The Most Fuel-Efficient Lexus Is a Prestigious Plug-In Hybrid
Lexus is known for producing some of the most luxurious cars and SUVs in the market. And while the Japanese automaker capitalizes on well-crafted interiors and plush driving dynamics, fuel efficiency is part of its ethos as well. That’s right; there are currently eight different hybrid Lexus models to choose from. And the most fuel-efficient one is a plug-in hybrid.
The most fuel-efficient Lexus model gets up to 84 MPGe
If you’re looking to save the most gas between fill-ups in a Lexus, the 2023 NX 450h+ is the car to look into. The Lexus NX 450h+ is the top trim in the NX hybrid lineup and the most fuel-efficient model the Japanese automaker currently produces. According to the EPA, it can get up to 84 MPGe with its gas-electric powertrain combined and 36 mpg combined when the electric range is depleted.
Powering the NX 450h+ is a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that’s mated to a plug-in electric motor. That means that it can operate under electric power for up to 35-40 miles, making running short errands or commuting to work a gas-less affair. The powertrain is paired with an eCVT transmission that transmits all 304 hp out to all four of the wheels.
Any Toyota and Lexus fans may find these engine specs familiar because it’s the same powertrain that propels the Toyota RAV4 Prime. Although, with the extra sound deadening in the cabin, the Lexus version makes for a quieter ride.
What else does the 2023 Lexus NX 450h+ come with?
Although the powertrain in the 2023 Lexus NX 450h+ is the star of the show, there are plenty of features that you can find around the cabin. For starters, there is a large 14-inch touchscreen that sits in the center of the dashboard. We have tested this screen in the 2023 Lexus NX 350 and can report that it’s easy to use and provides a crisp and clear layout.
Other in-cabin highlights include a cloud-based navigation system, a virtual voice assistant, wireless Apple Carplay/Android Auto, and all of the power amenities you could want. There are heated and ventilated leather seats up front, a heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker sound system, and a 10-inch head-up display.
The car can also be equipped with an F-Sport package, which adds some sporty appearance enhancements and an adaptive suspension.
If you don’t want a plug-in hybrid, then pick the Lexus NX 350h
Buyers that don’t want to deal with having to plug in a car can opt for the hybrid-only Lexus NX 350h. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter engine that’s paired with two electric motors to power all four wheels. As you can guess, it’s essentially a fancier version of the Toyota RAV4 hybrid, albeit in a more luxurious package.
As for fuel economy, you can expect to get 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, per the EPA. Although it doesn’t have the same electric range and acceleration that the NX 450h+ has, it’s still a very fuel-efficient option.
However, if you want to have your cake and eat it too – specifically when it comes to full-electric driving – the 2023 Lexus NX 450h+ is what you may want to look into.
