MODEL
Lexus NX 450h+
NHTSA safety across every Lexus NX 450h+ model year we cover.
Across the 5 model years of the Lexus NX 450h+ we cover (2022 to 2026), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. No recalls are on record across those years.
The Lexus NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid compact luxury SUV aimed squarely at premium buyers who want efficiency alongside the refinement and brand cachet that Lexus delivers. Slotting above the standard NX in the lineup, it competes in a crowded but growing segment of electrified luxury crossovers, drawing shoppers who prioritize a sophisticated driving experience with reduced fuel dependency.
At MotorCaliber, our focus is the safety picture, and for the Lexus NX 450h+ covering model years 2022 through 2025, that picture has some meaningful gaps alongside genuinely reassuring strengths. On the positive side, Lexus has issued zero recalls for this model across all four years we cover. In a segment where recall activity can pile up quickly, a clean recall record is a substantive achievement worth noting. The complaint volume is also low, with just 39 owner complaints filed across the entire coverage window. However, within those 39 complaints, 5 allege involvement in a crash and 2 allege fire-related incidents, while 4 report injuries. These are unverified allegations, but fire-related complaints on any plug-in hybrid vehicle deserve attention from prospective buyers, and we flag them here in the interest of full transparency. The most significant gap in the NX 450h+ safety profile is the absence of NHTSA crash-test data. Despite being on sale since 2022, this vehicle carries no federal star ratings in the years we cover, which means buyers cannot benchmark its structural performance against segment rivals the way they typically would. That is not a condemnation, but it is a real limitation. Shoppers should seek IIHS data independently and weigh the lack of federal crash ratings carefully. The zero-recall record softens that concern somewhat, but the missing crash-test data remains the defining caveat in our assessment.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the NX 450h+ for its composed, polished ride quality and a cabin that feels genuinely upscale in its materials and refinement. The plug-in hybrid powertrain earns consistent appreciation for its smooth, seamless delivery. Some reviewers note that the infotainment system, while improved over prior generations, still trails a few segment competitors in intuitiveness and responsiveness.
- The NX 450h+ has not been crash-tested by NHTSA in any model year from 2022 through 2025, meaning there are no federal star ratings to reference when comparing structural safety against competitors.
- Lexus has issued zero recalls for the NX 450h+ across all four model years covered, which is a strong and concrete safety positive that stands out in the compact luxury SUV segment.
- Two of the 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA allege fire-related incidents. These are unverified, but plug-in hybrid buyers should be aware and consider monitoring NHTSA's complaint database for any developing patterns.
- Five owner complaints across the coverage window allege crash involvement and four report injuries. While the overall complaint volume is low relative to sales, shoppers should review the specific complaint narratives on NHTSA's website before purchasing.