The 2022 Lexus NX Just Got a Plug-in Hybrid Option

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The Lexus NX has a history of being one of the most luxurious and sporty crossovers on the market. Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, has produced quality vehicles for decades, pleasing consumers worldwide. The renowned automaker has made a name for itself by keeping its brand and vehicles at the pinnacle of new technology and innovation. The 2022 Lexus NX’s shift to a plug-in hybrid option is no shock as the automaker enters one of the most sought out crossovers into the race to reduce emissions.

The 2020 Lexus NX 300 | Raymond Boyd Via Getty Images

A new era for the Lexus NX

The decades to come will undoubtedly usher in a new era for hybrid and electric vehicles. Carbon emissions are no longer something automakers can ignore, and the race to stand atop the mountain of safer alternatives has become increasingly competitive. The 2021 Lexus NX ranked No. 1 on a top 10 list of best luxury SUVs consumers can purchase in 2021.

Lexus has announced that the company’s next big chess move is to have the next iteration of the wildly popular luxury SUV feature a plug-in hybrid option to reduce carbon emissions. What’s even more exciting is, this is far from the only update Lexus has given the new and improved 2022 Lexus NX. The luxury SUV is set to pave the way for a new generation of vehicles from the company.

The 2022 Lexus NX: a shocking revelation

A Blue 2022 Lexus NX.
The 2022 Lexus NX | Via Lexus

The inclusion of a hybrid option is cool, but Lexus has more tricks up its sleeve. The 2022 Lexus NX is a complete redesign from the 2015 iteration and its later variations. For starters, this monster of a luxury SUV sports a larger body, showing that just because it comes in a plug-in hybrid model does not mean it is to be trifled with. There are also four brand new powertrain options for this model year. According to MotorTrend, the new options will be the NX250, NX350, NX350h hybrid, and NX450h+ plug-in hybrid.

The 2022 NX250 will make 203 hp using the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine as the Toyota RAV4. The NX350 uses a new and exclusive turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that dishes out 275 hp. This is a decent upgrade from the 2021 model’s 235 hp. To top it off, all NX350s include an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. As exciting as this all sounds, what can the hybrid models do?

A step towards the future

The 2022 Lexus NX | Via Lexus

The people have spoken, and Lexus has listened with open ears. Though the 2021 Lexus NX was favored so highly among luxury SUVs, something was still missing. Lexus has decided to let the 2022 Lexus NX join in on the fun as plug-in stations and EV tech have transitioned from novel to normal. The NX450+ plug-in hybrid does more than just attend the party. It has kicked in the door to make its entrance. This innovation makes a whopping 302 hp.

With a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.0 seconds, chances are consumers will not be hearing any hybrid jokes despite the quietness of the electric motor. The Lexus NX450+ plug-in hybrid uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine but can run up to 36 miles on electricity. The NX450+ also comes in an F Sport kit option. The success of this plug-in hybrid could signal a big shift for Lexus’s luxury SUVs. Is the world ready for a Lexus plug-in hybrid that out-performs gas models?

The evolution of the Lexus NX

The NX has come a long way from Lexus’s 2015 model. The 2022 NX introduces large character lines on the hood and a new, wider spindle grille up front giving it the look of a mean machine. In addition, slimmer headlights give the new NX an even sleeker look, deviating from the chunkier headlights used in previous models.

The new 2022 Lexus NX includes the “Lexus Interface” a new system that replaces the Lexus Remote Touch Interface. It comes with an optional 14-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that is cloud-based. Google Maps is integrated for navigation, and both Amazon Music and Apple Music come pre-installed.

The 2022 Lexus NX is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple Carplay wirelessly. This new NX comes with all the tech one could hope for in a luxury SUV and still delivers on the performance end. With a more spacious interior cabin, a better-looking exterior, and more technological advancements, the SUV has made improvements all around.

The NX 450h plug-in hybrid is the model consumers are drooling over. It boasts the top performance specs of all the 2022 NX models and rivals SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 Prime. If any automaker can successfully make hybrids cool and ease the transition from gas to electric in the coming years, it’s Lexus.

RELATED: The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime Is Shockingly Quicker Than the Supra

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A Land Rover Defender Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV Is in the Works

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Like many car brands, Jaguar Land Rover is slowly moving towards an all-electric lineup. And the company isn’t limiting its future electric vehicle offerings to crossovers and passenger cars. SUVs like the Land Rover Defender will also be offered as EVs. However, based on recent JLR news, battery-powered EVs might not be the only option: hydrogen fuel cells could also be on the menu.

Jaguar Land Rover is working on a Defender EV prototype powered by hydrogen

2022 Land Rover Defender V8 | Land Rover

Since its launch for the 2020 model year, the Land Rover Defender has already received an additional powertrain option. 2021 saw the release of the Defender V8, joining the existing turbocharged four-cylinder and mild-hybrid supercharged and turbocharged six-cylinder engines. And now, Land Rover has announced that it’s starting development on a hydrogen fuel cell Defender EV.

This news might seem odd given that JLR recently canceled its planned Range Rover EV. But it’s worth noting the company cited emissions standards as the motivating factor for its decision. And in the press release for ‘Project Zeus,’ as the Land Rover Defender FCEV is called, JLR again points to emissions as the driving factor. More specifically, the company’s desire to have zero tailpipe emissions by 2036.

A diagram of the Land Rover Defender EV's hydrogen fuel cell powertrain
Land Rover Defender EV hydrogen fuel cell powertrain layout | Land Rover

As of this writing, Land Rover hasn’t released many specific technical details about the hydrogen-powered Defender EV. But based on the image shown above, the prototype appears to follow a typical FCEV layout. Two high-pressure hydrogen tanks and an air intake feed into a fuel cell mounted where an internal combustion engine normally sits. There, hydrogen and oxygen react to generate electricity for the motor(s). The Defender FCEV also has a battery pack to provide extra energy as needed, Autoblog explains.

