What is the fuel economy of the Lexus NX hybrid?
Across its hybrid lineup, the Lexus NX balances efficiency with luxury. The standard hybrid NX 350h typically achieves about 38 mpg combined, while the plug-in NX 450h+ can deliver up to roughly 84 MPGe when charged and used in electric mode, with a practical electric range of about 36 miles. Exact figures vary by model year, drivetrain, and market.
This article breaks down the official numbers for current US-market models, explains what those figures mean in everyday driving, and compares how the standard hybrid and the plug-in hybrid stack up in city versus highway conditions.
Models and official fuel economy
Below are the EPA-style figures commonly cited for recent Lexus NX hybrids in the United States. Note that exact numbers can shift with each model year and drivetrain choice.
- NX 350h (HEV) — typically around 39 mpg city / 37 mpg highway / 38 mpg combined for front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive usually trims a few mpg from the highway and combined figures.
- NX 350h AWD — commonly rated about 37 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 36–37 mpg combined.
These estimates reflect official EPA ratings used by Lexus in product literature and on fueleconomy.gov. They apply to the non-plug-in hybrid variants and illustrate how drivetrain choice influences efficiency.
Plug-in hybrid option
The NX 450h+ is Lexus’s plug-in hybrid in the NX line. It packs a larger battery and an electric motor to offer substantial electric-only driving, with official figures emphasizing MPGe when electricity is used and an electric range measurement for full charge.
- NX 450h+ — Up to about 84 MPGe combined, with an EPA-estimated electric range of around 36 miles on a full charge; once the battery is depleted, it operates as a conventional hybrid with the gasoline engine assisting the drivetrain.
In markets outside the United States, the numbers are similar in concept, but exact MPGe and range figures can vary due to local testing cycles and spec configurations. Always check the exact rating for your model year and market.
What factors influence real-world fuel economy
Real-world mileage depends on how you drive, climate control use, terrain, and how often you recharge the plug-in battery. Short trips with frequent recharging tend to boost MPGe for the NX 450h+. Long highway stretches, heavy cargo, and aggressive acceleration can reduce numerical efficiency.
Tire choice, maintenance, and driving modes also play a role. Lexus provides Eco or EV drive modes to optimize fuel savings, especially in urban traffic where start-stop operation is common.
Bottom line: which NX hybrid is right for you?
If you primarily drive in urban conditions and want strong, steady efficiency, the NX 350h offers a reliable blend of performance and economy, typically in the high-30s mpg combined depending on drivetrain. If you regularly have access to charging and want to maximize fuel savings with substantial electric driving, the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid can deliver significant MPGe and a meaningful electric range, at the cost of some cargo and weight considerations.
Summary: The Lexus NX hybrid family aims to deliver luxury comfort with efficient propulsion. The HEV NX 350h generally targets around 38 mpg combined, while the PHEV NX 450h+ can reach roughly 84 MPGe when charged, with an electric range of about 36 miles. Real-world results depend on year, configuration, and how you drive.
For the most up-to-date and model-specific figures, consult Lexus official specifications or the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov page for your exact year and trim.
Is the Lexus NX just a RAV4?
No, the Lexus NX is not just a RAV4; it is a more luxurious and refined compact SUV that shares a platform with the Toyota RAV4 but differentiates itself with premium materials, different engine options, more advanced technology, and a higher price point. While both are built on the same TNGA-K platform, the NX offers a more upscale experience and performance variations.
