2016 Lexus NX 300h

When it comes to hybrid luxury crossovers, options aren’t as broad as you might initially think. 2016 sees Volvo join the ranks of Porsche, Infiniti, Audi, and Lexus. But if you want something smaller and more affordable, the choices are few – Audi Q5 Hybrid, or Lexus NX 300h. And if fuel economy is your true priority, there’s really only one answer: the Lexus.

Introduced just last year, the gas-powered NX 200t and the hybrid NX 300h offer Lexus goodness wrapped up in a very edgy package. The 300h features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine backed by a hybrid battery pack and electric motor to deliver 194 hp and 152 lb-ft of torque. Aside from its stablemate, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, it’s the most fuel-efficient crossover utility vehicle on sale today with a fuel economy rating of 7.1 L/100 km city and 7.7 L/100 km highway. All-wheel drive is standard on all NX 300hs.

For 2016, the NX hybrid is now offered in two trim levels instead of one. Formerly standard features such as a premium 10-speaker audio system, leather upholstery, power remote rear seat release, head-up display, wireless device charging, parking sensors, radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, pre-collision warning, automatic high beams, auto-leveling headlamps, and wood trim are now a part of the Executive Package. The standard vehicle remains well equipped though, with standard power eight-way driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, power tilt and telescoping steering column, moonroof, LED headlamps, proximity key with push-button start, navigation, and power tailgate. Also new are two new colours: Autumn Shimmer and Caviar.

This shift in equipment drops the NX hybrid’s base price to $53,350 making it the most affordable luxury hybrid crossover currently on sale. Adding the Executive Package raises the price to $60,200. For the time being, an F Sport package isn’t available, though the NX 300h wears unique 18-inch alloy wheels and a blue Lexus badge on its grille and tailgate. For comparison purposes, the new-for-2016 Lexus RX 450h sells for $68,950 while Audi’s Q5 Hybrid sells for $57,000.

Beyond its parsimonious consumption and solid build quality, the NX hybrid offers a stylish cabin that’s similar in design to the latest IS and RC sedan and coupe. The NX receives a crisp 7.0-inch infotainment display controlled by Lexus’s unique Remote Touch trackpad interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not yet featured, but Siri Eyes Free allows drivers access to select commands via voice control. While the NX’s cabin space is generous by compact crossover standards, cargo space is small. Thankfully the hybrid doesn’t require much by way of compromise – with the rear seats up, cargo space is rated at 475 L, down from 500 L in the NX200t. With the rear seats folded, the 300h offers up 1,520 L versus the non-hybrid’s 1,545 L.