2025 Lexus NX – Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Luxury SUV Options

When Lexus launched the NX back in 2014, it marked the brand’s shift into a new design language—edgy, bold, and appealing to younger luxury SUV buyers. Over the years, the NX has become one of Lexus’ best-selling global models, especially in Australia where buyers love the balance of premium luxury, advanced hybrid technology, and Japanese reliability.

The 2025 Lexus NX builds on this strong foundation, introducing refined hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, upgraded tech, and a sharper focus on efficiency without compromising luxury. For Australian families, urban professionals, and eco-conscious buyers, the new NX offers a smart alternative to German rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC, while undercutting them in long-term ownership costs.

This detailed review explores everything about the 2025 Lexus NX: design, performance, hybrid systems, interior features, tech upgrades, safety, driving experience, pricing in Australia, and whether it’s the right luxury SUV for you.

Exterior Design: Bold, Modern, and Distinctly Lexus

The first thing you notice about the 2025 Lexus NX is its commanding stance. Lexus has sharpened the NX’s exterior lines, making it sleeker and more aerodynamic while retaining the bold spindle grille that defines the brand’s identity.

• Front End: Slimmer LED headlights with the signature L-shaped daytime running lights give the NX a futuristic look. The grille has been refined with a more seamless design, reducing drag and improving efficiency.

• Side Profile: Sculpted lines run across the doors, while flared wheel arches house 18- to 20-inch alloy wheel options. The roofline slopes gently for a sportier coupe-like feel without compromising rear passenger headroom.

• Rear Design: A full-width LED light bar stretches across the tailgate, giving the NX a premium and modern appearance. The Lexus wordmark replaces the traditional logo, a subtle but significant touch.

Overall, the NX looks more athletic and premium than ever, positioning itself as a stylish choice for Australian luxury SUV buyers who want something different from the German mainstream.

Powertrains: Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid Efficiency

One of the biggest selling points of the 2025 Lexus NX in Australia is its choice of two electrified powertrains:

NX 350h – The Hybrid Option

The NX 350h uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with Lexus’ latest hybrid system. Together, they produce around 179kW of power, offering smooth acceleration and fuel efficiency as low as 5.0L/100km.

• Available in FWD and AWD.

• Perfect for city commuting and long highway drives.

• Delivers quiet operation with instant torque from the electric motor.

NX 450h+ – The Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV)

For those seeking the best of both worlds, the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid is the range-topper. It pairs the same 2.5-litre engine with a larger battery pack and dual electric motors, offering:

• System output: around 227kW, making it the most powerful NX.

• Electric-only range: up to 80km on a full charge, ideal for daily commuting.

• Charging: Compatible with Type 2 AC charging, with a full charge possible in about 6.5 hours using a standard home wall box.

• Fuel economy: As low as 1.5L/100km when driven mainly in EV mode.

This flexibility makes the NX 450h+ particularly appealing to Australian buyers who want to transition into electric mobility without full EV range anxiety.

Driving Experience: Comfort First, Sportiness Second

Lexus has always prioritised comfort and refinement over outright sportiness, and the 2025 NX stays true to that philosophy.

• Hybrid Drive Feel: In the NX 350h, the petrol engine and electric motor work seamlessly together. Power delivery is smooth, while the CVT transmission ensures efficiency, though keen drivers may find it less engaging compared to dual-clutch rivals.

• Plug-In Hybrid Performance: The NX 450h+ feels more powerful thanks to its instant electric torque, offering brisk acceleration (0–100km/h in ~6.3 seconds).

• Ride Quality: The suspension setup has been tuned for Australian roads, soaking up bumps with ease while maintaining cabin composure. Adaptive dampers on higher trims further enhance ride comfort.

• Noise & Refinement: Thanks to improved insulation and active noise cancellation, the NX cabin remains whisper-quiet even at highway speeds.

The NX is not meant to be a high-performance SUV, but it excels at being a comfortable, efficient, and stress-free luxury daily driver.

Interior: Where Luxury Meets Practicality

Step inside the 2025 Lexus NX, and you’re greeted by a cabin that balances Japanese craftsmanship with cutting-edge tech.

• Dashboard Layout: A driver-focused cockpit with minimal physical buttons. The centrepiece is a 14-inch high-resolution touchscreen running Lexus’ new multimedia interface, offering faster response times and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

• Materials: Soft-touch surfaces, leather upholstery, and real wood or aluminium trims create a premium atmosphere. Lexus’ renowned Takumi craftsmanship shines in the stitching details and tactile controls.

