Hybrid SUVs are rapidly becoming the more popular choice for
new vehicle buyers in the U.S.
for several reasons. As of 2025, gas prices are expected to climb even more. If we look at the dramatic rise in popularity over the last three years, we are very likely to see even more consumers considering these more efficient vehicle options. If you want to benefit from the best reliability and fuel saving returns, a new EV is going to be your best bet. Due to the continually rising starting prices, electric vehicles remain a very niche and upmarket proposition, resulting in their decreasing new market demand. Hybrids have actually become much more accessible than their predecessors, because brands have filtered their electromobility technologies down into their HEV models, resulting in an improved economy of scale.
HEV SUVs in particular are enjoying immense success, because this body style is the best option to consider if you want to enjoy the
best practicality and versatility
. However, there’s one premium Japanese model in particular that doesn’t benefit from the best market performance, partly due to its relatively higher starting price. This is unfortunate, because it benefits from an impressive combination of good build quality, an efficient but powerful drivetrain, good fuel consumption returns, and world-class safety standards. It’s admittedly not the most thrilling option you can consider, but then again, your chances of finding an engaging HEV in today’s landscape are slim to none. These advantages make it a true hidden gem in the HEV market, especially if you value reliability above all other traits.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Lexus’s websites and other authoritative sources, including J.D. Power and the EPA.
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Why The Lexus NX Hybrid Is A Hidden Reliability Gem
It Scored 82/100 From J.D. Power
The Lexus NX Hybrid is the most well-rounded HEV SUV that you can consider within the $50,000 price point. Even against its more expensive rivals, it’s still a better option just based on accreditation alone. It gets an 82/100 overall score from J.D. Power, consisting of an 80/100 quality and reliability and a 79/100 driving experience grade.
Where popularity is concerned, Lexus confirms that it was able to sell 7,646 individual units of the NX 350h throughout the first quarter of 2025, which is a considerable figure for a premium HEV SUV, but relatively low when compared to the rest of the Toyota Group’s HEV sales performance. In March 2025 alone, Lexus confirms to have sold 2,625 individual NX350h examples, reflecting a 21.2 percent sales increase over the same period in 2024.
Pros
- Good interior fit and finish
- Attractive fuel consumption results
- Dynamic exterior styling
Cons
- Electronic door releases are a pain
- Limited exterior visibility
- Annoying gear selector
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The 2025 Lexus NX Hybrid Starts At $46,660
2024 Lexus NX Hybrid
The Lexus NX was redesigned in 2022 and has remained generally the same ever since. The 2024 NX Hybrid is available in three trims with two hybrid powertrains making between 240-304 horsepower. Using plug-in hybrid technology with an 18.1 kWh battery, the 450h+ models with higher-output engines can reach 60 MPH in as little as 6.0 seconds. This, combined with the soft suspension and luxurious amenities that Lexus SUVs are known for, make the NX Hybrid a competitive option in the hybrid SUV space, especially with its sub-$50,000 starting price on the 350h trim.
- Model
-
Lexus NX Hybrid
- Engine
-
2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine
- Transmission
-
eCVT
- Horsepower
-
240-304
- Driveline
-
AWD
- Range
-
37 Miles (electic-only)
- Starting Price (MSRP)
-
$46,075-$63,380
- Charge Time
-
2.5 hours @ 240V
- Towing Capacity
-
2,000 Pounds
- 0-60 MPH
-
7.2-6.0 Seconds
Lexus sells the NX 350h in three trim options
, starting with the base derivative at $46,660. This comes standard with dual-zone climate control, NuLuxe synthetic leather upholstery, and electrically adjustable front seats with heating. The 9.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system features cloud navigation, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the brand’s in-house-developed 10-speaker premium sound system.
The $250 Cold Area Package adds a fast-response interior heater and steering wheel heating. The electronically controllable sunroof increases pricing by $1,100, the wireless smartphone charger by $75, and the tow hitch by $160, but this also requires the $400 tow hitch.
The Premium trim will have you increasing your budget to $48,525, but this adds the Black Prism interior trim, memory functions, and ventilation for the front seats. The real benefit of this trim is that it opens you up to many more optional extras, including the larger 20-inch alloy wheels for $1,310 and a $2,225 Premium Package, which includes the brand’s thematic ambient illumination, a
larger 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system
, and the 17-speaker 1,800-Watt Mark Levinson PurePlay surround sound system. You’ll have to pay an additional $900 for a 10-inch head-up display and $375 for the digital key function, which requires a Remote Connect subscription, and a SmartAccess card key. The digital rearview mirror costs $200. The panoramic view monitor costs $800 and $270 for front cross-traffic alert and lane change assist.
