2022 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid: New Update Lexus NX PHEV Explained
2022 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid Lexus, and parent company Toyota, are channeling significant resources into strengthening the brand’s already a sizeable lineup of SUVs. Last year, Toyota unveiled an updated version of the hugely successful RAV4, and at the end of this summer, the Lexus RX will be in showrooms.
But there’s more in the SUV pipeline. Selling an average of 58,000 units annually in the US since its debut in 2014, the next-generation Lexus NX will be a full-scale redesign scheduled to arrive in 2022.
The current first-generation Lexus NX has been largely unchanged since its debut in 2015. The new generation is expected in 2022 and we’ve just received the first few details of what to expect. According to the Japanese-language site Best Car, the second-generation NX will share the same global TNGA-K platform as the best-selling Toyota RAV4 and recently unveiled the Toyota Venza.
According to the report, the new NX will be about 30 mm longer than the RAV4 and 90 mm shorter than the Venza. It will also be the wider of the two by about 15 mm and 30 mm lower in height than the Venza. Imagine the NX 2022 as a lower, wider Venza with a slimmer, coupe-like silhouette shown in the included renderings. And yes, the large spindle front grille remains, although the design continues to evolve with a slightly firmer appearance.
Expected to use the same Global Architecture-K platform as the new RAV4 and RX, the second-generation NX will use a 106-inch wheelbase, similar to the RAV4. According to a report in Japan’s best-selling magazine Best Car, the NX will end up 1.5 inches longer than the RAV4 and 3.5 inches shorter than the RX. And yes, it will feature a new, bolder interpretation of Lexus’ signature and controversial spindle grille.
In general, the next-generation Lexus NX will be a much better and more powerful compact crossover than the vehicle it will replace. As usual with the new Lexus, Lexus will also come with a lot of comfort technology such as the standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and various driver-assist safety features.
2022 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid News
According to the Japanese magazine Best Car, the next-generation Lexus NX crossover will be released in 2022 with three powertrains.
Breaking down the rumors, the next-generation NX is said to be bigger on the inside while maintaining roughly the same exterior proportions – the wheelbase will grow to 30mm (1.18 inches) while the overall length will shrink by 10mm (0.4 inches).
Alongside the same 2.5L hybrid powertrain and plug-in hybrid offered with the Toyota RAV4, the new NX could also get the newly developed 2.4L four-cylinder turbo with an estimated power of 295 horsepower and 325 lb.ft. torque.
The current Lexus NX 2020 and the Lexus NX Hybrid 2020 feel that they need an update. Still, in its first generation, the NX came to market in 2014, powered by the same Toyota New MC platform used by the RAV4 at the time. Toyota has replaced the RAV4 with a new model, using the TNGA scalable platform. As a result of its age, the NX now lags behind its main counterparts in power, efficiency, and technology.
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Massive leaks from Toyota and Lexus suggest that a new NX is on its way, and could arrive with up to five different powertrain options. The new NX should be based on the same TNGA-K platform as the new RAV4 and Venza, which means the NX should benefit from all the improvements seen in the model.
Brazilian designer Kleber Silva envisions what the next-generation NX will look like, using the RAV4 square wheel arch. At first glance, this interpretation looks better looking than the current NX without being too similar to its mainstream counterpart.
With big wheels, a two-tone roof, and a unique front fascia, we’d love to see it on the NX. Rumors suggest the new NX will be between the RAV4 and Venza in terms of length, but wider of the two. It will arrive sometime next year in 2021 as the 2022 model.
2022 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid Engine
The NX will also be equipped with the powertrains offered on the RAV4 and RX. The engine includes a new 2.5-liter plug-in hybrid (PHV) that was added to last year’s RAV4 lineup. This PHV setup delivers 302-hp and sprints from 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds, making it the strongest RAV4 ever. Equipped with the new NX, this powertrain will deliver identical power and acceleration times and allow up to 39 miles of pure electric range from its lithium-ion battery pack.
If you want something a little stronger, Lexus also plans to offer a newly developed 2.4-liter turbo-driven variant that promises 300-hp and 325 lb-ft of power or torque, and 0-60mph acceleration time in mid-5s.
Helping to lower power is the Toyota E-Four 4WD, an on-demand system where the front wheels are driven by a hybrid powertrain while the rear wheels are powered by a special electric motor.
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As for the powertrains, a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain from the RAV4 Hybrid and Venza will be featured, likely producing the 219 horsepower identical to the Toyota model. The 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder can replace the current 2.0-liter engine, according to rumors, producing up to 300 hp.
Lexus may also decide to borrow a plug-in hybrid drivetrain from the RAV4 Prime, which makes 302 hp. The NX should be Lexus’ top priority, and based on the leaked information, the NX should be a huge upgrade from the current model.
Assuming the latter’s engine occurs, the new NX will offer significantly more power than its two main rivals, particularly the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, both with a maximum power of 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. Maybe the optional Lexus NX 2022 engine will finally convince Audi to bring a more powerful SQ3 or even RS Q3 in the United States.
2022 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid Interior
In the cockpit, drivers can expect Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, paddle shifters, leather seats, trim and steering wheel, a 12-inch infotainment system, and wireless smartphone charging. The rear seat space and facilities will also be upgraded.
To bring this brand in line with its competitors, over the next few years, Toyota and Lexus will extend their battery warranty up to 10 years or 150,000 miles across the range.
2022 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid Price and Release Date
From as far as we know the full release scheduling is still months away, but it will probably happen no later than next spring. We hope to arrive soon.
Adding more power and taking into account the lack of rear-seat comfort, the next generation NX plug-in hybrid will hit the market for a little over $ 40,000, giving it an edge over the Infiniti QX50, while the enhancements, increased power and infotainment will make Lexus a better buy more economical than the fiercely competitive BMW X3.
