Love your knowledge of not just cars but financial breakdowns, which is just as important. Most ppl want a nice luxury car but don’t think about the financial responsibility they’ll now have along with their other monthly expenses. Thank you kind sir.
Thank you so much! And agreed! I think a lot of people want EVs and PHEVs because they’re the new shiny thing but don’t realize that they might not be saving money by driving one (again, without any incentives). Thanks for watching and the kind comment!
Thanks for the video and for the details involved in your purchase decision. It's a shame that we live in a world where all decisions are challenged without factual backup. I'm also impressed that you offer a very distinct voice, an owner who speaks from experience and knowledge and handle on financial reality. I just subscribed to your channel and look forward to new adventures and thoughts that you can provide. Larry
This is such a nice comment, thank you so much and thanks for watching!! And I so agree, I just don’t think enough reviewers actually talk about when and why it might make sense for someone to buy an EV/PHEV versus a regular hybrid. So many people seemed to think I should have bought the 450h just because it was the shiny new thing. Don’t think they real: that it doesn’t make financial sense to do so.
Amazing breakdown, and output of your own actual opinion of whether it's worth it or not in your situation. It really shines light on who would really get their money's worth for this tier or that tier.
Great analysis. I got in before Toyota hit the 200k vehicle limit with the previous rule set. The 7500 was what made the purchase of my 450h make sense. If the 7500 wasn't available I would have been happy with the base NX250. I was going after the luxury version of a RAV4. I was also considering the RX because 60k gets you a decent version.
THATS AWESOME! I didn’t actually realize there was a window of time when the 450h qualified! I’m so glad you were able to get in on it though! I was looking at a loaded Venza but the pricing on that was so high I figured I’d just spend a little more and get the 350h I ended up with. If I didn’t need the compact size for downtown parking I would also have considered the RX to your point! You can even get an RX350h for what I paid for my NX 350h which is slightly irritating LOL.
You’re welcome! I just don’t think it makes financial sense for most people right now. Unless the government changes the incentives again, there’s no way that the price premium is worth it when you could get both a hybrid or a full EV for the same or less. Thanks for watching!
I have the 450H+ and was fortunate to get grandfathered in to the EV Federal Tax Credit over and above the California incentives. Plus I charge for free at home and have short daily drives well under the pure electric range, but can still use it for long drives without sacrificing a smooth drive, power and great MPG in Hybrid mode. So at least for me, the purchase made financial sense. But excellent analysis in your video nonetheless. I look forward to the next one!
Absolutely! Again, this video was why it didn’t make sense for ME and I think it won’t for a lot of people moving forward. But if you got the fed+state incentives, it absolutely makes sense for you like the Prime was worth it for us. Especially with where California gas prices are right now. I consider Los Angeles to be my hometown even though we no longer live there and if we were ever to move back I’d probably sell the 4Runner and NX and get a full EV. I’m sure you already know, but don’t forget to run your tank down somewhat regularly. Gas goes stale and it’s not pretty when that happens.
@@joshjamescars Good advice! Like you, I follow the awesome AMD, thanks to him I've taken up the practice of engaging HV mode whenever I'm not in traffic and can drive at a steady cruising speed. I also only fill up the tank when I go on a long road trip.
I think for most people the 350h is the better buy for a hybrid. Or, go full EV, but either way, without the tax credit, the 450h is actually more than a really good EV. And the Crown looks really interesting! I can’t wait for our dealer to get one. I also want to drive that Hybrid Max powertrain. Thanks for watching!
@@jml9550 I drove the both the NX 350h and Crown Platinum. I am going with the Crown. Liked them both but the wait for the NX was very long and it drove a little stiffer than I like. I do need AWD in the mountains west of Denver so that ruled out the ES. I was able to get a red Crown Platinum that was in transit and will have it later this month.
Best video yet I saw about comparing Lexus 350h with 450h+. Thank you for putting the numbers, it helped a lot. Seeing it that way it really made me see that paying the extra for the 450h+ isn't worth it. It would take me close to 8 years to going everyday to work to make that money in petrol.
Thank you! I’m glad this was helpful! And yes, with Toyota’s PHEVs not qualifying for any incentives, it doesn’t make sense for most people to buy them unless they’re willing to pay a huge premium just for 45 miles of EV range.
Thanks so much for the info! We currently have a rebate around $9000 and are going for the base 450h+. The 350h actually costs $6000 more with the luxury package (we have set packages here in Canada which is annoying) when we factor in the rebate so it kinda just made sense to us! We'll be missing the pano roof, ambient lighting and other stuff but the rebates more than make up for it in my opinion!
Oh I’m so jealous! Yes! That definitely makes sense, that’s just like when we bought our Rav4 Prime it came out to be about the same $6,000 less for it than a comparable Rav hybrid! As for the pano roof, I don’t have it and I don’t really feel like I’m missing out on anything. Pano roofs here in the south make the car so much hotter during the summer anyhow. And ambient lighting, IMO only worthwhile if you drive A LOT after dark. Congrats on the new car! We’re on the list for a TX550h+ plug in. No rebate, sadly, but it’s the only way to get the V6.
another channel! the youtube algo brought me back to your videos lol. I need a Lexus RX with a navigator leather interior :D (also love the car care nut's channel!)
Haha yes!! Hello!! Thought this side hobby was too different from my main OG channel. And UGH I was always a huge fan of the RX but now that it’s only turbo-4 or hybrid-4 it’s a pass from me. Give me the old V6 or V6 hybrid any day. Love the car care nut.
I really appreciate you going over the numbers and talking about the incentives. I’m weighing that right now I wanted the 450h+ f sport but I don’t think I want to deal with charging it and I also don’t feel like it’s worth it either. I am leaning to the 350 h f sport.
I’m so glad this was helpful!! I’m guessing that you’re outside of the US since we don’t get the 350h in F-Sport here, and if I’m right about that, I would advise you look at all the incentives your country and city government offer because it may be worth it if there are enough credits or rebates. There just aren’t any here in the US. One other note on the F-Sport part, if it’s anything more than an appearance package, be sure to test drive it. Some of the F-Sport cars have a much firmer/harsher ride that I don’t think is very fitting of a Lexus.
Another great video Josh! I’m enjoying going through all of your content. Would you ever consider reviewing the Lexus ES? Would be fascinated by your impressions. All the best!
Hello! If I can get my hands one one, I absolutely will! In the meantime, check out my new Camry video. The ES and Camry V6 are so similar, but the ES has nicer materials and more isolation from NVH.