The Luxury sits at the very top of the range at $52,665. This adds ambient illumination, perforated leather upholstery with chevron quilting, additional adjustments for the driver’s lumbar support, black open-pore wood trimming, door courtesy lamps, an upgraded infotainment system, and a heads-up display. This trim is also the only one that has access to the electronically folding rear seats with heating for $1,030, panoramic glass roof for $500, and advanced park with remote functions for $480.
Lexus also offers a plethora of accessories for the interior and exterior, catering to various needs and wants. Standard color options for the range include Nori Green Pearl, Atomic Silver, Caviar black, Grecian Water blue, and Redline. Copper Crest costs $595 and Eminent White Pearl or Cloudburst Gray costs an additional $500. Interior upholstery colors consist of black, Rioja Red, Palomino, and Macadamia.
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The Lexus NX 350h Produces 240 Horsepower
The NX Hybrid features the brand’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine connected to a pair of permanent-magnet-synchronous motors that directly drive all four wheels via an eCVT system. This is the same drivetrain that you will find in the likes of the
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
and Camry ranges, which explains its considerably impressive reliability ratings.
2025 Lexus NX Performance Specifications
Lexus claims that this produces a combined 240 horsepower, but fails to issue a combined torque figure. We do know that the ICE twists out 163 pound-feet, which helps it achieve a 2,000-pound towing capacity.The brand keeps things modest when it comes to performance, as the NX 350h only achieves a 7,2-second 0-60 MPH acceleration claim time and a limited 112 MPH top speed.
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How Much Fuel You’ll Save In Five Years
Although the NX 350h is a well-rounded HEV SUV that you can consider, it doesn’t benefit from class-leading EPA fuel consumption estimates. Regardless, the agency estimates that you’ll get to save up to $750 on fuel over the course of five years, based on the average American’s fuel bills. The premium SUV brings in a 41/37/39 MPG consumption estimate on the city/highway/combined cycle and covers 556 miles on a single 14.5-gallon tank, with some help from a 0.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
2025 Lexus NX 350h EPA Fuel Consumption Estimates
|
Gas Consumption (City) |
41 MPG |
|
Gas Consumption (Highway) |
37 MPG |
|
Gas Consumption (Combined) |
39 MPG |
|
Range |
556 Miles |
|
Five-Year Fuel Savings |
$750 |
|
Annual Fuel Cost |
$1,550 |
|
Cost To Drive 25 Miles (EV/Gas) |
$2.62 |
|
Cost To Fill The Tank |
$59 |
|
Tank Capacity |
14.5 Gallons |
Over the course of a year, you can expect to spend $1,550 on fuel every year and spend $2.62 to drive 25 miles. A full tank of gas will cost you around $59.
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Understanding The NX 350h’s Reliable Reputation
A big reason for the NX 350h’s class-leading reliability is in the ICE’s design, and it’s something that the Japanese company\ has perfected thanks to decades of over-engineering. The Toyota Group applies the A25A-FXS 2.5-liter four-cylinder Dynamic Force powertrain to most of its midsize HEV derivatives, showcasing its impressive and efficient versatility. The brand introduced the new powertrain to its lineup in the XV70-generation Camry when it launched in 2017. Key features include a dual-direct-injection system as well as a port-injection EFI system to mitigate carbon build-up.
Lexus NX 350h Standard Warranty
| Type | Length |
|---|---|
| Full Warranty | 36 Months/36,000 Miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 60 Months/60,000 Miles |
| Battery Warranty | 120 Months/150,000 Miles |
| Maintenance Warranty | 24 Months/25,000 Miles |
| Roadside Warranty | 24 Months/Unlimited Miles |
| Corrosion Warranty | 60 Months/Unlimited Miles |
Improving reliability and lowering thermal efficiency to just 41 percent is its longer stroke design, together with a wider angle between the intake and exhaust valve, a high-efficiency intake port with a laser-clad valve seat, and a high 14.0:1 compression ratio.
Toyota’s decision to forgo a conventional transmission and stick to a direct-drive eCVT unit further improves the car’s reliability proposition, as it lowers the number of moving parts that require routine servicing. In the event of any possible faults, Lexus covers all new NX 350h models with a 36-month or 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. However, the 60-month and 60,000-mile powertrain and 120-month and 150,000-mile battery warranties are what really translate into the brand’s confidence in its hybrid system.