Key differences
This video highlights the differences in size and cargo space between the Lexus NX and Toyota RAV4: 54sJosh on CarsYouTube · Apr 9, 2023
| Feature | Lexus NX | Toyota RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Interior | Focuses on luxury with premium materials, a more upscale interior design, and a sportier, coupe-like exterior. | Emphasizes practicality and utility with a more traditional, boxy SUV design. |
| Powertrain | Offers more engine options, including turbocharged and plug-in hybrid variants, with higher horsepower outputs on some models. | Provides fewer engine options but includes a very popular hybrid powertrain. |
| Technology | Features more premium technology, such as larger touchscreens, available head-up displays, and more advanced safety systems on some trims. | Offers capable and practical technology, with features like a 10.5-inch touchscreen standard on many models. |
| Price and Value | Has a higher starting price, requires premium fuel, and comes with a higher cost of ownership. | Is more budget-friendly and a better value, with lower depreciation and better fuel efficiency. |
| Space | Generally has less cargo space and a tighter rear seat compared to the RAV4 due to its sportier design. | Offers more cargo space and a more spacious interior due to its taller and more utilitarian design. |
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What is the fuel economy of the 2025 Lexus NX hybrid?
The 2025 Lexus NX 350h hybrid has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 39 MPG combined (41 city / 37 highway). The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid model offers an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined in hybrid mode and 37 miles of electric-only range, with an 84 MPG-equivalent rating when factoring in the electric driving.
You can watch this video to learn about the 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ F-Sport's performance and features: 58sAUTO TVYouTube · Nov 11, 2025
- 2025 Lexus NX 350h (standard hybrid): 39 MPG combined (41 city / 37 highway)
- 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid):
- 36 MPG combined (38 city / 33 highway) in hybrid mode
- 37 miles of all-electric range
- 84 MPG-equivalent rating when factoring in electric driving
What is the difference between Lexus NX 350 and NX 350h?
The main differences are performance, fuel economy, and drivetrain. The NX 350 has a more powerful, turbocharged gasoline engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a more traditional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for a sportier feel. The NX 350h uses a hybrid system with a continuously variable automatic transmission (ECVT), offers significantly better fuel efficiency (especially in the city), and a slightly less powerful engine with smooth acceleration. The 350h is better for city driving and fuel savings, while the 350 is better for those who prioritize traditional driving dynamics and highway performance.
This video explains the differences between the Lexus NX 350h and the NX 350: 52sLife with SondurenYouTube · Mar 13, 2023
Lexus NX 350
- Engine: 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 275 hp
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Fuel Economy: Lower, with an estimated 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway
- Drivetrain: Traditional AWD system with a center limited-slip differential, providing more engaging performance
- Best For: Drivers who prefer a sportier, more traditional driving experience and spend more time on the highway
This video provides a detailed review of the Lexus NX 350: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Nov 16, 2025
Lexus NX 350h
- Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder with hybrid assistance
- Horsepower: 240 hp total system output
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT)
- Fuel Economy: Much higher, with an estimated 41 MPG city and 37 MPG highway
- Drivetrain: AWD, but it's a hybrid system where the rear axle is powered by an electric motor
- Best For: City driving and drivers looking to maximize fuel efficiency
Key takeaways
- Choose the NX 350 if: You want a more powerful and engaging driving experience, especially during acceleration, and are willing to accept lower fuel economy.
- Choose the NX 350h if: You prioritize fuel savings, do a lot of city driving, and want a smoother, quieter ride. The hybrid system provides strong low-end acceleration, even if highway passing power is not as strong as the 350.
What is the gas mileage on a Lexus NX hybrid?
The Lexus NX hybrid gets an EPA-estimated 41 mpg city / 37 mpg highway for the standard hybrid (350h350 h350ℎ) and 84 MPGe for the plug-in hybrid (450h+450 h plus450ℎ+) model. The plug-in hybrid also offers up to 37 miles of all-electric driving range.
Standard Hybrid (350h350 h350ℎ)
- City: 41 mpg
- Highway: 37 mpg
- Combined: 39 mpg
This video reviews the fuel economy of the Lexus NX 350h: 59sSleepy GarageYouTube · Mar 30, 2023
Plug-in Hybrid (450h+450 h plus450ℎ+)
- Combined MPGe: 84 MPGe
- Electric-only range: 37 miles
Other hybrid models
- The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid Luxury has an estimated 40 combined MPG.
- The 2026 Lexus NX 350h F SPORT Handling AWD has an estimated 39 combined MPG.
