Lexus NX Hybrid vs Lexus RX Hybrid

During the past three years, the RX 450h hybrid has accounted for an average of 15.4% of all Lexus RX sales in the U.S. Now, a redesigned 2023 Lexus RX is set to go on sale by the end of 2022, and the automaker will offer three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 450h+, and the RX 500h F Sport Performance. Based on time spent driving two of these three new 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid models, we expect them to at least double, if not triple, the previous-generation RX 450h’s share of sales. As long as the price is right, of course.

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The 2021 Lexus NX compact SUV is showing its age. It’s not an inherently bad vehicle, but with a design that dates back to the 2015 model year, it’s struggling to keep pace with fresher competition—including the Acura RDX, Audi Q5, BMW X3, Infiniti QX50, Lincoln Corsair, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60—and can’t justify its positioning as a premium product.

Lexus offers the gasoline-only NX 300 and the NX 300h hybrid, but we’ll focus on the latter for this review. The big news for the 2021 Lexus NX 300h is a new F Sport Black Line special edition, which adds sportier F Sport styling features that normally aren’t available on the hybrid. It also comes with a matching two-piece set of Zero Halliburton luggage. Other changes include additional standard driver aids and "low-profile" windshield wipers.

We tested the Black Line for this review, but with production limited to 1,000 units, it will likely be sold out by the time you read this. However, it’s mechanically similar to the regular-production NX 300h hybrid trim levels—base and Luxury.