mid-size. Regardless of semantics, the vehicle measures 183.4-inches (4,659 mm) in length, with a width of 73.4-inches (1,865mm), and a height of 65.7-inches (1,669 mm). Being an F Sport trim, the NX comes standard with a black grille, black roof rails, black side rockers, painted wheel arch mouldings, and 20-inch black wheels. Our tester also came with the optional moonroof and power folding mirrors and was finished in the Infrared exterior paint.
Even if the vehicle may not be the most stylish SUV on the market, with the F Sport package, it does give it added appeal and a few extra coolness points. It is worth noting that the exterior changes for the 2026 model year are minimal. Gas versions now have more front-wheel drive options and trim packages have changed, while the plug-in NX 450h+ gained dual voltage charging cables, enabling both level 1 and 2 charging capabilities.
Powertrain and Fuel Economy
The Lexus NX isn’t the only plug-in hybrid luxury SUV on sale today, but the way drivetrain is configured is a bit unique. Up front is a conventional 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine making 181 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. Paired directly to it is an electronic continuously variable automatic transmission and electric motor that makes 180 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque.
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But here’s where things get different. At the rear axle is a second motor making 54 hp and 89 lb-ft of torque. It has no physical connection to the front engine or motor whatsoever. It works wholly independently and is more of a part-time assist motor, helping the main drivetrain unit when needed.
In total, the drivetrain can produce upwards of 304 horsepower, propelling the NX 450h+ from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. When pinning the accelerator to the floor, with a full battery, the acceleration figures almost seem conservative. Even at freeway speeds, the acceleration is impressive. The issue though is that there isn’t 304 hp all the time. With a charged-up battery in optimal conditions, full power is available. Other times, only most of that power is on tap. The Lexus is good at recouping energy quickly to give quick bursts of 300+ hp when wanted, but sustained acceleration, or repeated acceleration cannot be supported. At all times, power levels feel adequate, but sometimes not much more than that. The engine can be quite growly under hard acceleration too. It’s smooth and delivers the goods, but it never lets the driver forget it’s working hard.
When not driven hard, Lexus expects the NX 450h+ to achieve fuel economy figures of 34 mpg (6.6 L/100 km) combined. It can also drive upwards of 37 miles (60 km) on a single charge. Once depleted, an onboard 6.6 kW charger can be used to recharge the 18.1 kWh battery, or the engine can be used to recharge the battery, but that takes quite a while.
Driving Feel and Comfort
The NX uses a MacPherson front strut and double wishbone rear suspension set-up. The F Sport adds a rear stabilizer bar, adaptive variable suspension as well as front and rear performance dampers. With 7.7-inches (196 mm) of ground clearance, F Sport sits a bit lower to the ground.
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Despite all this hardware and Sport being right in the name, this isn’t a performance SUV. It’s a decent handler and the 235/50R20 tires grip well enough, but the overall feel of the NX is premium luxury over all-out sportiness. The steering is another great example of this. We quite like the feel in the 2026 Lexus NX 450h+, and not because it’s sporty. It feels firm, isolated, and premium; like high quality mechanisms are engineered into the wheel and can be felt every time it is turned. It’s complimented by the quiet cabin that does well to keep outside noise intrusions from getting in.
Comfort is a priority of the NX 450h+ and the ride quality is good, although we didn’t notice a large difference in the different damper settings. The front seats offer good cushion and come heated, ventilated, and power operated. The steering wheel is also heated as are the outboard rear seats. Those in the rear have 37.4-inches (950 mm) of headroom and 36.1-inches (917 mm) of legroom which is on the small side. The cargo area behind the rear seats can hold up to 22.7 cu ft (643 L) of gear, or 46.9 cu ft (1,328 L) when the rear seat backs are folded.
The 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ sits in a strange spot where the technology is advanced, but the execution leaves room for improvement. The independent rear motor adds performance potential, yet the engine noise under heavy load can be jarring. This disconnect between the electric promise and the mechanical reality of the gas engine creates a split personality for the vehicle. Buyers seeking absolute silence or consistent high-end performance might find the NVH levels—noise, vibration, and harshness—distracting, while those looking for a quiet, comfortable daily cruiser with occasional bursts of speed will likely find it more agreeable. The trade-off is a drivetrain that is mechanically fascinating but occasionally rough around the edges.
Interior and Tech
The interior of the NX has a pleasing design that is driver centric. It has a classy, minimal, premium look. Our only complaint would be the lack of infotainment control hard buttons. The 7-inch driver information center pod blends nicely into the 14-inch infotainment screen and HVAC pod. Being an F Sport, the seats have a Nuluxe surface on them and there is an F Sport shift knob.
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The 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ comes loaded with most of the standard convenience and technology features one should expect. Our tester included optional equipment, such as a wireless phone charger, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker audio system, head-up display, and 64-color ambient lighting. The SUV also has Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with included features on our F Sport being pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure assist and warning, emergency stop support, front cross traffic alert, lane change assist, emergency steering assist and more.
Value and Pricing
In the United States, the 2026 Lexus NX 450h+ Premium AWD starts at a price of $59,405 (all prices include destination charges). That puts it a few thousand dollars higher than the stating price of the 2026 Acura RDX A-Spec Advance, but that model lacks any sort of hybrid drivetrain. Sticking to plug-in hybrid competitors, the 2026 NX 450h+ starts slightly higher than the 2026 Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring but undercuts the 2026 Volvo XC60 Recharge.
With a few option packages added on, the as tested price of our NX 450h+ F Sport Handling came in at $67,020. Looking at prices in Canada, the SUV starts at $62,195 for 2026 NX 450h+ Ultra Premium. As tested, the NX 450h+ F Sport 2 came in at $75,945.
Specifications
- Engine/Motor: 2.5-liter four cylinder hybrid
- Output: 304 hp
- Drivetrain: eAWD
- Transmission: eCVT
- Fuel Economy: 34 mpg (6.6 L/100 km)
- All Electric Range: 37 miles (60 km)
- 0-60 MPH: 6.0 seconds
- Starting Price USA: $59,405
- Starting Price Canada: $62,195
- As Tested Price USA: $67,020
- As Tested Price Canada: $75,945
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