Wow you really break the numbers down well. Immediately subscribed! You will do well on RUclips! Edit: Just wondering why you didn't got for the new RX 500h since you scratched out the plug in, it's beautiful and now similar in design as an NX or even prettier in my eyes.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind comment and for watching! The main reason is that I bought the NX as a second car to use as a daily driver/commuter to drive to my company’s offices which are in a high rise office tower downtown with a nice but tiny parking garage and so the compact footprint and easy maneuverability of the NX was what I needing more than anything else. My main or other car is the 4Runner which is also a midsize like the RX. And, not that my NX was “cheap” by any means, but if it takes a hit or someone opens their door into it downtown, it’s not nearly as precious as a 500h.
@@joshjamescars Good point, I never really thought of the RX as a bigger or mid size SUV. I live in the UK and there are many narrow roads, so all these cars including NX seem too big for me, so I generally lump them all together. Growing family now means I have to look into one of these as an option, but I dread parking them in my local grocery store. I drive a CT200h and shoppers have dinged the doors while it was parked, breaks my heart each time, I can only imagine if it was an RX. I try to park far away from the entrance, but as soon as I do someone else is smart enough to park next to me regardless, even when there are plenty of other free spaces, it's like they can't stand seeing a car all by itself. Thank you for your video and reply!
Thanks a lot. Watched also other videos about your NX350h and I loved you showed things that I did not get anywhere else. This NX looks really gorgeous, wass thinking about it too but at the end, I dislike quite small trunk space compared to RAV4. I need it. So, RAV4 hybrid 4x4 it will be. Maybe NX as second car for trips without need to pack :)
Thank you so much! I’m so glad they have been helpful!! And yes, I totally agree about the cargo area and interior space; it feels like a size class smaller than the Rav when I go right from one to another. And the Rav hybrid is a terrific choice!! Hope you enjoy it!
Informative and great video! Loving my 450h+. Charging is free for me and my drives are around town and within the EV range. I can go a week before needing to charge again and when needed for longer trips having the gas engine as well is great! I went 4 months and 1600 miles before getting fuel. I’ve owned different Toyota/Lexus hybrids and knew a plug-in is what I wanted to try next. So far it’s been great! I’m time I’ll see if I’m ready to make the jump to pure EV.
Awesome!!! Just be sure you’re draining and replenishing the tank often enough to keep the fuel lines from gumming up. I wouldn’t go 4 months between fill-ups if you can avoid it. The thing with that is you won’t know you have a problem until you have a big problem and dealers don’t regularly check that during service because it’s such a new car and it’s assumed you are running the engine often enough. Better still, if you can find ethanol-free gasoline near you, that’s the ideal thing for people like you going 4 months between fillips and me running my 4Runner maybe once a week. I’ve had to have my fuel lines in the 4Runner cleaned out once due to lack of use. Luckily it was preventative and not due to hitting the aforementioned big problem. I think even when you are ready, I’d keep the 450h+ on the side for road trips.
@@joshjamescars Im actually going to use the HV mode more often. I will use HV mode more for the highway. I went on a 80 mile trip to Hershey, PA last Sunday and used the gas that entire trip. Charged and on the way home decided to fill the tank and used gas back the entire time as well in HV mode. The NX did better than than I thought it would and that was at 65mph. Taking a road trip again next week and back so it’s getting more use for sure. Also with warmer weather I be out and about more as well. Excited to continue breaking it in in the coming months. I’m not entirely sold on pure EV. I would stick with Lexus, but the range of the RZ is horrible.
Josh, Thanks for the very informative video. I was in the market for either a RAV4 Prime or a NX350p. After watching this video, you convinced me to buy the NX350p. Thanks for helping me out. Ken
I’m so glad! I’m assuming you mean a 350h and not the 450h plug in; in which case ABSOLUTELY recommend it and I think you’ll love it! It’s a great car.
@@joshjamescars Yes, I meant the NX350h. I did look at the tax credits on the 450h+. I live in Colorado, and I would have received a $2000 tax credit. However, I would have been charged $50.00 annually for a plug-in tax when I renew my license plate tabs. I also was concerned about the IRS only allowing plug-in cars coming off the assembly line in North America to be eligible for the $7,500 tax credit when the 450h+ is assembled in Japan. I spoke to dealers who all said that the wait time is several years; and who knows what amendments the IRS will ratify during the wait time - it might be more financial disaster. I decided to take the "safe route" and pursue a 350h. Thanks again for being easy to follow with your video.
Oh man and your vehicle registration in Colorado is astronomical and based on vehicle value too on top of all of that! And yes; frankly I don’t think PHEVs will ever see the kind of incentives they did when we bought our Prime. I think you’ll also enjoy the NX much more in the winter in Colorado. IMO it feels so much more planted on the road and does beautifully in inclement weather. We plan to put Michelin Cross Climates (all-weather and 3-peak rated) on ours when the run flats wear down and then it’ll be set to go on trips from here in TX to CO even in the winter!
@@joshjamescars Josh, Can you explain about Run Flat Tires, and why they are on Lexus vehicles? How many miles are they good for before changing to all weather tires? Thanks again.
Sure! So runflat tires are designed to run for ~50 miles even after they’ve been punctured (run while flat) and they do that by having a much more rigid compound so the whole thing doesn’t just go flat right away. Lexus has always used them if they don’t equip the car with a spare tire. The downside is that have a short (15,000-30,000 or thereabout) lifespan and as they wear which happens quickly, they get louder and can howl at high speeds. Because of the harder compound they also don’t ride as nicely or give you as much grip. So most people want to change them out for something better soon after buying the car.
I am happy with my Clarity for 50mile range since 2018, after 50k miles, spent two oil changes, one set of tires and countable trips to gas station, so much more to go
That’s fantastic! I imagine if you bought in 2018 you qualified for all the incentives; I think that’s what makes PHEVs less appealing now at least here in the US is the price premium you pay for one without any incentive to offset it.
