Why we're flipping our 2023 NX hybrid! Parting thoughts plus TX plans

Hey guys! Well, we’ve made a few decisions recently that will mean the NX is going to be going away a lot sooner than initially expected, and here’s everything you need to know about why and what we think!

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
01:19 Why we cancelled our TX reservation
03:32 Why we’re flipping the NX
05:22 What am I really going to miss (about the NX)
09:16 What am I not going to miss (about the NX)

HOUSE RULES
Welcome to Josh’s Cars of Japan, thanks for watching! Please know that I read every single comment, and strive to reply to them all, even if it takes me a bit. I also do moderate comments and remove those that contain false/factually incorrect information for the benefit of everyone else as well as any derogatory or discriminatory comments. Those will get you blocked from commenting on the channel. Be kind. Live and let live. Thanks! -Josh

[joshjamescars]

Hey friends! The sneak preview of what we got is now live in Short form! Check it out at the link and be sure to stay tuned for a full intro video soon!

[Moooob]

Your reviews of the NX350h have been right on. I've got a 2024 version and overall, I just love it. I agree that it's not a "fun" car in the traditional sense, but I love the way it handles. I love the safety features. I love the reliability. It's the perfect size for a retired couple. Easy to park. Great gas mileage. Love the self-charging hybrid cuz I would have no place to charge a plug-in hybrid. My understanding is it is the only self-charging hybrid being manufactured currently (but I could be wrong). And the price point is excellent for what you get.

Apparently the CAT converter on the car is almost impossible to steal due to the design. And I have heard through the grapevine that Lexus has updated the software to thwart an OBD port attack by a thief (Not sure of this one though).

Reliability and safety are top of my list for any car. The NX350h works for me. No car is perfect and I do agree with some of the small "negatives" you have cited.

I do disagree with one observation you made previously about the car having a "small gas tank" and not the car for a road trip. I get 450 mile range on a full tank. I find I can go a long way without having to gas up.

The car is also in high demand. Where I live, there is at least a one year waiting list to get one but I lucked out with my particular circumstances (too much to get into here).

Cheers.

[tonyurquhart]

I have a 2025 NX350h on order and after my test drive, I agree with you about the interiors in the new Lexus. My 2015 ES300h was totalled last month after a deer or elk ran into the driver’s side at 120kph (yes, I am in Canada). Both vehicles would be the same trim, ultra luxury in Canada, the 2nd trim from the top. My ES had nice real wood door and console trim and on the steering wheel. The passenger side was stitched leather. For my soon to be NX, it seems Lexus is giving me more tech at the expense of luxury car interior materials. I miss my ES. I was proud of it. It gave me 10 years of faithful service. It was a solid car and, because of that, probably saved my wife and I from serious injury. Thank you for your NX videos which really helped me in my decision to buy. Cheers.

[violetwhiskers]

Very helpful video. I like how your videos are organized with an agenda and planned content that you stick to versus going off on tangents. Good job.... keep up the videos about cars and industry knowledge.

[wayneonpark]

I completely get what you're saying about a car not having a "soul." I LOVE Lexus and Toyota! I own a 2004 Lexus SC430 that I bought new and it currently has 67K on the clock. I love its uniqueness and luxury, and I haven't been tired of it for the last 20 years. No rattles, or squeaks, and the big V8, and all the wood and leather make me feel good. Last year I sold my Toyota Tacoma PreRunner TRD; I bought it new in 2003. I sold it with 120K on the clock almost what I had paid 20 years earlier. It was always a terrific truck in the simplest of ways, which is only one of the reasons I held on to it for so long. I also sold a 2007 Miata last year that I LOVED. It was like lighting in a bottle! But every time I drove it - it scared me a bit in Southern California traffic. It was a little too small of a car. This year, I retired to my home in Palm Springs California, and I am seriously considering adding either the RX or the RAV to my garage. Yet, I do agree with you that the line between Lexus and Toyota is beginning to blur. So, for as little as I drive, I'm wondering if I can justify the premium cost of the RX which doesn't always feel like it's worth the premium cost. So the RAV is looking pretty good to me. I LOVE your RAV and 4Runner! Great Video!

[yajiinaachi]

you are so honest about all the reviews thats why we love you. dont lose that

[hvailjr]

I am very surprised at your decision. We have bought Lexus cars since 1992 and we now have the NX450h+ and an NX350h on order. We love the compact style of the car and being older we don't need a larger car anymore. We love the NX handling, compactness, and gas mileage. While there is less wood and more plastic doesn't bother us.

[monicawilson]

I appreciate your thoughts and observations.

[neildesposito]

One of the best honest video I’ve seen, great review.

[joelthorne]

You shouldn’t apologize for lengthy reviews—The more useful, insightful information, the better.

[chillnndc]

i have the previous version of the NX and been in a lot of the older Lexus and I REALLY agree that the new Lexus interiors dont have the upscale look anymore. If I am going to overpay for a overpriced 4 cylinder....I want to see where that money went.

[meryl]

I so agree with you when you brought up the decline in quality of Lexus cars. I drive a 2007 IS250 and it still feels lux to this day. I enjoy the wood trim and my worn out leather seats. One day I got picked up by a friend in his 2013 Lexus IS250 (when they started coming out with those ugly front grills lol) and immediately I could see and feel the difference. Everything seemed “plasticky”. Even the smell of leather seats was so artificial. In my head I was thinking the demand for these cars is probably so high that they have no choice but to overlook quality to keep up with the demand. But you’re right…some Lexus cars are starting to feel like Toyotas with a Lexus price tag.

[tphonhnaboth]

I have 2005 GX and it had over 300K miles on it and its still run like new. Never had any major issues with it. The best car I ever owned.

[jywn]

IMHO picking the prime over then lexus hybrid was the right choice at this moment

[marycarla]

I want a car that feels like I’m driving a sofa, not a fun car, so the Lexus NX 350H might just be the car for me. Thanks for helping me narrow this down.

[bluesfoxpix]

Agree with your predication that the 4 runner is going away. Enjoy your new GX! After going with the GX ourselves, we plan to keep it forever given the new GX550 and new LandCruiser (slimmed down 4Runner). It is really comfortable and just feels bulletproof. Sure the mpg is not great, but the reassurance of its ride, get out of anything traction, reliability makes up for it.

[jackiedel]

JOSH DID U SAY YOUR NX350h uses regular gas? If so that’s a game changer for me I was on the fence due to the premium gas issue. If I can use regular gas you helped me make a decision!

[darcyw]

Currently watching this video in my 2023 GX. You won’t be disappointed (although the trackpad may require some getting used to coming from a 14” touch screen)! You must find a dirt road to flog it on as soon as possible to feel its Land Cruiser soul—I was smitten with its on road manners (KDSS works brilliantly, and it has a smoothness and solidity that is very calming), but was even more happy after experiencing it off pavement. If you leave the center differential unlocked on the dirt, it even rotates nicely and feels very rear-biased. Had a loaded 2023 RX 350h as a loaner, and felt exactly the same as you with your NX. A decent car, with a shockingly efficient power train, but felt like I was home when I hopped back into the GX. The V8, rear-biased powertrain, hydraulic power steering, and old school Lexus build quality make it feel like it has a soul, while still managing to be as quiet and smooth, if not smoother, than the new stuff. Looking forward to your next video!

[elsaandnoah]

Great video. I like your insights and really enjoy the “discussion” 😊 👍🏻

[carrera.]

This dude knows whats up about the Lexus ethos. Even with the mpg I think a used gx at similar price point just offers more of a quality feel. Even with that crappy tech. Def an old school Lexus.