Consumer Reports puts vehicles through rigorous testing and uses the research to make recommendations based on several key ownership factors. The publication is known for its criticism. Many nameplates have fallen out of favor in the eyes of Consumer Reports after reliability or quality issues. Only one model made it to Consumer Reports’ top auto picks under $55,000 list, and it’s a .
Consumer Reports recommends the Lexus NX350h
The Lexus NX350h is a small hybrid SUV based on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. The RAV4 Hybrid is causing a sensation in its vehicle segment. The NX350h is a more sophisticated version of the popular small hybrid SUV. So, think RAV4 Hybrid, but more elegant and with more standard amenities.
starts at $43,805 (excluding taxes and additional fees). It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid propulsion system to produce 240 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque. The NX350h gets 41 miles per gallon in the city and 37 miles per gallon on the highway.
Car and Driver praises the NX’s refined interior and attractive exterior. The NX350h comes standard with all-wheel drive, Lexus NuLuxe interior finishers and SmartAccess with Start/Stop button. It also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats and a 9.8-inch touchscreen display.
According to , the Lexus NX350h was one of only two vehicles that made Consumer Reports’ top car picks of $45,000 to $55,000. Part of the reason the NX350h made the list is due to the brand’s history of producing reliable hybrid vehicles.
Is the 2023 Lexus NX350h a good SUV?
Toyota is currently producing some of the models on the market. The Japanese automaker has been an authority on hybrid technology for decades. The Prius is considered the first hybrid vehicle ever to be mass-produced. Since the Toyota Prius hit the scene way back in 1997, Toyota has developed several successful standard hybrid nameplates and hybrid versions of popular gas-powered vehicles.
Lexus may not have the same cachet as other luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz and BMW, but reliability is its strong suit. If you want a reliable luxury SUV that can stand the test of time, Lexus vehicles offer enough value for money more often than not.
The NX350h is a particularly interesting model because it represents a new era for Toyota and Lexus. Electrification is on the horizon for the entire automotive industry. As a result, hybrid vehicles have become more popular than ever. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are becoming a comfortable middle ground between the internal combustion engine and battery electric vehicles. Expect the Lexus NX350h to grow in popularity as more and more drivers are intrigued by hybrid propulsion systems.
What is the best small hybrid SUV on the market?
Since the Toyota RAV4 is currently the most popular small SUV, it’s only natural to assume that the RAV4 Hybrid is the best small hybrid SUV option for the money. The RAV4 Hybrid is certainly near the top of its vehicle segment. Some other interesting options that are worth considering by many drivers are the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, and the .
As far as small hybrid luxury SUVs go, it’s hard to beat the Lexus NX350h when it comes to value. Luxury hybrid models can potentially get very expensive, especially after accounting for taxes and fees such as destination fees.
