While Lexus was the first luxury brand to offer standard hybrid vehicles (now branded as ‘self-charging’) they were by no means the first with a plug-in hybrid. However, the NX 450h+ is one of if not the best luxury PHEV currently on the market and it can also tow. When it comes to EV range and towing specifications the Lexus NX 450h+ is pretty much identical to the Toyota RAV4 PHEV, as they are essentially the same vehicle underneath.
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Lexus NX 450h+ Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 1,500 kg
- Availability – Now
- Price – Starting £50,950
- Official MPG – 282 miles
- Real-World MPG (Fuel Only) – 51 miles
- Official EV Range – 45 miles
- Real-World EV Range – 32 miles (70% of Official)
- Maximum Charge Rate/Time – 7kW/2.5 Hours
Lexus NX 450h+ HP & Torque
- AWD: Combined output of 302 HP and 270 lb-ft of torque
- 2.5L Petol Engine: 187 HP and 167 lb-ft of torque
- Electric Motors: 180 HP and 198 lb-ft of torque
Lexus NX 450h+ Towing Capabilties
As I’ve stated in the intro, underneath the Lexus NX 450h+ is identical to the Toyota RAV4 PHEV. Not that surprising with Toyota being the parent company of Lexus. So essentially the NX 450h+ is a RAV4 PHEV with fancier looks, better quality interior materials and tech.
But when it comes down to it, the power and torque output figures of the two vehicles are identical and so is the towing capacity at 1,500kg. So is that it? Well, at first I thought so, but there is something that has caught my eye that we should discuss.
What’s The Real EV Range Of The NX 450h+?
So the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) EV range for the NX 450h+ is 43 to 47 miles, hence why I’ve stated 45 miles above. For the RAV4 PHEV which has exactly the same 18.1kWh battery and same sized electric motors its 46 miles according to the WLTP.
Hence, a 1 mile difference between the two cars on EV range when it comes to the official WLTP figures, not really a significant difference and could be down to rounding errors etc. Lexus on their website states ‘in excess of 40 miles’. Again based on the official WLTP figure that would be true, but also an odd case of a manufacturer under promoting the capabilities of their vehicle.
However, I have a separate site (electrictowcars.com) where I cover vehicles for the US market, where both vehicles are also sold and rated by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). In the US the RAV4 PHEV (branded as the Prime) gets an official EV range of 42 miles but the NX 450h+ only gets an EV range of 37 miles?!
I’m still trying to work out why the WLTP EV range for the two vehicles is pretty much identical but the EPA range is significantly different, at 12% less for the NX 450h+. In any case, I estimate a real-world figure closer to 32 miles.
Lexus NX 450h+ Review
I’ve included a review of the NX 450h+ below by WhatCar where they discuss the significant improvements Lexus have made with this version of the NX over the previous generation besides its new PHEV powertrain.
My Thoughts On The Lexus NX 450h+ …
As I discuss in my article on BEVs vs PHEVs for towing, while I don’t believe PHEVs are the ‘best of both worlds‘ when it comes to electrified vehicles that are also practical for towing, the NX 450h+ is a good premium option to consider.
The NX 450h+ should cover around 32 miles on EV range even in cold weather. Hence, it should cover the average UK daily commute of 30 miles on electrical energy alone. Yes, when it comes to towing the 2.5 litre engine will be called into play, but its also one of the most if not the most efficient petrol engines currently in use today.
Compared to the Toyota RAV4 with the same sized battery and similar EV range, you will pay at least £8K more for the Lexus NX 450h+. Then again, if you’re looking for a more premium/luxury vehicle that additional cost may make sense.
Other premium PHEVs such as the BMW X5 45e and the Mercedes GLE 350de on current pricing are now much more expensive than the Lexus NX 450h+. Hence, the NX 450h+ is really on its own at the moment, well, when it comes to PHEVs that can tow with a real-world EV range over 30 miles that is.