Hi Josh, I've recently come across your channel and I'm really enjoying it. Your explanations are so clear and your advice, invaluable. I'm facing a car dilemma. Living in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, I have to navigate heavy snow in winter. My choices are between a new Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD, a used 2021 Acura RDX AWD, and a used Tesla Model Y RWD. I value reliability and efficiency, be it a hybrid or electric. Each option has its merits. The Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD is great for gas savings, yet its interior and tech features are average. The used Acura RDX impresses with its interior at a reasonable price but falls short on fuel efficiency compared to the Corolla and Tesla. I adore the Tesla, particularly its technology, but the long-range model is out of my budget, leaving the RWD as the only option. My concern is its performance in snow and its shorter range. I'm planning to keep my car for 5-10 years. Considering all this, could you recommend a car that's economical for commuting like the Tesla and Corolla Hybrid, has the interior quality of the Acura RDX, and is reliable, all within a similar price range to the Corolla, Tesla Model Y RWD, and used RDX? I hope you can make a video talking about this in the upcoming future 😊🙏
Hello! Welcome aboard and thank you so much for watching! I would rule out the Tesla immediately. Rear wheel drive is the LAST thing you want in snow. That of course means the car is being pushed around by the two back wheels. Fantastic for a sports sedan but horrible for anything you need to drive in winter weather. If the front two tires lose traction it’s all over and you’re going sideways. Front wheel drive with good winter tires is okay because the front two wheels can pull the car into maneuvers if needed and the rear wheels will follow along. DO NOT buy a rear wheel drive car as your one and only vehicle. I would also rule out the Tesla as you’re looking for reliability, interior quality, and something that’s budget friendly. Listen, I know teslas are the hot new thing but the reality of owning a Tesla or any EV right now is that it’s really for people with disposable income who can afford to have a second car. Also, insurance rates are astronomical on EVs in general because they’re far more complex to fix in the case of an accident (and thus are written off as total losses far more often), so the true cost to own one is higher than the price of the car on paper. For example, I’ve run the numbers with my insurance provider on a Tesla and it costs the same to insure just one Tesla as it does to insure all 3 of our Toyotas (about $300/month). On to the Corolla Cross. I’m curious why the Rav4 isn’t on that list. The Corolla cross is a fine car but it’s a tad bit small and depending on your use, you may find it to be underpowered. It’s fine for city driving but highway driving you may find it to struggle. The Rav4 will give you the size of the RDX but the efficiency of the Corolla Cross. As for the RDX, Honda’s turbos have had some issues in terms of reliability so do your research on that. If you were to buy a 2021, you’re also now probably outside of the original warranty and so I’d hesitate since you’re on a relatively tight budget. I don’t think you should be considering a premium vehicle if you have to buy it 3 years out. I’d much rather you get a really solid brand new car. The RDX might also require premium, not sure but that’s a definite consideration. Finally, you might also look at a CR-V hybrid. I know pricing in Canada has always been high on it but I believe you now have the mid-trim hybrid (we call it the Sport hybrid here in the US). That one will give you a hybrid drivetrain with a mechanical AWD system rather than the eAWD in Toyota’s hybrids. The eAWD system is fine but the mechanical system is the traditional layout with an actual physical driveshaft linkage between the engine and the rear wheels. Hope this helps!
@@joshjamescars Thank you for your advice, and I really appreciate the time you spent replying in such detail. If you had to choose between a new Honda CR-V Hybrid, a new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (the model with the bigger screen), a new Toyota Corolla Hybrid, and a used 2021 Lexus RX 350h, which would you recommend? Also a big thank for letting me know about Tesla insurance. I had never thought about the price of EV insurance cost is higher.
@houseofknowledgecambodia hello! I’m going to rule out the RX because, again, I don’t think you should be considering a premium vehicle if you have to buy it used to afford it. Luxury vehicles also carry higher insurance costs, higher maintenance costs, etc. and those costs come sooner since you’d be buying used. I didn’t buy my first luxury car until I could afford to buy it new and I knew I could comfortably afford to maintain it. And even now, I have a luxury vehicle (my GX) but I still drive our Rav4 on a daily basis and I absolutely love driving it. So yeah, taking the RX out of the running, I would probably go with the Rav4 hybrid. It is quite literally the best car out there when you consider its efficiency, its all-weather capability, and the price to get all of that. I’m not sure exactly how pricing is in Canada right now but here in the US you can get one in the mid-$30K range which is one heck of a good deal. The Honda I would also consider but again I’ve heard from Canadian viewers and other Canadian auto RUclipsrs that the CR-V is disproportionately more expensive than the Rav4 in Canada. So the pricing would have to be about the same as a Rav4 hybrid to make me consider it.
Car prices in general are insane I can’t believe a nicely optioned NX (mine) is $57K OTD now. That was how much I paid for my nicely optioned Volvo XC90 back in 2016. 😅
@@joshjamescars Thanks!! i really appreciate it. That's an important detail. I presently drive a RAV4 Prime XSE PP, and love it, but am drawn to the greater refinement of the NX, and considering the NX350h or the NX450h+. Does the Plug-in also take regular gas? Thanks Josh!
@dennisjones8906 To be honest you won’t really see what I would consider refinement in the NX. You’ll get a different, slightly nicer interior, but remember that the power trains are identical (350h=Rav hybrid, 450h=rav Prime). So actually you’ll have a far less refined drive in the NX350h than the Rav4 Prime. You’ll also give up having a spare tire in either NX. If you really want a significantly better experience, you’ll really need to think about the RX450h+. But I honestly wouldn’t give up your Rav4 Prime XSE for a current NX.
@@joshjamescars Your thoughts and insights mean a great deal to me. Thanks! I actually test drove a regular RAV4 Hybrid a few months ago, considering getting it for my daughter, and I was struck by how unrefined and industrial it felt compared to my Prime. Especially while accelerating. I will seek out a test drive on both NX's to see for myself, but after your comments am looking at my R4Prime with greater respect and appreciation.
@dennisjones8906 Of course! Check out this video here, I actually ended up getting rid of my NX350h and keeping our Rav4 Prime as my daily driver because of exactly what you said-industrial and unrefined. Since we only paid $30K out of pocket for our Prime so I can deal with it not feeling like a luxury car. But I didn’t feel like my $53K was well spent on the NX. ruclips.net/video/-jsclWtsS9c/видео.html
Loved your video on NX vs Venza vs CRX. I too would be desperate for a Venza PHEV. I thought I took CRV off list. No so fast after your comments. Biggest ? IS IT UNDERPOWERED? I drive an 07 RDX. Fun car, but terrible MPG.
Hello and thank you! I’m so glad to hear you’ve enjoyed! The CR-V isn’t underpowered at all compared to these others. The extra torque that you get just as a result of the electric motors in these hybrids is terrific and really makes them feel peppy even though they’re not super powerful cars. The new CR-V is a REALLY interesting car because it’s so refined and so quiet that when I test drove it (which I did 3 or 4 times LOL) I was hitting 80 without even realizing it because the cabin is so quiet and the powertrain is so smooth. It’s more than enough for Texas freeways and that’s saying something! 😂
You said it, if one values their time, they won't choose a plug-in or pure EV car as a daily driver, the technology with regards to charging just doesn't work for everyone right now. Also with the cost of electricity now so high here in the UK, there's absolutely no point having an EV say over a regular hybrid.
Oh man yeah I have heard that about the UK. It’s the same way some places in the states. Meanwhile, the low cost of petrol in Texas right now also means there isn’t much of a point to have an EV over a regular hybrid.
Loved the Innovation/Depreciation Curve observation. Cutting Edge looks dated quicker. So true. Is there a place for old school knobs and dials and simpler vehicle? I'd buy one.
Haha! That’s exactly why I’m trying to preserve my beloved 4Runner. Simple dials, knobs, hard buttons, a real mechanical gear shift and 4WD transfer case, it doesn’t even have electronic power steering. And I absolutely love it. I will say the ES is great in that respect, it still has all the hard buttons and the amazing old V6 with the same luxury and new infotainment.
