2023 Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport: Turning Things Up a Notch

Plug-in hybrid models offer more power and dynamic driving than ever before. If you want an example, check out the new 2023 Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport.

This Lexus compact crossover is in its sophomore year of the second generation. The new PHEV brings plenty of power, lots of quality features, and a sporty drive that makes it a lot of fun. In fact, this hybrid crossover is fun enough that you might forget it’s a hybrid until you need to plug it in again.

You can’t look away from this PHEV crossover

This sporty new Lexus SUV begs for your attention, and you’ll give it. This SUV includes the benefits of a blacked-out grille, a full smattering of black exterior trim pieces, 20-inch wheels, and a sporty set of curves and creases. Bulging fenders cover the large wheels, the rear has impressive style, and everything is easy to see and enjoy when you’re out on the road.

Going inside, you find a ton of items that carry and continue the sporty qualities from the outside. The seats are racy and covered in red and black perforated leather, a chunky leather-covered steering wheel with red stitching, high seat backs, and a full package of impressive electronics.

What powers this Lexus NX?

The NX 450h+ is the top trim level of the Lexus NX. This version uses a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine plus two electric motors to deliver 302 horsepower to all four wheels. The Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport comes with standard AWD and an all-electric driving range of 37 miles. This could be enough range for most of your weekly errands, and it gives you a chance to keep more fuel in your tank. The combined fuel mileage of the NX is 36 mpg.

What electronics will you find in this Lexus SUV?

This top trim of the NX comes with a 14-inch touchscreen, a ten-inch head-up display, a hands-free power rear liftgate, and Intuitive Parking Assist with automatic braking. All of these items come standard on this small luxury SUV. If you’re looking for a few cool options, you can add a surround-view camera, the Lexus Digital Key, and triple-beam LED headlights. The F Sport package adds some of the elements mentioned above, including the black exterior features that give this SUV its stylish appearance.

How does the F Sport Handling Package improve the ride?

This special package for the Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport includes the handling package bearing the name. This package includes an Active Variable Suspension along with front and rear performance dampers to give you the feeling you want on the road. These features help you have the incredible grip you want to enjoy when it’s time to get behind the wheel and carve up a canyon road or enjoy an open country road. Every version of the Lexus NX drives well, but this special handling package improves the experience for you.

Safety is still important in a fun and active SUV

The performance-oriented top trim of this Lexus SUV includes the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which brings a slew of impressive features to the mix. If you’ll use your Lexus NX for your daily drive, which you should, this safety package makes a huge difference. In this group, you’ll find automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, lane-keeping assist, and pedestrian detection. These features keep you from hitting obstacles and in your lane where you belong, even if you happen to get a little distracted during your drive.

The NX stands out in a crowd

The compact luxury SUV segment is pretty crowded. That said, the NX does an excellent job of being something different with impressive styling and sharp lines. Moving to the Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport means you’re adding even more styling looks and a full package of great features to enjoy and use during your drive. Of course, another way this SUV stands out is by being an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ model. If you’re ready for some serious driving fun, this is the luxury SUV you should drive.

Is it time for a plug-in hybrid SUV?

Forget the way former generations of the Toyota Prius showed up with plug-in hybrid powertrains. This new Lexus SUV takes things where we want them. The NX 450h+ powertrain and the F Sport goodies make this SUV a lot of fun to drive.