First Look Review: The 2024 Lexus NX PHEV is a bold & premium eco-compact SUV

The first-ever Lexus NX PHEV, the most expensive plug-in hybrid luxury SUV in its segment, has entered its third model year in the U.S., and is now part of the MY2024 series. Recently, I got a chance to see the updated model in detail while I was at the 2023 LA Auto Show (2024 Lexus NX 450h+ AWD). Here’s what I think about the 2024 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid from my time in Los Angeles.

Design

The 2024 Lexus NX PHEV has a dynamic silhouette, but it’s starting to look dated. Having seen the more recent RX PHEV and TX PHEV, I think it’s about time Lexus worked the same magic with its front-end for a dapper look. That said, I do like the assertive headlamps that have striking DRLs in the signature L-shape, the contrast of curved and edgy surfaces on the bodywork, and the L-shaped combination lamps featuring a light blade connecting them.

Lexus retails the 2024 NX PHEV in regular and F-Sport styles. Personally, I’d take the F-Sport version, primarily due to sportier styling. That said, the NX PHEV’ tight and consistent panel gaps exemplify manufacturing precision, and the paint finish in the plug-in hybrid SUV was impressive, reflecting a high standard of quality.

Interior

The interior design of the 2024 Lexus NX PHEV is a mixed bag. In my view, the passenger side of its tall dashboard appears somewhat uninspiring compared to the competition for 2024. Additionally, the 7-inch digital instrument cluster feels somewhat dated compared to current industry standards.

The center console beautifully connects to the dashboard with a sweeping curve, and it houses a moderately-sized storage box. The armrest can be opened from either side to access that space, which is big enough to keep a stack of iPad minis or a small box of doughnuts. The glovebox in the dashboard is large, and I think I could easily keep an 11-inch iPad Pro in there.

Of the various available interior color options, my favorite is the Rioja Red and Black combination, which I think lends the cabin of the 2024 NX PHEV a rich look. Unlike in the previous-gen model, the glove box and passenger-side center console have color-keyed elements, which makes the interior look more lavish.

Lexus equips the 2024 NX PHEV with a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system integrated into a curvy panel attached to the dashboard. The best thing about this system is not its vibrant touchscreen or the fancy temperature adjustment dials with built-in temperature displays, or even the power button-cum-volume knob. I think that’s the user interface, which I found both attractive and intuitive.

The 7-inch digital instrument cluster is quite basic. It doesn’t have a comprehensive map view or such other modern layouts. The steering stalks Lexus has used in the 2024 NX PHEV feel high-quality and different from those found in Toyotas. Even the switches feel tactile and are on par with what I expect in a luxury vehicle of this class. Lesser-seen areas like the lower part of the door panels and dashboard have hard plastics, as expected.

I’m six feet tall, and I felt that ingress and egress in the 2024 NX PHEV cabin were easy. When I sat in the 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar adjustment, I felt that both headroom and under-thigh support were quite good. Lexus has equipped the driver’s seat with heating, memory, and ventilation functions as well, but not extending thigh cushions or power side bolsters.

The compact steering wheel with a power tilt and telescopic column and heating and memory functions felt pretty grippy. I didn’t see any issues with forward visibility, but I did wish that the windows and rear-quarter glass panels were slightly bigger.

I had no issues with ingress and egress in the back either. When I sat right behind the driver’s seat, which was still in my comfortable position, I still had a decent amount of legroom and knee room. The floor was a bit too high for my liking, but still, I had decent under-thigh support, which can be increased in future iterations. The only noticeable issue was the headroom, which is restricted for tall passengers like me. The default angle of the backrest was comfortable, and a recline function was available, but not with much adjustment range.

The 2024 NX PHEV has a kick-activated power rear door, which opens up to reveal a rather small cargo area. There’s 22.7 cu. ft. of luggage space behind the rear seats, expandable to 46.9 cu. ft. by folding the rear seat. Unlike in the gas-powered 2024 NX, there’s no underfloor storage space below the cargo area. Lexus doesn’t equip this model with a spare tire.

Driving impressions

The Lexus NX PHEV has received no mechanical changes since its launch. It still has a 304 hp powertrain and an eAWD drivetrain layout. Similarly, an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack gives it an EPA-est. electric range of 37 miles.

It’s safe to assume that the NX PHEV still drives and feels the same. Gauging from previous model years, I think it’s still engineered for comfort and best suited for relaxed driving. The steering is responsive and precise, but there is some body roll.

The 304 hp powertrain in the NX PHEV enables quick acceleration from a standstill and offers ample power for brisk driving at higher speeds. However, when compared to competitors like the Volvo XC60 Recharge and Audi Q5 55 TFSI e, it is slower. Notably, the NX PHEV features smooth braking, a characteristic that is relatively rare in plug-in hybrids.

Price

The 2024 Lexus NX PHEV retails at USD 59,905 (incl. USD 1,150 DPH fee) in the standard grade and USD 61,155 (incl. USD 1,150 DPH fee) in the F Sport Handling grade.

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Lexus NX PHEV features a stylish design and delivers respectable performance and ride quality. With its use of quality materials, rich color choices, superb manufacturing standards, and a well-equipped interior, the vehicle leaves little room for complaints.

My pick would still be the Volvo XC60 Recharge, which offers significantly better performance, comparable all-electric range (36 miles), and more total cargo volume (63.3 cu. ft.), all for a little less money (USD 59,095).

2024 Lexus NX PHEV FAQs

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