Excellent analysis Josh. I’ve watched all of your videos on this Channel and have learned a great deal from you. Thanks for sharing. I’m retired and going to purchase my first luxury vehicle. I’m considering a Genesis GV 70 Sport Prestige 2.5T. Just wondering if you have looked at the Genesis? For reasons I won’t go into I’m not looking to buy anything electric. Anyway, just curious to get your thoughts on the Genesis GV 70. Thanks so much.
Thank you! For the record, I have nothing against Not purchasing an EV. In fact if money becomes cheaper to borrow I may flip my NX for a V8 Cayenne and just deal with a high fuel bill LOL. Okay, so as for Genesis… frankly I have and I wouldn’t consider one, for three reasons: 1. I think the brand is too new to be asking what they are for their cars. And because they’re so new and don’t have the heritage (brand desirability) or historical data to stand on, the depreciation on them is as bad if not worse than the Germans. I’m all about money in and money out so if depreciation has any factor in your decision making, I would avoid them and that’s not subjective, it’s the data that we have right now. As time goes on that, the data will change. Might be for the better or for the worse. It’s a risk you’ll hedge your bets on. If I were to buy one, I would definitely lease and if things look okay with the car and the numbers in 3 years maybe buy it out but you at least have a guaranteed buyout number from day one. Now, interest rates are going to be astronomical for a while and leases don’t have an APR rate like loans do but they have a money factor which is just another term for interest rate. So I think you buy a genesis just like you do a Mercedes, BMW, or Audi; knowing that you could dumb a ton of money into it that you’ll never see again and being okay with that if it ends up happening. This is the main reason we have Toyotas right now because the economy isn’t in a place where I feel comfortable having an asset that could be a money sink. I would love to have a Cayenne and on paper I can afford it, but I might need to keep the cars I have now for ten years and keep them running as cheaply as possible if the world goes to shit. 2. Hyundai and Kia have also had a TON of issues that a lot of reviewers overlook such as the Theta engine issues and very quiet recall or TSB. Go google that, it’s horrendous. Just anecdotally I’ve had three friends whos Hyundai engines blew up and one who’s Tucson only had 75,000 miles and was 5 years old. So again, the data says that the reliability isn’t as sure a thing as Toyota/Lexus. 3. This is the big one for me and purely subjective but Genesis invested all their money in making a fancier car and totally ignored the dealer experience. I think it may be different in Canada but here in the states, Genesis is in a corner of the Hyundai dealer. I’ve been to our “Genesis” dealer, it’s Hyundai and the sales people at least at the time shared the floor. You’re taking your car to Hyundai for service. That’s not a luxury experience and if I’m paying for a superficially better car, I expect a superficially better customer service and brand experience. What else am I paying for if not that? When I walk into Lexus, it’s a totally different level of service than when I take my 4Runner to Toyota. Same with Honda and Acura, VW and Audi (plus Porsche); even BMW and Mini usually are separate dealers even though mini is premium in some ways. I think it’s what makes Lincoln and Cadillac feel cheaper too because they often are in the same building or on the same lot as Ford and GMC/Chevy respectively. So yeah. That’s where I stand. It’s not because I’m just going to write off Hyundai/Kia full stop because I don’t like them or they’re Korean or whatever; it’s just that they don’t present as solid a proposition right now as Lexus does.
I’m curious what value you place on limiting tail pipe emissions? I realize it is easier to simply talk economics, but there is an environmental impact that is complex to calculate.
It’s a great question and here’s how I landed where I did. Before I get into that, though, in the context of this video, I will say that if my main mission was reducing tailpipe emissions, I’d still skip the 450h+ and go right in on a full EV. The car that drives the most in our household is the Rav4 (5 days a week). It does that mostly in EV mode. So as a household we’re reducing our carbon footprint that way. My company is on a hybrid schedule so I’m in the office 2-3 days a week. My other car (the 4Runner) is a LOT less efficient (13mpg average) and emits a lot more so part of the reason I got the NX was to have a hybrid that does less of that and gets more than twice the mileage (35mpg target). Cutting the additional footprint I add down. Especially since if I’m poking along downtown or crawling in traffic it’s likely running on its small hybrid battery a good part of the time. But before I bought the NX I was also seriously considering a full EV for environmental reasons. One of the issues with full EVs, however, is that they have a huge carbon footprint up front that you have to reduce over its lifetime by driving it, and again 2-3 days a week, it would take longer to make that up. Further, Toyota can make and sell far more hybrid cars with the same amount of raw materials it takes to make one full BEV battery and those twenty hybrids are going to do more collectively than one full BEV. So for me, I look at it as the two vehicles that drive the most in our household are doing so in a more clean manner (especially relative here in Texas to all the massive trucks). But our household is also a prime candidate for a full BEV and whatever car we buy next will probably be one. I don’t know if this really answers the question but it was how I decided on what I did.
I just purchased a 2023 NX350H. I paid 50K for it. I have a little over 500 miles on the car and I am getting over 37 combined miles. I travel 2 times per week to the office, the rest of the time, I work from home. The car is the premium model and it has many nice upgrades including the heads up display and 14 inch screen. This car is a far better value than the RX.
You sound like you have exactly the same life as I do! That’s exactly how I use mine and I totally agree, it’s absolutely perfect for what we need it for and the 450h+ just isn’t worth it.
It depends where we charge. Through my husband’s job we can charge the Prime for free at Chargepoint stations because his company provides free charging memberships, but we would pay for it at home and on peak/off peak hours matter too. Energy cost would only increase the total cost of the 450h+, though, so that’s why I didn’t calculate it.
I hope it does too! But I would also much rather see the 550h+ powertrain in it too, so if that takes a little longer I think it might be worth the wait!
Love your knowledge of not just cars but financial breakdowns, which is just as important. Most ppl want a nice luxury car but don’t think about the financial responsibility they’ll now have along with their other monthly expenses. Thank you kind sir.
Thank you so much! And agreed! I think a lot of people want EVs and PHEVs because they’re the new shiny thing but don’t realize that they might not be saving money by driving one (again, without any incentives). Thanks for watching and the kind comment!
Thanks for the video and for the details involved in your purchase decision. It's a shame that we live in a world where all decisions are challenged without factual backup. I'm also impressed that you offer a very distinct voice, an owner who speaks from experience and knowledge and handle on financial reality. I just subscribed to your channel and look forward to new adventures and thoughts that you can provide. Larry
This is such a nice comment, thank you so much and thanks for watching!! And I so agree, I just don’t think enough reviewers actually talk about when and why it might make sense for someone to buy an EV/PHEV versus a regular hybrid. So many people seemed to think I should have bought the 450h just because it was the shiny new thing. Don’t think they real: that it doesn’t make financial sense to do so.
Amazing breakdown, and output of your own actual opinion of whether it's worth it or not in your situation. It really shines light on who would really get their money's worth for this tier or that tier.
