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 PHEVs currently on the market and it can also tow. However, on EV range and towing figures, the Lexus NX 450h+ doesn’t compare well to the cheaper/more affordable Toyota RAV4 Prime on which its based which is odd.
Key Lexus NX 450h+ Specs
- Official Towing Capacity – 2,000 lbs
- Availability – Now (depending on availabiltiy)
- Price – Starting $55,560
- EPA – 37 miles pure electric range
- Combined (city/highway) – 84 MPGe and 36 MPG
- Maximum Charge Rate – 7kW
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+ its identical to the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Not that surprising with Toyota being the parent company of Lexus. So essentially the NX 450h+ is a RAV4 Prime 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 pretty much identical and so is the size of the battery at 18.1 kWh. However, there are differences in the spec’s between the two vehicles, such as the towing capacity.
While the RAV4 Prime has a towing capacity of 2,500 lbs the the Lexus NX 450h+ is limited to 2,000 lbs. It’s not clear what the reason is for the reduction towing capacity, but it may be the larger 20″ wheels on the NX 450h+ compared to the 19″ wheels on the RAV4 Prime.
Lower EV Driving Range
Another difference between the RAV4 Prime and the NX 450h+ is the EV range. The RAV4 Prime is rated by the EPA at 42 miles whereas the NX 450h+ is only rated at 37 miles. So what’s the reason for the reduced EV range?
Well I checked out the rated weights of the two vehicles and while the NX 450h+ is the heavier of the two the difference only appears to be about 180lbs. As discussed above, it maybe that the Lexus with its larger 20″ wheels they are heavier and less aerodynamic which is the reason for the reduced range, I’m not sure.
Lexus NX 450h+ Review
I’ve included a video below from Redline Reviews on the Lexus NX 450h+. Of all the reviews currently available on the car I choose this review due to the detailed comparison to its sibling the RAV4 Prime.
While the Lexus definitely has premium features over the RAV4 Prime, especially the media centre, there is a legitimate question about whether the price premium Lexus wants for the NX 450h+ is really worth it over the RAV4 Prime.
My Thoughts On The Lexus NX 450h+…
So, if you’re looking for a premium compact SUV PHEV then the Lexus NX 450h+ does offer a better EV range than pretty much all of its current premium competition. Furthermore, the infotainment setup in the Lexus NX 450h+ is a big step up over that found in the RAV4 Prime.
However, the RAV4 Prime has an even better EV range by about 5 miles and importantly for readers of this site in particularly it can tow 500 lbs more than the NX 450h+ as well. Therefore, you are paying more for less in these two important specifications, about $10,000 more which is not insignificant.
Now, currently getting hold of a Toyota RAV4 Prime is not easy, I’ve seen some stating there is a 2+ year waiting list which is pretty unbelievable. But we are living through some pretty crazy times. Therefore, if you have the extra cash getting hold of the Lexus NX 450h+ is probably going to be a lot easier.
