Review: The 2024 Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport is a blend of luxury and sportiness

The refreshed Lexus NX is a welcome upgrade to the standard compact SUV segment. The similarities to its parent company’s popular offerings are apparent, but the Lexus is so much more dialed in that it may just be worth the money.

In our weeklong test, we drove the 2024 Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport, the top-trim plug-in hybrid version. As with other Lexus models, there are several trims to choose from, but our tester’s power and F Sport styling cues sought to satisfy both the enthusiast and conscientious fuel consumer. While the result is more of a compromise, the NX 450h+ F Sport is undoubtedly good to drive and pleasant to live with. 

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Photo courtesy Lexus Newsroom

Sleek and modern design

Hands down, one of our favorite things about the 2024 Lexus NX, especially with the F Sport package, is how it looks. It’s definitely modern, and we noticed it turning more than a few heads. Lexus’ signature spindle grille looks better than ever and creates a bold, aggressive and instantly eye-catching front end.

The sharp LED lights look fantastic, and the body lines give it a refined yet almost hot hatchback look. The 2024 NX models also offer unique colors, including Redline and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0. Toyota Corolla fans will appreciate the look. So will Subaru WRX enthusiasts, at least those who are beyond the boy racer image but don’t want to abandon the sporty, compact look entirely.

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Photo courtesy Lexus Newsroom

Luxurious and comfortable interior

Step inside the 2024 Lexus NX and you’ll be greeted by an interior that is luxurious, tech-heavy and surprisingly spacious. Premium materials — Lexus’s supple NuLuxe seating fabric, wood and metal accents — create not only an inviting atmosphere but also a space that is a clear step up from its similarly equipped Toyota cousins. 

It’s probably the technology that takes center stage here, literally. Our tester’s 14-inch touchscreen was enormous and incredibly sharp, but it felt a bit overkill in this compact SUV. Additionally, while the wireless Apple CarPlay was much appreciated, the integration of several buttons into the touchscreen was a little frustrating to use. Car makers, can we please have our physical buttons back? 

Aside from the exaggerated touchscreen, the rest of the tech worked very well. However, this car has a lot of tech, and we can see it being overwhelming for the average buyer. Some safety features include lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection and rear cross-traffic alert. It all works well, but for someone coming from a 10-year-old RAV4 or something, all the beeps and warnings might feel a little much.

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Photo courtesy Lexus Newsroom

Our favorite things about the interior were the comfort and the space. The front seats are so soft and comfortable that we could see the NX being an excellent daily driver. The rear seat space and cargo area are surprisingly accommodating — much more so than the compact exterior suggests.

The enormous panoramic moonroof and many customizable ambient lighting options contribute to that comfort. Overall, the interior is typical of a Lexus: comfortable, laden with tech and luxurious — all wonderful things.

Fuel economy and performance

Being the top-tier plug-in hybrid model, we were especially interested in its fuel economy. The NX 450h+ is rated at 36 mpg in its gasoline-only mode; our results were short of that at 31 mpg. Fully charged, the Lexus is capable of 37 miles of electric-only range and can theoretically contribute to an overall 84 MPGe rating.

Still, our tester also ran short of those estimated ranges, which was a little disappointing. However, the thought of commuting most of the way to work and back using little to no gasoline is undoubtedly intriguing, especially if that means going weeks between fill-ups.

As for performance, the NX 450h+ is definitely on the softer side. It’s not particularly aggressive, but that’s OK with us as it made for some excellent commuting in comfort. But it’s also not boring.

Photo courtesy Lexus Newsroom

The gasoline and electric motors combine to produce 302 horsepower, which proved fun to romp around. The F Sport package also includes adaptive, variable suspension and performance dampers in the front and rear, contributing to a comfortable, composed and surprisingly well-handling driving experience. 

Where the NX fell on its face was with the tires. Never have we tested a vehicle so prone to sliding and slipping around. Those tires loved to howl around corners. And while its hooning tendencies made for a fun time, the tires would be something we would immediately swap out upon purchase.

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Pricing

The NX is a good car, but options can add up fast, especially if you want the 450h+ plug-in hybrid model. Springing for the top-trim, the 450h+ F Sport will set you back at least $61,000. Our tester came in at over $66,000 with options and nearly $15,000 more than a non-plug-in hybrid 350 F Sport trim. The 350 F Sport makes 27 fewer horsepower, but it’s still fun and pretty fuel-efficient.

Photo courtesy Lexus Newsroom

Final thoughts

The 2024 Lexus NX 450h+ is exactly what you’d expect from the revered Lexus brand, all in a compact, attractive package. For those looking for a luxurious, compact SUV with the latest tech, good fuel economy and just enough power to have some good fun with (tires notwithstanding), the Lexus NX is an excellent, well-rounded choice.

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Highs

• Striking and attractive exterior design

• Luxurious and comfortable interior

• Advanced technology features

• 37 miles of electric range

Lows

• Tires are slippery

• Rear seat headroom may impact taller passengers

• Can get pricey

FAQs

Is the Lexus NX 450h+ fun to drive? 

It's not particularly sporty, but it is fun. It handles well and the power is engaging. Just be prepared to slide around on its stock tires. 

Is it good for families? 

For smaller families, yes. However for larger families, the Lexus TX is a better option. 

*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.