Thank you so much!! And yes, realistically it’s just not for everyone, although it’s a great car!
Great analysis.
I got in before Toyota hit the 200k vehicle limit with the previous rule set. The 7500 was what made the purchase of my 450h make sense.
If the 7500 wasn't available I would have been happy with the base NX250. I was going after the luxury version of a RAV4. I was also considering the RX because 60k gets you a decent version.
THATS AWESOME! I didn’t actually realize there was a window of time when the 450h qualified! I’m so glad you were able to get in on it though! I was looking at a loaded Venza but the pricing on that was so high I figured I’d just spend a little more and get the 350h I ended up with. If I didn’t need the compact size for downtown parking I would also have considered the RX to your point! You can even get an RX350h for what I paid for my NX 350h which is slightly irritating LOL.
Thanks for your video. This helped to sway me away from the 450h as well. You brought up some good points I did not consider. Thank you
You’re welcome! I just don’t think it makes financial sense for most people right now. Unless the government changes the incentives again, there’s no way that the price premium is worth it when you could get both a hybrid or a full EV for the same or less. Thanks for watching!
I have the 450H+ and was fortunate to get grandfathered in to the EV Federal Tax Credit over and above the California incentives. Plus I charge for free at home and have short daily drives well under the pure electric range, but can still use it for long drives without sacrificing a smooth drive, power and great MPG in Hybrid mode. So at least for me, the purchase made financial sense. But excellent analysis in your video nonetheless. I look forward to the next one!
Absolutely! Again, this video was why it didn’t make sense for ME and I think it won’t for a lot of people moving forward. But if you got the fed+state incentives, it absolutely makes sense for you like the Prime was worth it for us. Especially with where California gas prices are right now. I consider Los Angeles to be my hometown even though we no longer live there and if we were ever to move back I’d probably sell the 4Runner and NX and get a full EV. I’m sure you already know, but don’t forget to run your tank down somewhat regularly. Gas goes stale and it’s not pretty when that happens.
@@joshjamescars Good advice! Like you, I follow the awesome AMD, thanks to him I've taken up the practice of engaging HV mode whenever I'm not in traffic and can drive at a steady cruising speed. I also only fill up the tank when I go on a long road trip.
thank you for posting this honest OWNERS review, cant wait to see you with a Million subs wohoo - you are on your way
Thank you so much for watching and the wonderfully kind comment. This is just a side hobby for me, but I so appreciate the kind words!!!
This is exactly the information I was looking for. I was leaning towards the 350h but was not sure. Now I just want to see the Toyota Crown
I think for most people the 350h is the better buy for a hybrid. Or, go full EV, but either way, without the tax credit, the 450h is actually more than a really good EV. And the Crown looks really interesting! I can’t wait for our dealer to get one. I also want to drive that Hybrid Max powertrain. Thanks for watching!
@@jml9550 I drove the both the NX 350h and Crown Platinum. I am going with the Crown. Liked them both but the wait for the NX was very long and it drove a little stiffer than I like. I do need AWD in the mountains west of Denver so that ruled out the ES. I was able to get a red Crown Platinum that was in transit and will have it later this month.
Great job dude. I recently ordered NX350h F Sport for myself, because my conclusions were identical. High five
Thanks and congrats!!!
Best video yet I saw about comparing Lexus 350h with 450h+. Thank you for putting the numbers, it helped a lot. Seeing it that way it really made me see that paying the extra for the 450h+ isn't worth it. It would take me close to 8 years to going everyday to work to make that money in petrol.
Thank you! I’m glad this was helpful! And yes, with Toyota’s PHEVs not qualifying for any incentives, it doesn’t make sense for most people to buy them unless they’re willing to pay a huge premium just for 45 miles of EV range.
Thank you for breaking it down. The no incentive is also why I wouldn't buy the PHEV.
Yeah, I don’t think we’re at a point yet where they make more sense than a full hybrid or full EV.
Honest, neutral and factual opinions. Rare! 👍
The 450H+ doesn’t pass the value for the money test. 👎🏼
Thank you! And agreed, it’s just way too expensive without any kind of incentive.
Thanks so much for the info! We currently have a rebate around $9000 and are going for the base 450h+. The 350h actually costs $6000 more with the luxury package (we have set packages here in Canada which is annoying) when we factor in the rebate so it kinda just made sense to us! We'll be missing the pano roof, ambient lighting and other stuff but the rebates more than make up for it in my opinion!
Oh I’m so jealous! Yes! That definitely makes sense, that’s just like when we bought our Rav4 Prime it came out to be about the same $6,000 less for it than a comparable Rav hybrid! As for the pano roof, I don’t have it and I don’t really feel like I’m missing out on anything. Pano roofs here in the south make the car so much hotter during the summer anyhow. And ambient lighting, IMO only worthwhile if you drive A LOT after dark. Congrats on the new car! We’re on the list for a TX550h+ plug in. No rebate, sadly, but it’s the only way to get the V6.
another channel! the youtube algo brought me back to your videos lol. I need a Lexus RX with a navigator leather interior :D (also love the car care nut's channel!)
Haha yes!! Hello!! Thought this side hobby was too different from my main OG channel. And UGH I was always a huge fan of the RX but now that it’s only turbo-4 or hybrid-4 it’s a pass from me. Give me the old V6 or V6 hybrid any day. Love the car care nut.
I really appreciate you going over the numbers and talking about the incentives. I’m weighing that right now I wanted the 450h+ f sport but I don’t think I want to deal with charging it and I also don’t feel like it’s worth it either. I am leaning to the 350 h f sport.
I’m so glad this was helpful!! I’m guessing that you’re outside of the US since we don’t get the 350h in F-Sport here, and if I’m right about that, I would advise you look at all the incentives your country and city government offer because it may be worth it if there are enough credits or rebates. There just aren’t any here in the US. One other note on the F-Sport part, if it’s anything more than an appearance package, be sure to test drive it. Some of the F-Sport cars have a much firmer/harsher ride that I don’t think is very fitting of a Lexus.
Another great video Josh! I’m enjoying going through all of your content. Would you ever consider reviewing the Lexus ES? Would be fascinated by your impressions. All the best!
Hello! If I can get my hands one one, I absolutely will! In the meantime, check out my new Camry video. The ES and Camry V6 are so similar, but the ES has nicer materials and more isolation from NVH.
Many thanks@@joshjamescars . You're got a new fan. Keep up the great work, along with your day job. :-)
Wow you really break the numbers down well. Immediately subscribed! You will do well on RUclips!
Edit:
Just wondering why you didn't got for the new RX 500h since you scratched out the plug in, it's beautiful and now similar in design as an NX or even prettier in my eyes.