• Seats: Heated and ventilated front seats with multiple power adjustments. Rear seats are spacious enough for three adults, with excellent legroom.

• Boot Space: Around 520L, expandable to over 1,400L with seats folded—competitive for the segment.

The NX strikes a strong balance between luxury and practicality, making it suitable for both city commutes and family road trips.

Technology & Connectivity

The 2025 Lexus NX is loaded with the latest tech features, ensuring both driver and passengers stay connected and entertained.

• Infotainment: The 14-inch display supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. Voice assistant with natural language recognition allows commands like adjusting climate or navigation.

• Digital Instrument Cluster: A fully digital 12.3-inch driver display with customisable layouts.

• Head-Up Display (HUD): Projects navigation, speed, and driver-assist info directly onto the windscreen.

• Sound System: Options include a premium Mark Levinson 17-speaker system for audiophiles.

• Connectivity: Wireless charging pad, multiple USB-C ports, and cloud-based navigation with live traffic updates.

This suite of technology puts the NX on par with German rivals and ahead in terms of reliability and user-friendliness.

Safety: Lexus Safety System+ 3.0

Safety is a non-negotiable for Lexus, and the 2025 NX comes with the brand’s latest Safety System+ 3.0, which includes:

• Pre-Collision System with pedestrian and cyclist detection

• Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality

• Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Departure Alert

• Blind Spot Monitoring

• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

• 360-degree camera with parking assist

• Safe Exit Assist to prevent dooring cyclists

The NX is expected to maintain its 5-star ANCAP safety rating, making it one of the safest SUVs in its class.

Fuel Efficiency & Ownership Costs

Fuel efficiency is where the Lexus NX shines compared to petrol-only luxury SUVs.

• NX 350h hybrid: Around 5.0L/100km, making it cheaper to run than a petrol-powered BMW X3 or Audi Q5.

• NX 450h+ PHEV: As low as 1.5L/100km with regular charging.

When it comes to ownership, Lexus also scores high:

• Warranty: 5-year/unlimited-km warranty in Australia.

• Hybrid Battery Warranty: Up to 10 years with regular servicing.

• Servicing Costs: Lexus offers capped-price servicing with complimentary loan cars and car washes.

These factors make the NX one of the most cost-effective luxury SUVs to own long term.

Lexus NX vs Competitors

The 2025 Lexus NX competes in a crowded mid-size luxury SUV segment. Here’s how it stacks up:

• BMW X3: Sportier to drive, but less efficient and more expensive to maintain.

• Audi Q5: Offers mild-hybrid tech, but lacks a plug-in hybrid option in Australia.

• Mercedes-Benz GLC: Luxurious interior, but higher running costs and limited hybrid availability.

• Volvo XC60 Recharge: Strong PHEV rival with Scandinavian design flair but higher pricing.

The NX positions itself as the value-packed luxury choice—not the cheapest upfront, but one of the most rewarding long-term.

Variants & Pricing in Australia

While official 2025 Australian pricing is yet to be fully confirmed, expectations based on the outgoing model are:

• NX 350h Luxury (Hybrid): from ~$68,000 AUD

• NX 350h Sports Luxury / F Sport (Hybrid): from ~$78,000 AUD

• NX 450h+ Plug-In Hybrid: from ~$92,000 AUD

These prices place the NX slightly below German rivals while offering more standard equipment and better efficiency.

Who Should Buy the 2025 Lexus NX?

The Lexus NX is an excellent fit for:

• Eco-conscious luxury buyers who want hybrid or PHEV efficiency without going full EV.

• Australian families looking for a safe, comfortable, and reliable mid-size SUV.

• Luxury SUV shoppers who want an alternative to German brands with lower ownership costs.

• Urban commuters who can take advantage of the plug-in hybrid’s EV range for daily drives.

Final Verdict

The 2025 Lexus NX is not just a luxury SUV—it’s a statement of where the industry is heading. By offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, Lexus gives Australians the flexibility to choose their level of electrification while enjoying premium comfort, advanced safety, and renowned Japanese reliability.

For buyers who want an efficient, tech-packed, and stylish luxury SUV that doesn’t carry the high maintenance costs of German rivals, the Lexus NX 2025 is a top contender.