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The 2018 Lexus NX 300h Review: The Lexus NX 300h brings Toyota’s famous hybrid technology to a compact crossover shape. That’s good for about a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy and substantially improved emissions over the standard NX 300, in a luxurious package. The secret to any hybrid is that it uses less fuel because it’s running electrically part of the time. In this case, instead of the NX 300’s 275-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the NX 300h gets a non-turbo 2.5 liter four, with just 154 horsepower (152 lb.-ft. of torque). However, it’s the addition of three electric motor generators and a 204-cell nickel metal hydride battery that make the difference. This car has no plug in, so all the energy is generated by regeneration, when your braking.
The three motor generators have different locations and functions. One, up front, serves as the engine’s generator and starter and charges the hybrid battery. A second front-mounted unit drives the front wheels and regenerates energy during braking. The third motor generator lives in the rear and also regenerates electricity, as well as allowing “all-weather-drive.”
Combined, the system puts out 194 horsepower, which is significantly less than the NX 300, but still enough to move the two-ton machine down the road respectably. Interestingly, the all-wheel-drive 300 and the 300h weigh within 30 pounds of each other.
Interaction between the drive train components are invisible to the driver. Because electric motors have torque from the moment they engage, there’s no hesitation when you start out. Sometimes, that means silent of EV motoring, but when the engine kicks in, you just keep on going.
The NX 300h pulls in EPA mileage figures of 33 City, 30 Highway, and 31 Combined. Compare this to the gas-only NX 300’s 22 City, 28 Highway, and 24 respectively and you see a nice improvement. Naturally, if you drive primarily in slower suburban situations you may be able to get more regeneration and shift the electric/gasoline ratio for better numbers. I averaged 29.0 mpg in a week of mostly freeway commuting (a mix of 70 mph cruising and crawling).
EPA Green numbers tell another happy tale. The NX 300h receives a pair of lucky 7’s for Smog and Greenhouse Gas, while the NX 300 earns a 3 and a 5 respectively. Emissions are 283 grams of CO2 per mile for the hybrid vs. 363 for the gas-only model.
Inside, the design features layered surfaces and materials. A “blade” of wood trim pops out in a few spots, keeping your eye moving. The edginess continues onto the steering wheel, where beveled edges make the buttons easy to find. The user experience is heavy on buttons and lights, so at night you may feel a bit like a pilot.
The comfy seats provide that above-the-fray crossover feeling that today’s buyers covet. Commuting is pleasant, and I expect that longer road trips would be as well.
As a luxury model, you expect the NX to deliver certain features. However, my test car contained some significant upgrades, which drove the price up substantially. The base price, not including delivery, started at $38,335, but the final sticker for my Atomic Silver test car came to $49,770. How did we get there?
Nearly half of the upgrade came from the Luxury Package ($4,705), with 18-inch alloy wheels, fancier wood trim, heated and cooled leather front seats, rain-sensing wipers, a moonroof, blind-spot monitor with cross-traffic alert, and more. My car also came with the Navigation package ($1,800), panoramic-view backup monitor ($800), Intuitive Parking Assist ($535), power rear door ($400), power folding rear seats ($400), and a towing package ($160). It makes me wonder if a vehicle without these things would deliver the same experience.
I had a few nitpicks. The left front wheel well intrudes above the dead pedal. The heated steering wheel only heats in the 3 and 9 areas, so when you’re turning it on a cold morning it’s a little disconcerting. But otherwise the NX provides a very pleasant experience, and with its commodious rear cargo area, serves as a perfect hauler as well.
By Steve Schaefer © AutoWire.Net - San Francisco
The 2018 Lexus NX 300h Bottom Line Review provided by:
Tony Leopardo © AutoWire.Net
The Bottom Line: The 2018 Lexus NX 300h is a typical Lexus, with bold, slashing designs in the sheet metal and a luxuriously appointed interior. The huge grille has become a Lexus hallmark, even if it still looks a bit frightening. The sides are aggressively sculpted to match. Although this is the smallest Lexus crossover, it fits right in with its larger sibling, the popular RX models.
Lexus now offers seven hybrids, including four sedans, a coupe and the NX and RX crossovers. Each features a proven, highly developed system that can save you money and lower your carbon footprint incrementally. Lexus doesn’t offer a pure electric vehicle just yet, but the NX 300h would be a great place to start. And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.
This Bottom Line Review is provided by: Tony Leopardo © AutoWire.Net
“Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question or comment for Tony send it to TonyLeo@pacbell.net or visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net - And remember: “You Are What You Drive ©”
Column Name: The smallest Lexus crossover
Topic: The 2018 Lexus NX 300h
Word Count: 940
Photo Caption: The 2018 Lexus NX 300h
Photo Credits: Lexus Internet Media
Series #: 2018 - 26
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