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind comment and for watching! The main reason is that I bought the NX as a second car to use as a daily driver/commuter to drive to my company’s offices which are in a high rise office tower downtown with a nice but tiny parking garage and so the compact footprint and easy maneuverability of the NX was what I needing more than anything else. My main or other car is the 4Runner which is also a midsize like the RX. And, not that my NX was “cheap” by any means, but if it takes a hit or someone opens their door into it downtown, it’s not nearly as precious as a 500h.
@@joshjamescars Good point, I never really thought of the RX as a bigger or mid size SUV. I live in the UK and there are many narrow roads, so all these cars including NX seem too big for me, so I generally lump them all together.
Growing family now means I have to look into one of these as an option, but I dread parking them in my local grocery store. I drive a CT200h and shoppers have dinged the doors while it was parked, breaks my heart each time, I can only imagine if it was an RX.
I try to park far away from the entrance, but as soon as I do someone else is smart enough to park next to me regardless, even when there are plenty of other free spaces, it's like they can't stand seeing a car all by itself.
Thank you for your video and reply!
Thanks a lot. Watched also other videos about your NX350h and I loved you showed things that I did not get anywhere else. This NX looks really gorgeous, wass thinking about it too but at the end, I dislike quite small trunk space compared to RAV4. I need it. So, RAV4 hybrid 4x4 it will be. Maybe NX as second car for trips without need to pack :)
Thank you so much! I’m so glad they have been helpful!! And yes, I totally agree about the cargo area and interior space; it feels like a size class smaller than the Rav when I go right from one to another. And the Rav hybrid is a terrific choice!! Hope you enjoy it!
Informative and great video!
Loving my 450h+.
Charging is free for me and my drives are around town and within the EV range. I can go a week before needing to charge again and when needed for longer trips having the gas engine as well is great! I went 4 months and 1600 miles before getting fuel. I’ve owned different Toyota/Lexus hybrids and knew a plug-in is what I wanted to try next. So far it’s been great!
I’m time I’ll see if I’m ready to make the jump to pure EV.
Awesome!!! Just be sure you’re draining and replenishing the tank often enough to keep the fuel lines from gumming up. I wouldn’t go 4 months between fill-ups if you can avoid it. The thing with that is you won’t know you have a problem until you have a big problem and dealers don’t regularly check that during service because it’s such a new car and it’s assumed you are running the engine often enough.
Better still, if you can find ethanol-free gasoline near you, that’s the ideal thing for people like you going 4 months between fillips and me running my 4Runner maybe once a week. I’ve had to have my fuel lines in the 4Runner cleaned out once due to lack of use. Luckily it was preventative and not due to hitting the aforementioned big problem. I think even when you are ready, I’d keep the 450h+ on the side for road trips.
@@joshjamescars
Im actually going to use the HV mode more often. I will use HV mode more for the highway.
I went on a 80 mile trip to Hershey, PA last Sunday and used the gas that entire trip.
Charged and on the way home decided to fill the tank and used gas back the entire time as well in HV mode.
The NX did better than than I thought it would and that was at 65mph.
Taking a road trip again next week and back so it’s getting more use for sure.
Also with warmer weather I be out and about more as well. Excited to continue breaking it in in the coming months. I’m not entirely sold on pure EV. I would stick with Lexus, but the range of the RZ is horrible.
Josh,
Thanks for the very informative video. I was in the market for either a RAV4 Prime or a NX350p. After watching this video, you convinced me to buy the NX350p. Thanks for helping me out. Ken
I’m so glad! I’m assuming you mean a 350h and not the 450h plug in; in which case ABSOLUTELY recommend it and I think you’ll love it! It’s a great car.
@@joshjamescars Yes, I meant the NX350h. I did look at the tax credits on the 450h+. I live in Colorado, and I would have received a $2000 tax credit. However, I would have been charged $50.00 annually for a plug-in tax when I renew my license plate tabs. I also was concerned about the IRS only allowing plug-in cars coming off the assembly line in North America to be eligible for the $7,500 tax credit when the 450h+ is assembled in Japan. I spoke to dealers who all said that the wait time is several years; and who knows what amendments the IRS will ratify during the wait time - it might be more financial disaster. I decided to take the "safe route" and pursue a 350h. Thanks again for being easy to follow with your video.
Oh man and your vehicle registration in Colorado is astronomical and based on vehicle value too on top of all of that! And yes; frankly I don’t think PHEVs will ever see the kind of incentives they did when we bought our Prime. I think you’ll also enjoy the NX much more in the winter in Colorado. IMO it feels so much more planted on the road and does beautifully in inclement weather. We plan to put Michelin Cross Climates (all-weather and 3-peak rated) on ours when the run flats wear down and then it’ll be set to go on trips from here in TX to CO even in the winter!
@@joshjamescars Josh, Can you explain about Run Flat Tires, and why they are on Lexus vehicles? How many miles are they good for before changing to all weather tires? Thanks again.
Sure! So runflat tires are designed to run for ~50 miles even after they’ve been punctured (run while flat) and they do that by having a much more rigid compound so the whole thing doesn’t just go flat right away. Lexus has always used them if they don’t equip the car with a spare tire. The downside is that have a short (15,000-30,000 or thereabout) lifespan and as they wear which happens quickly, they get louder and can howl at high speeds. Because of the harder compound they also don’t ride as nicely or give you as much grip. So most people want to change them out for something better soon after buying the car.
i love the calculation!
Thank you!
Josh, Nice Suit 😊 Keep Up The Good Work 😎
Thank you!! Appreciate it!
I am happy with my Clarity for 50mile range since 2018, after 50k miles, spent two oil changes, one set of tires and countable trips to gas station, so much more to go
That’s fantastic! I imagine if you bought in 2018 you qualified for all the incentives; I think that’s what makes PHEVs less appealing now at least here in the US is the price premium you pay for one without any incentive to offset it.
Hi Josh,
I've recently come across your channel and I'm really enjoying it. Your explanations are so clear and your advice, invaluable.
I'm facing a car dilemma. Living in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, I have to navigate heavy snow in winter. My choices are between a new Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD, a used 2021 Acura RDX AWD, and a used Tesla Model Y RWD.
I value reliability and efficiency, be it a hybrid or electric. Each option has its merits. The Corolla Cross Hybrid AWD is great for gas savings, yet its interior and tech features are average. The used Acura RDX impresses with its interior at a reasonable price but falls short on fuel efficiency compared to the Corolla and Tesla. I adore the Tesla, particularly its technology, but the long-range model is out of my budget, leaving the RWD as the only option. My concern is its performance in snow and its shorter range. I'm planning to keep my car for 5-10 years.
Considering all this, could you recommend a car that's economical for commuting like the Tesla and Corolla Hybrid, has the interior quality of the Acura RDX, and is reliable, all within a similar price range to the Corolla, Tesla Model Y RWD, and used RDX?
I hope you can make a video talking about this in the upcoming future 😊🙏
Hello! Welcome aboard and thank you so much for watching!
