Review Lexus NX 450h+: why the Japanese compact plug-in hybrid SUV still sets the premium standard in 2026

Some cars need to shout to be noticed. The Lexus NX 450h+ is not one of them. It has been on the Spanish market for several years and yet it remains the benchmark that other premium compact plug-in hybrid SUVs try to match. Not because it is the most powerful or the cheapest—it is not—but because it solves, with an almost unremarkable precision, what its German and Scandinavian rivals still struggle with: real-world reliability, contained consumption and a tax label that makes a difference in everyday urban use.

Exterior design: evolution, not revolution

The pointed-bird grille remains the brand’s visual signature, here handled with less aggression than on other models in the range. The NX 450h+ does not try to look sporty; it tries to look solid. The wheels of up to 20 inches and the pronounced waistline give it a presence that, to my taste, ages better than the more angular language of a BMW X3 or the verticality of the Volvo XC60.

Interior and technology: Lexus Safety System+ as standard

Here is one of the points where the NX 450h+ truly stands apart. All versions include the Lexus Safety System+ package, with lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control and traffic sign recognition as standard, without having to turn to the options list as happens with much of the German segment. The perceived quality of the cabin—leather, fit and finish—feels, in our view, a step above what direct rivals offer in comparable entry versions.

Mechanics and power: 309 CV combined with E-Four all-wheel drive

The heart of the NX 450h+ combines a 2.5 petrol engine with two electric motors to deliver a combined output of 309 CV (227 kW), distributed through the E-Four all-wheel drive system. It is not the quickest SUV in its class, nor does it aim to be. It is, however, one of the smoothest to drive: the transition between electric and hybrid modes is almost imperceptible, something Toyota—the technology parent of Lexus—has been perfecting for over two decades of hybrid development.

Electric range and charging: the 70-76 km that make the difference

With an 18.1 kWh battery, the NX 450h+ reaches around 70-76 km in electric mode, a figure that in practice covers the daily round-trip commute of a good many Spanish drivers without touching the petrol tank. It is not the longest range in the PHEV segment—some rivals go a little further—but it is among the most consistent in real-world conditions, without the sharp drop that some plug-in hybrids suffer when temperatures fall.

Driving behaviour: refinement over sportiness

On the road, the NX 450h+ makes no secret of its vocation: comfort before emotion. The steering is precise but offers little feedback, and the rear end always stays on the side of safety. It is fast, yes, but it is not enjoyed the way an SUV with a more sporting soul would be. For anyone seeking a car that delivers no surprises and turns every journey into something quiet, this is an advantage, not a flaw.

Taxation and the ZERO label: the advantage you don’t see but do feel

With homologated emissions of approximately 20-26 g/km of CO₂, the NX 450h+ earns the DGT ZERO label, with unrestricted access to the low-emission zones of Spain’s major cities and reductions in the registration tax. It is a tax advantage that weighs as much as performance when justifying the initial outlay, and it should be considered alongside the current Plan Auto+ aid, whose exact amount is worth checking on the official website before closing the purchase.

Price and versions: from approximately €57,700 RRP

The Lexus NX 450h+ Premium+ 4WD starts from an indicative price of around €57,700 RRP. It is worth remembering that this figure is the manufacturer’s recommended price, without dealer discounts, one-off campaigns or purchase aid, which can significantly alter the final outlay.

Lexus NX 450h+ against its rivals: BMW, Mercedes and Volvo

The BMW X3 xDrive30e, the Mercedes GLC 300e and the Volvo XC60 T6 Recharge are the three names any buyer compares before signing for an NX 450h+. All three offer competitive performance and an equally careful finish, but none accumulates the hybrid reliability record that Lexus enjoys, inherited directly from Toyota. It is debatable whether that difference compensates in pure power figures, but in medium-term maintenance costs and depreciation, the NX tends to come out ahead. If the reader wants to explore how to choose between these alternatives, our guide to how to choose a premium plug-in hybrid SUV in 2026 covers real-world range and running costs in detail. For those who prioritise electric kilometres above all, it is also worth reviewing our ranking of plug-in hybrid SUVs with the greatest real electric range.

Highmotor verdict

It is not the most powerful compact PHEV SUV nor the one with the longest electric range on the Spanish market. Nor is it the cheapest. But the combination of proven reliability, favourable taxation and standard safety equipment makes the Lexus NX 450h+ still, in our view, the most complete option in the segment in 2026. It is not the panacea either—anyone seeking driving thrills will need to look elsewhere—but as a daily tool it is hard to beat.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Lexus NX 450h+ cost in Spain?
The indicative price starts at around €57,700 RRP, without discounts, campaigns or purchase aid, which may reduce the final outlay.

What is the real electric range of the Lexus NX 450h+?
With its 18.1 kWh battery, it reaches around 70-76 km in electric mode, enough to cover daily urban journeys without using petrol.

What environmental label does the Lexus NX 450h+ carry?
It earns the DGT ZERO label thanks to homologated emissions of approximately 20-26 g/km of CO₂, with unrestricted access to low-emission zones.

Is it better than the BMW X3 xDrive30e or the Mercedes GLC 300e?
There is no absolute winner: the NX 450h+ stands out for hybrid reliability and maintenance costs, while its German rivals may offer different nuances in driving dynamics and technology equipment.

Technical specifications of this car

Off-RoadLexus NX18 versions · from 54,050 €