What is it?

As we all probably know by now, Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota, has long been synonymous with refined comfort and impeccable build quality. Their NX crossover has consistently been a strong contender in the premium compact SUV market. But can the plug-in hybrid F Sport variant blend the brand's signature opulence with the practicality of a family-friendly SUV and the allure of a sporty driving experience? Let's find out.

On-Road Ride

Let’s start with the bread and butter of most SUV owners—the on-road ride. The NX450h+ F Sport is a curious beast. It's a Lexus, so you'd expect a wafting, serene ride. But slap on the F Sport badge and things get a little more interesting. The suspension is firmer than the standard NX, and it does a decent job of keeping body roll in check when you're pushing on with the adaptive variable suspension, exclusive to the F Sport trim, smoothing out bumps like a hot knife through butter.

Steering is precise and responsive, making it feel more like a sporty hatchback than a traditional SUV. The low centre of gravity, courtesy of the battery placement, adds to the poised handling, making every journey a delight rather than a chore whilst keeping occupants insulated from the outside world.

Equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and two electric motors, this hybrid delivers a combined 305bhp, ensuring that you have plenty of oomph when you need it.  That said, the standard CVT, although smooth, can take the fun out of spirited driving, but that shouldn’t put you off buying one.

The drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+, allow you to tailor the vehicle’s performance to your liking. When it comes to fuel economy, once fully charged I was seeing figures of around 70mpg, and once the charge was depleted, and driving on petrol alone, that dropped to 38mpg. You can drive around 40 miles on a fully charged battery.

What I found that sets this Lexus apart is the seamless transition between petrol and electric power. The hybrid system switches so effortlessly that you'll barely notice it - it’s quite the smooth operator.

Off-Road Capability

Obviously the NX450h+ F Sport is not a Land Rover Defender, but it certainly holds its own when you decide to take the scenic route. The all-wheel-drive system provides ample grip, ensuring traction on muddy tracks and gravel paths.

At the end of the day it’s a luxury crossover, and while it looks the part with its aggressive styling, its off-road abilities are more about tackling muddy tracks that take me to my favourite walking spots, or snowy driveways than conquering the Rubicon Trail.  That said, the electronic all-wheel drive system does a decent job of distributing power, and there’s a choice of driving modes to suit different conditions.

During a jaunt through the Lake District, the Lexus effortlessly handled uneven terrain and mild inclines.  Admittedly I didn’t take that far off the beaten track, but where I did I was taken aback by its soft suspension which was at odds with its on-road handling. Bumps, rocks, holes and undulations were appropriately dealt with.

Interior Spec

Step inside the NX450h+ F Sport and you’re greeted by a world of plush leather, soft-touch materials, and impeccable build quality. The F Sport treatment adds some sporty touches, like aluminium pedals and a slightly more aggressive steering wheel, but it’s all done with restraint.

The infotainment system is generally user-friendly, with clear graphics and responsive touchscreens. The digital instrument cluster is sharp and informative, and the very clever head-up display is a nice touch. By that I mean simply hover your finger over a button on the steering wheel, and whether that be the volume and cruise control, it pops up on HUD and highlighted - a really neat feature that means you don’t need to take your eyes off the road.

The centrepiece of the interior is the new 14” touchscreen infotainment system. It’s a significant upgrade from previous models, boasting sharp graphics and intuitive controls - including proper dials for the heater - hooray!

Comfort is a Lexus strong suit, and the NX450h+ F Sport doesn’t disappoint. The front seats are heated and ventilated are supportive and offer plenty of adjustment, and there’s good head and legroom for most occupants, though rear legroom is slightly compromised, but the rear seats do recline.

The boot is a decent size for a car of this type with 545 litres of boot capacity, expanding to 1,436 litres with the rear seats folded down. The boot is well-shaped, making it easy to load and unload items. The powered tailgate, which can be operated hands-free, is a convenient feature, especially when your hands are full of shopping bags or luggage. The underfloor storage compartment is a handy spot for stowing smaller items, keeping the main boot area tidy, though that’s often taken up by the charging cable.

Oh, and full marks for the foldable rear parcel shelf!

Have I mentioned the double-glazed windows and extensive soundproofing?  This offers tranquility that is only interrupted by the gentle hum of the hybrid powertrain, which is more soothing than intrusive.

Conclusion

The Lexus NX450h+ F Sport is a well-rounded performer that excels in multiple areas. Its on-road ride is smooth and sophisticated, offering a serene driving experience that’s perfect for the daily commute or long motorway journeys. While it’s not a hardcore off-roader, its off-road capability is more than adequate for the occasional adventure into the countryside.

Overall it strikes a balance between sporty and comfortable. It’s not as sharp as a dedicated sports car, but it’s certainly more agile than your average SUV. The all-wheel-drive system provides excellent grip, giving you confidence when tackling wet or slippery roads that we’re accustomed to here in the UK.