2025 Lexus NX Review: Hybrid efficiency, Goldilocks size

Lexus clearly sees value in zigging where others zag when it comes to the size of its various SUVs. The 2025 Lexus NX is technically a compact SUV given its exterior dimensions, lining up with the Mercedes GLC, for instance, but inside it’s more like a GLA or various subcompact luxury SUVs. Its pricing more closely aligns with them too. That makes the 2025 NX an alternative to both segments, which honestly isn’t such a bad thing. It probably lands in the Goldilocks zone for a lot of buyers because of it.

Ultimately, though, the NX’s most appealing attribute is choice of hybrid powertrains. It offers conventional and plug-in variants, neither of which are in great supply in the luxury SUV realm. If you want to save on gas while still enjoying a small luxury SUV, you pretty much have to consider the Lexus NX 350h and 450h+.

Besides those hybrids, the NX offers a well-made cabin and lots of features, though the touchscreen interface can frustrate and back seat space is on the cramped side. The cargo area is surprisingly useful, though. All told, the NX family certainly isn’t among our top choices in the segment, but its distinctive attributes make it worth a serious look.   

There are only minor updates for 2025. Two USB-C ports are now included in the front center console, while wireless phone charging is available on all versions. Automatic wipers, power liftgate and automated parking assist with automatic braking are now standard equipment.

The NX has a handsome, extremely well-made cabin that gets even better when spruced up with two-tone color choices. While three of its powertrains may just be copy-pasted over from the Toyota RAV4, the interior most certainly is not. It’s in keeping with the rest of the Toyota lineup.

That unfortunately does include issues with the tech, however. The infotainment system features either a standard 9.8-inch screen with dedicated physical climate control toggles or an optional 14-inch unit that incorporates a dedicated blend of touch-sensitive and physical comfort controls blended into the screen’s lower bezel. No matter which you choose, you get a physical volume knob. This represents a vast improvement over that found in the