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Eric's Autos: Reviewing the 2015 Nissan NX300h

Eric Peters on

Maybe you're like me and think there's something... odd about spending $40,000 on a car because you're, uh, worried about how much gas costs. And yet, they sell. High-end hybrids, that is. And so, they keep building more of them. Like this new Lexus NX300h.

It's the same basic ride as the NX200t - but instead of a 235 hp turbocharged four, zero to 60 in about 7 seconds and 22 city, 28 highway (for $34,300 to start) it comes with a not-turbo'd 2.5 liter four/electric motor combo and 194 hp, good for 0-60 in the mid-eights and 35 city/31 highway (for $39,720 to start). It's a Prius... for people who don't want to be seen in a Prius.

WHAT IT IS

The NX300h is a hybridized version of the Lexus NX - which is a smaller and sportier-looking/handling crossover than the company's big-selling (but possibly too big for some) and perhaps not-sporty-enough RX350.

It's also less thirsty - capable of averaging in the mid-low 30s vs. mid-low 20s for the non-hybrid NX200t (and mid-high teens for the V6 RX350).

Base price for the FWD version is $39,720; with AWD, the sticker price climbs to $41,310.

 

This is pretty big bump up from the non-hybrid NX200t's base price of $34,480. However, the hybrid NX is much less expensive than one of its closest rivals among economical (to operate) luxury crossover SUVs - the $47,500 to start Audi Q5 TDI. Both give similar real-world mileage, but buying the Lexus will save you about $8k up front - and that makes it harder to make the case for the diesel-powered Audi.

Well, except for one thing… . The Lexus is pretty slow. The Q5 TDI isn't.

WHAT'S NEW

The NX series is all-new.

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