I would rule out the Tesla immediately. Rear wheel drive is the LAST thing you want in snow. That of course means the car is being pushed around by the two back wheels. Fantastic for a sports sedan but horrible for anything you need to drive in winter weather. If the front two tires lose traction it’s all over and you’re going sideways. Front wheel drive with good winter tires is okay because the front two wheels can pull the car into maneuvers if needed and the rear wheels will follow along. DO NOT buy a rear wheel drive car as your one and only vehicle.
I would also rule out the Tesla as you’re looking for reliability, interior quality, and something that’s budget friendly. Listen, I know teslas are the hot new thing but the reality of owning a Tesla or any EV right now is that it’s really for people with disposable income who can afford to have a second car. Also, insurance rates are astronomical on EVs in general because they’re far more complex to fix in the case of an accident (and thus are written off as total losses far more often), so the true cost to own one is higher than the price of the car on paper. For example, I’ve run the numbers with my insurance provider on a Tesla and it costs the same to insure just one Tesla as it does to insure all 3 of our Toyotas (about $300/month).
On to the Corolla Cross. I’m curious why the Rav4 isn’t on that list. The Corolla cross is a fine car but it’s a tad bit small and depending on your use, you may find it to be underpowered. It’s fine for city driving but highway driving you may find it to struggle. The Rav4 will give you the size of the RDX but the efficiency of the Corolla Cross.
As for the RDX, Honda’s turbos have had some issues in terms of reliability so do your research on that. If you were to buy a 2021, you’re also now probably outside of the original warranty and so I’d hesitate since you’re on a relatively tight budget. I don’t think you should be considering a premium vehicle if you have to buy it 3 years out. I’d much rather you get a really solid brand new car. The RDX might also require premium, not sure but that’s a definite consideration.
Finally, you might also look at a CR-V hybrid. I know pricing in Canada has always been high on it but I believe you now have the mid-trim hybrid (we call it the Sport hybrid here in the US). That one will give you a hybrid drivetrain with a mechanical AWD system rather than the eAWD in Toyota’s hybrids. The eAWD system is fine but the mechanical system is the traditional layout with an actual physical driveshaft linkage between the engine and the rear wheels.
Hope this helps!
@@joshjamescars
Thank you for your advice, and I really appreciate the time you spent replying in such detail.
If you had to choose between a new Honda CR-V Hybrid, a new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (the model with the bigger screen), a new Toyota Corolla Hybrid, and a used 2021 Lexus RX 350h, which would you recommend?
Also a big thank for letting me know about Tesla insurance. I had never thought about the price of EV insurance cost is higher.
@houseofknowledgecambodia hello! I’m going to rule out the RX because, again, I don’t think you should be considering a premium vehicle if you have to buy it used to afford it. Luxury vehicles also carry higher insurance costs, higher maintenance costs, etc. and those costs come sooner since you’d be buying used. I didn’t buy my first luxury car until I could afford to buy it new and I knew I could comfortably afford to maintain it. And even now, I have a luxury vehicle (my GX) but I still drive our Rav4 on a daily basis and I absolutely love driving it.
So yeah, taking the RX out of the running, I would probably go with the Rav4 hybrid. It is quite literally the best car out there when you consider its efficiency, its all-weather capability, and the price to get all of that. I’m not sure exactly how pricing is in Canada right now but here in the US you can get one in the mid-$30K range which is one heck of a good deal.
The Honda I would also consider but again I’ve heard from Canadian viewers and other Canadian auto RUclipsrs that the CR-V is disproportionately more expensive than the Rav4 in Canada. So the pricing would have to be about the same as a Rav4 hybrid to make me consider it.
@@joshjamescars i will probably looking into Rav 4 now. Thank you for your advise 😊
Well reasoned and worthwhile
Good man. Very practical and reasonable approach, except for the car prices😅😅😅
Car prices in general are insane I can’t believe a nicely optioned NX (mine) is $57K OTD now. That was how much I paid for my nicely optioned Volvo XC90 back in 2016. 😅
Great vid. Thanks for the math break down.
You’re welcome, and thanks for watching!
Great video Josh! Thanks! Can you please confirm: regular gas is ok in the NX hybrid?
Yes! The NX350h runs perfectly well on regular gas and even says so in the manual. The 350 turbo, on the other hand, does require premium.
@@joshjamescars Thanks!! i really appreciate it. That's an important detail. I presently drive a RAV4 Prime XSE PP, and love it, but am drawn to the greater refinement of the NX, and considering the NX350h or the NX450h+. Does the Plug-in also take regular gas? Thanks Josh!
@dennisjones8906 To be honest you won’t really see what I would consider refinement in the NX. You’ll get a different, slightly nicer interior, but remember that the power trains are identical (350h=Rav hybrid, 450h=rav Prime). So actually you’ll have a far less refined drive in the NX350h than the Rav4 Prime. You’ll also give up having a spare tire in either NX. If you really want a significantly better experience, you’ll really need to think about the RX450h+. But I honestly wouldn’t give up your Rav4 Prime XSE for a current NX.
@@joshjamescars Your thoughts and insights mean a great deal to me. Thanks! I actually test drove a regular RAV4 Hybrid a few months ago, considering getting it for my daughter, and I was struck by how unrefined and industrial it felt compared to my Prime. Especially while accelerating. I will seek out a test drive on both NX's to see for myself, but after your comments am looking at my R4Prime with greater respect and appreciation.
@dennisjones8906 Of course! Check out this video here, I actually ended up getting rid of my NX350h and keeping our Rav4 Prime as my daily driver because of exactly what you said-industrial and unrefined. Since we only paid $30K out of pocket for our Prime so I can deal with it not feeling like a luxury car. But I didn’t feel like my $53K was well spent on the NX.
ruclips.net/video/-jsclWtsS9c/видео.html
Loved your video on NX vs Venza vs CRX. I too would be desperate for a Venza PHEV. I thought I took CRV off list. No so fast after your comments. Biggest ? IS IT UNDERPOWERED? I drive an 07 RDX. Fun car, but terrible MPG.
Hello and thank you! I’m so glad to hear you’ve enjoyed! The CR-V isn’t underpowered at all compared to these others. The extra torque that you get just as a result of the electric motors in these hybrids is terrific and really makes them feel peppy even though they’re not super powerful cars. The new CR-V is a REALLY interesting car because it’s so refined and so quiet that when I test drove it (which I did 3 or 4 times LOL) I was hitting 80 without even realizing it because the cabin is so quiet and the powertrain is so smooth. It’s more than enough for Texas freeways and that’s saying something! 😂
You said it, if one values their time, they won't choose a plug-in or pure EV car as a daily driver, the technology with regards to charging just doesn't work for everyone right now. Also with the cost of electricity now so high here in the UK, there's absolutely no point having an EV say over a regular hybrid.
