What Lexus model is a plug-in hybrid?
The Lexus NX 450h+ is the brand’s plug-in hybrid model.
Lexus uses the term plug‑in hybrid to describe a vehicle that can operate on electric power alone for a limited distance when charged from an external source, then seamlessly switch to gasoline-powered hybrid operation for longer trips. This article explains what that means for Lexus buyers and why the NX 450h+ is the model most people refer to when discussing Lexus plug‑in hybrids.
What is a plug-in hybrid?
A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) combines a gasoline engine with a larger rechargeable battery and electric motor(s). The battery can be charged from an outside power source, allowing some daily driving to be completed on electric power alone. When the battery runs low, the gasoline engine helps drive the car and recharge the battery, creating a seamless transition between electric and combustion power. This setup differs from traditional hybrids, which rely on a smaller battery that is charged mainly through the gasoline engine and regenerative braking and cannot be plugged in.
The Lexus NX 450h+ in detail
Below are the key points most buyers should know about Lexus’s plug‑in hybrid option and how it works in practice.
- Electric‑only driving: The NX 450h+ can run on electric power alone for a substantial daily commute, with EPA‑estimated electricity range that covers typical city driving.
- Hybrid operation: After the electric range is exhausted, the vehicle continues to operate as a conventional hybrid, using the gasoline engine and electric motors to optimize efficiency on longer trips.
- Charging capabilities: It includes an onboard charger that supports Level 2 charging, allowing faster home and public charging sessions when a 240V supply is available.
- Performance and efficiency: The NX 450h+ pairs a gasoline engine with electric motors to deliver strong, smooth acceleration while offering improved overall fuel efficiency compared with non‑plug‑in Lexus hybrids.
- Market availability: The NX 450h+ is sold in major markets including the United States and Europe, though exact specifications and availability can vary by region and model year.
In practice, the NX 450h+ offers a practical entry point to electrification for drivers who may not yet be ready for a full electric vehicle, while preserving the comfort, refinement, and safety credentials Lexus is known for.
Where does this fit in Lexus' electrified lineup?
As of 2025, Lexus’s plug‑in hybrid offerings center on the NX 450h+. The brand’s broader electrified lineup includes battery‑electric vehicles (BEVs) like the RZ 450e and traditional hybrids (non‑plug‑in) such as various NX/X models. The RZ 450e represents Lexus’s fully electric option, while many other models continue to use conventional or mild hybrids rather than plug‑in hybrids.
Summary
The NX 450h+ stands as Lexus’s primary plug‑in hybrid option, combining electric driving for everyday errands with a gasoline engine for longer trips. It reflects Lexus’s approach to electrification: offer practical PHEV capability today, while expanding BEV offerings for tomorrow. For prospective buyers curious about plug‑in hybrids, the NX 450h+ is the model to consider within the Lexus lineup.
