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The luxury SUV class is a popular segment in the auto industry. Recently, luxury automakers have invested a lot of money into electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) SUVs, but few have many traditional hybrids, especially affordable ones. That being said, one luxury automaker has some relatively affordable hybrid SUVs in its lineup. Here’s a look at the three hybrid SUVs Lexus offers that start at less than $50,000.

1. The Lexus UX Hybrid is the cheapest and smallest Lexus SUV out there

According to U.S. News, the Lexus UX Hybrid is in the subcompact crossover segment, making it the smallest SUV Lexus offers. As a result, even the hybrid version of the UX will be relatively affordable. It starts at just over $35,000, making it affordable to luxury car shoppers and people who aren’t as well off.

The UX Hybrid only has one powertrain option, and it’s a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with two electric motors to get 181 hp. That’s paired to a CVT, and all-wheel drive is also standard. This setup allows the Lexus to get 41 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on highways, for about 40 mpg combined. 

That said, the UX Hybrid is a mixed bag on the inside. Due to its small size, its cargo capacity isn’t great, and it tops out at about 40.4 cu. ft. However, the seats themselves are spacious enough and come with synthetic leather upholstery too. The UX Hybrid also gets a 7-inch screen and the Lexus Safety System 2.0, which gives the SUV plenty of standard smart safety features. 

2. The Lexus NX Hybrid is a great compact luxury crossover 

A blue 2023 Lexus NX 350h (Hybrid) compact luxury SUV model in Grecian Water color option
2023 Lexus NX Hybrid | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

The Lexus NX Hybrid is a compact luxury crossover, providing a stronger mix of features than the other two affordable Lexus hybrid SUVs on this list. The NX Hybrid starts at just under $42,000, and importantly, Lexus gave the SUV a complete redesign for the 2022 model year. Currently, the NX Hybrid has two hybrid powertrain options.

Both are 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines that work with electric motors, but one gets 240 hp, and the other gets 304 hp. Once again, this powertrain setup is paired to a CVT, and all-wheel drive is standard. The standard hybrid powertrain gets 41 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on highways, for 39 mpg combined. The NX Hybrid’s interior is great, as it has synthetic leather and heated front seats as standard, but once again, cargo capacity is an issue as it only has a max of 46.9 cu. ft.

3. The Lexus RX Hybrid is a classy mid-size crossover

The RX Hybrid is Lexus’ biggest hybrid SUV option, as it sits in the mid-size luxury crossover segment. This also makes it the most expensive option, starting at about $48,000. Lexus only gave the RX Hybrid a single powertrain option, and it’s a 3.5-liter V6 engine that works with three electric motors to get 308 hp. Just like the UX and the NX, the RX Hybrid has a CVT and all-wheel drive as standard.

Regarding fuel economy, the Lexus RX Hybrid gets 31 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on highways, for 30 mpg combined. The RX Hybrid’s interior is a highlight, as it has features like synthetic leather upholstery, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and some very spacious and comfortable seats. Unfortunately, cargo capacity is a big issue with the RX Hybrid, as it only has a max of 32.6 cu. ft. However, Lexus offers a three-row option with a max cargo capacity of 58.5 cu. ft.

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