Oh man yeah I have heard that about the UK. It’s the same way some places in the states. Meanwhile, the low cost of petrol in Texas right now also means there isn’t much of a point to have an EV over a regular hybrid.
Loved the Innovation/Depreciation Curve observation. Cutting Edge looks dated quicker. So true.
Is there a place for old school knobs and dials and simpler vehicle? I'd buy one.
Haha! That’s exactly why I’m trying to preserve my beloved 4Runner. Simple dials, knobs, hard buttons, a real mechanical gear shift and 4WD transfer case, it doesn’t even have electronic power steering. And I absolutely love it. I will say the ES is great in that respect, it still has all the hard buttons and the amazing old V6 with the same luxury and new infotainment.
Excellent analysis Josh. I’ve watched all of your videos on this Channel and have learned a great deal from you. Thanks for sharing. I’m retired and going to purchase my first luxury vehicle. I’m considering a Genesis GV 70 Sport Prestige 2.5T. Just wondering if you have looked at the Genesis? For reasons I won’t go into I’m not looking to buy anything electric. Anyway, just curious to get your thoughts on the Genesis GV 70. Thanks so much.
Thank you! For the record, I have nothing against Not purchasing an EV. In fact if money becomes cheaper to borrow I may flip my NX for a V8 Cayenne and just deal with a high fuel bill LOL. Okay, so as for Genesis… frankly I have and I wouldn’t consider one, for three reasons:
1. I think the brand is too new to be asking what they are for their cars. And because they’re so new and don’t have the heritage (brand desirability) or historical data to stand on, the depreciation on them is as bad if not worse than the Germans. I’m all about money in and money out so if depreciation has any factor in your decision making, I would avoid them and that’s not subjective, it’s the data that we have right now. As time goes on that, the data will change. Might be for the better or for the worse. It’s a risk you’ll hedge your bets on. If I were to buy one, I would definitely lease and if things look okay with the car and the numbers in 3 years maybe buy it out but you at least have a guaranteed buyout number from day one. Now, interest rates are going to be astronomical for a while and leases don’t have an APR rate like loans do but they have a money factor which is just another term for interest rate. So I think you buy a genesis just like you do a Mercedes, BMW, or Audi; knowing that you could dumb a ton of money into it that you’ll never see again and being okay with that if it ends up happening. This is the main reason we have Toyotas right now because the economy isn’t in a place where I feel comfortable having an asset that could be a money sink. I would love to have a Cayenne and on paper I can afford it, but I might need to keep the cars I have now for ten years and keep them running as cheaply as possible if the world goes to shit.
2. Hyundai and Kia have also had a TON of issues that a lot of reviewers overlook such as the Theta engine issues and very quiet recall or TSB. Go google that, it’s horrendous. Just anecdotally I’ve had three friends whos Hyundai engines blew up and one who’s Tucson only had 75,000 miles and was 5 years old. So again, the data says that the reliability isn’t as sure a thing as Toyota/Lexus.
3. This is the big one for me and purely subjective but Genesis invested all their money in making a fancier car and totally ignored the dealer experience. I think it may be different in Canada but here in the states, Genesis is in a corner of the Hyundai dealer. I’ve been to our “Genesis” dealer, it’s Hyundai and the sales people at least at the time shared the floor. You’re taking your car to Hyundai for service. That’s not a luxury experience and if I’m paying for a superficially better car, I expect a superficially better customer service and brand experience. What else am I paying for if not that? When I walk into Lexus, it’s a totally different level of service than when I take my 4Runner to Toyota. Same with Honda and Acura, VW and Audi (plus Porsche); even BMW and Mini usually are separate dealers even though mini is premium in some ways. I think it’s what makes Lincoln and Cadillac feel cheaper too because they often are in the same building or on the same lot as Ford and GMC/Chevy respectively.
So yeah. That’s where I stand. It’s not because I’m just going to write off Hyundai/Kia full stop because I don’t like them or they’re Korean or whatever; it’s just that they don’t present as solid a proposition right now as Lexus does.
@@joshjamescars thanks so much for your detailed response. I appreciate it.
Hybrid is my preference.
I’m curious what value you place on limiting tail pipe emissions? I realize it is easier to simply talk economics, but there is an environmental impact that is complex to calculate.
It’s a great question and here’s how I landed where I did. Before I get into that, though, in the context of this video, I will say that if my main mission was reducing tailpipe emissions, I’d still skip the 450h+ and go right in on a full EV.
The car that drives the most in our household is the Rav4 (5 days a week). It does that mostly in EV mode. So as a household we’re reducing our carbon footprint that way.
My company is on a hybrid schedule so I’m in the office 2-3 days a week. My other car (the 4Runner) is a LOT less efficient (13mpg average) and emits a lot more so part of the reason I got the NX was to have a hybrid that does less of that and gets more than twice the mileage (35mpg target). Cutting the additional footprint I add down. Especially since if I’m poking along downtown or crawling in traffic it’s likely running on its small hybrid battery a good part of the time.
But before I bought the NX I was also seriously considering a full EV for environmental reasons. One of the issues with full EVs, however, is that they have a huge carbon footprint up front that you have to reduce over its lifetime by driving it, and again 2-3 days a week, it would take longer to make that up. Further, Toyota can make and sell far more hybrid cars with the same amount of raw materials it takes to make one full BEV battery and those twenty hybrids are going to do more collectively than one full BEV.
So for me, I look at it as the two vehicles that drive the most in our household are doing so in a more clean manner (especially relative here in Texas to all the massive trucks).
But our household is also a prime candidate for a full BEV and whatever car we buy next will probably be one. I don’t know if this really answers the question but it was how I decided on what I did.
I just purchased a 2023 NX350H. I paid 50K for it. I have a little over 500 miles on the car and I am getting over 37 combined miles. I travel 2 times per week to the office, the rest of the time, I work from home. The car is the premium model and it has many nice upgrades including the heads up display and 14 inch screen. This car is a far better value than the RX.
You sound like you have exactly the same life as I do! That’s exactly how I use mine and I totally agree, it’s absolutely perfect for what we need it for and the 450h+ just isn’t worth it.
Is the energu free for you? It is not calculated here
It depends where we charge. Through my husband’s job we can charge the Prime for free at Chargepoint stations because his company provides free charging memberships, but we would pay for it at home and on peak/off peak hours matter too. Energy cost would only increase the total cost of the 450h+, though, so that’s why I didn’t calculate it.
@@joshjamescars I’ve chosen NX350h for same reason. Not enough value for this monies
What's the name of your other channel?
It’s Josh James. Though I should tell you it’s just a bunch of random videos about watches and other luxury nonsense. 😂
I wish the rx450h would come to the USA!!!
I hope it does too! But I would also much rather see the 550h+ powertrain in it too, so if that takes a little longer I think it might be worth the wait!
@@joshjamescars I agree 100%
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