Test Drive: 2015 Lexus NX 300h

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

2015 Lexus NX 300h AWD F-Sport Series 2

For me, the biggest dynamic complaint against the NX 300h is its braking. Like all hybrids, it relies on energy harnessed through the friction of braking to help replenish its battery packs. Unfortunately this always results in a grabby, non-linear and unnatural feel to braking, and that’s certainly true here. On one occasion as traffic came to an abrupt halt from highway speed, the NX 300h made a quick jerk to the right under braking, causing it to feel surprisingly unstable. No harm was done and aside from the unnatural feeling of the regenerative braking, no other issues arose with the NX 300h for the rest of its stay, but the instability in that panic-stop situation was concerning.

For those keen on hybrid ownership – or perhaps those who have owned a hybrid in the past – the idiosyncrasies found in the NX 300h will likely be forgiven. Typical of Lexus, the best successes of the NX 300h are those that draw little attention to themselves. It’s these little details that one would never notice unless they’ve suffered half-baked versions in other cars. Case in point: the proximity locking and unlocking system works exactly as it should. Approach the car, and as you grab the door handle, the locks instantly snap open. With other cars, a pause is required while the car thinks about unlocking. It may seem like a little thing, but it’s these careful details that quietly make life with the Lexus better on a daily basis.

Of course for the cost of the NX 300h, it should be masterfully designed and executed. In Canada, the all-wheel-drive NX 300h comes only one way: fully loaded. And all that technology and luxury costs a lot: just shy of $60,000, which is thousands more than the diesels from Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and even a few grand richer than the Audi Q5 hybrid. To put it another way, the NX 300h’s larger RX 450h hybrid sibling is only a couple of thousand more.

Owners of this newest Lexus offering are likely to enjoy years of efficient, well-engineered motoring. Dynamically it will never compete with the torque-rich diesel competitors, but the efficiency and quality of the NX 300h are undeniable. For those folks who value that quality and efficiency – particularly if they live in urban centres – the NX 300h may be the best choice in a segment of excellent alternatives.

Pricing: 2015 Lexus NX 300h
Base Price: $54,000
As-Tested Price (AWD F-Sport Series 2): $59,450
Options: None
Destination: $1,995
A/C Tax: $100
Price as tested: $61,545