Being launched in 2021, it is hard to believe that the 2023 Lexus NX redesign is possible. Still, don’t be surprised if the Japanese company does it. Well, the frequency of changes in the compact segment is narrowing down, but periods between two updates are still not so short.
The small luxury SUV is one of the favorites in the market. Why? It balances luxury, safety, multimedia, driving impression, and durability. Plus, like most Lexus vehicles, it keeps value, which is one of the most important things. And finally, the company belongs to the Toyota family, which means a great network of dealers and maintenance services.
On the other hand, the ride is not so luxurious as with some other premium crossovers, especially those built in Europe. The 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid is another cool choice. But, it lacked power and gas mileage, and the company seems to fixed it now. Either one. The company is not after a high-output version. The F Sport brings styling upgrades, but not the performance boost. For the 2022 season, the PHEV variant is about to debut.
2023 Lexus NX 250 Specs
The entry-level model is the 2023 Lexus NX 250 with a petrol displacement. A 2.0-liter turbo-four engine is dropped. The company replaces it with a less potent 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated four-banger that bursts 203 horsepower. You can choose between a front- and all-wheel drive, while an eight-speed automatic transmission is routing the power. We’ll have to wait for the official gas mileage ratings, but the new NX250 should be better than its predecessor. The crossover is not the best choice for towing, but it still offers 1,500 pounds.
An alternative is a new 2.4-liter turbo engine that crunches 375 horsepower. This is a serious upgrade compared to the predecessor. It seems like Lexus is trying to catch up with BMW and Mercedes, whose mid-range versions are at a similar level. The Japanese carmaker is still not after the high-end configurations with 500+ hp. The same eight-speed gearbox is available for the turbo setup, but the AWD is the only option here. Having in mind such outputs, the gas mileage is going to drop below 25 mpg. The towing capacity at around 3,000 lbs might make it up a bit.
2023 Lexus NX Hybrid and PHEV
A hybrid configuration is something we got used to on the NX luxury crossover SUV. But, the technology is constantly evolving and Toyota/Lexus are always among the first companies to catch up with all the novelties. The previous version was not too impressive. Now, the same petrol engine is under the hood, but larger batteries are enhancing a total power output to 240 horsepower. It is enough to make a small crossover sprint 0-60 mph in just 6.5 seconds. Although the power went up, the gas mileage should be better thanks to enhanced support from electric motors.
The 2023 Lexus NX PHEV is pushing the outputs even further. A 2.5-liter engine and plug-in hybrid system are good for 302 horsepower. We saw the same setup on Toyota Rav4 Prime. It impressed experts and first owners, so there is no reason to doubt it will succeed on the NX450h. According to the company’s data, the PHEV will allow 36 miles of driving by using only electric power. The gas mileage is not announced yet, but on the Rav4 Prime, you can count on 38 mpg combined.
Versions and Pricing
The NX250 is the entry-level crossover with a price tag of $39,000. This is under the $40,000 mark, which is the average value of luxury vehicles in this class. Leather upholstery, keyless features, and advanced multimedia system are some of the things you get before upgrades. The hybrid drivetrain is a $3,000 upgrade. At the same price, you can purchase the 375-hp rated crossover SUV with a conventional engine. The F Sport package is also a worthy upgrade, but it costs $5,000. The top of class version is the 2023 Lexus NX 450h. Well, the non-premium Toyota Rav4 with this PHEV system is priced more than $42,000, so a tag of $57,000 is not a surprise for the luxury SUV. The F Sport comes cheaper with the plug-in hybrid.
Conclusion
The NX is still a fresh vehicle and we expect big things in 2023, once the first positive reviews come out. Lexus is a leader in sales in all premium SUV segments, so we don’t expect the NX to fail, especially after the redesign. The price increase might not be liked by potential buyers. But, compared to the previous version, you are getting a lot more, from the base model, and through upper trim levels.