Why use hydrogen fuel cells for this Land Rover Defender EV?

Being electric, Project Zeus should have lower emissions overall than the equivalent ICE Land Rover Defender. Plus, the only tailpipe by-product of a hydrogen fuel cell is water. But why go with hydrogen as opposed to batteries? Especially since, even in a ‘hydrogen-rich’ market like California, there are still issues with fueling station access and hydrogen supply, Car and Driver notes.

While that is a downside, using a hydrogen fuel cell in the Defender EV offers several advantages. Firstly, refueling an FCEV is significantly faster than recharging a battery-powered EV. Secondly, hydrogen is a more energy-dense ‘fuel’ source than a battery, TechCrunch explains. And thirdly, hydrogen fuel cells aren’t affected by extreme temperatures like batteries. That means, even in the bitter cold, an FCEV’s range won’t drop as much as a BEV’s range does.

It’s also worth noting that refueling station access might not remain a significant drawback for much longer. According to the International Energy Agency, the number of FCEVs on the road has doubled since 2018. And from 2018 to 2019, the number of refueling stations worldwide increased by over 20%. Though admittedly, that only amounts to 470 stations total.

How soon could it reach dealers?

Land Rover plans to start testing the Defender EV prototype in real-world conditions sometime in 2021. Land Rover plans to evaluate the FCEV SUV’s towing and off-roading capabilities, as well as range and refueling speeds, Autoblog explains.  However, as of this writing, the company hasn’t announced if and when Project Zeus could reach the production stage.

It’s worth noting that Land Rover isn’t the only automaker pursuing hydrogen-powered vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is working on hydrogen trucks for the European market. And Toyota is working on a hydrogen-powered Corolla race car.

Using hydrogen to power a Land Rover Defender EV, then, isn’t necessarily an odd choice.

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RELATED: Could This Paste Make Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars More Practical?

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Consumer Reports Road Test Showdown: 2021 Toyota Sequoia Can’t Beat its Biggest Competition

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia and 2021 Ford Expedition are two of the largest SUVs you can buy. If you’re in the market for a new large SUV, you may be wondering: which is safer, the Toyota Sequoia or Ford Expedition? Although they’re both great choices, the 2021 Ford Expedition got a slightly better Consumer Reports overall score.

2021 Toyota Sequoia | Toyota

Is the Sequoia better than the Expedition?

Both the 2021 Toyota Sequoia and 2021 Ford Expedition are recommended by Consumer Reports. That’s a huge deal. Consumer Reports recommended vehicles have to get a good overall score. The Consumer Reports overall score combines their road test, predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, crash tests and safety equipment. 

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia got a 60 on its road test. This includes a four out of five for its acceleration. The Sequoia went from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds. The routine handling score is a three out of five.

On the other hand, the 2021 Ford Expedition scored a 73 on its road test. It got a four out of five for acceleration and could go from 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds.

Both the Ford Expedition and Toyota Sequoia got a three for reliability. The Expedition and Sequoia each got a four for owner satisfaction. Owner satisfaction is how happy people are with what they got for what they paid for their vehicle and is determined by a survey.

The Expedition has a slightly higher ride score

The 2021 Ford Expedition scored slightly better for its ride, getting a three out of five to the Sequoia’s two. The Expedition’s driving position was also a point higher, though noise and front seat comfort were the same, at four out of five. 

Rear seat comfort in each the Expedition and Sequoia was a five out of five, while the third row comfort is a three out of five for both. 

The two large SUVs scored the same for rear access, interior fit and finish, and trunk/cargo area. However, the Expedition did slightly better for its front access, third access, and usability. They both scored a five out of five for climate system. 

Unsurprisingly, both the 2021 Toyota Sequoia and the 2021 Ford Expedition scored a one out of five for their fuel economy. The Sequoia’s overall mpg was 15 mpg, with 10 in the city and 21 on the highway. On the other hand, the Expedition could get 16 mpg overall, with 11 in the city and 23 on the highway. Consumer Reports predicted that this would cost a Toyota Sequoia owner approximately $200 a year extra, so it may not be a big deal if you’re otherwise a big fan of the Sequoia. 

They have almost the same standard safety equipment

A blue 2021 Ford Expedition on a beach.
2021 Ford Expedition | Ford

Almost, but not quite. While the 2021 Ford Expedition comes with everything Consumer Reports recommends new car shoppers look for, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia is lacking one thing: lane keeping assist. 

Both the Sequoia and the Expedition come with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking at city and highway speeds, and pedestrian detection. They also come with lane departure warning, though lane keeping assist is not an option. Blind spot warning is standard in both the 2021 Toyota Sequoia and the 2021 Ford Expedition. 

Backup cameras are standard in all new cars, but both SUVs also come with rear cross traffic warning. New Toyota Sequoias and Ford Expeditions have anti lock brakes, as well as traction and stability control. Daytime running lights in the Sequoia and Expedition are optional. 

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia and 2021 Ford Expedition also come with front side airbags and head protection standard with rollover. 

So which is a better choice, the Toyota Sequoia or Ford Expedition? The Toyota Sequoia wasn’t crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, so it’s impossible to say which is the overall safer vehicle. If you’re looking for the all-around better large SUV though, it’s hard to go wrong with the 2021 Ford Expedition. 

RELATED: Is the 2021 Ford Expedition Safer Than the 2021 Lincoln Navigator? The Difference Is In the Brakes

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Consumer Reports Recommends the 2021 Honda Ridgeline Yet Again

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline might not be at the top of your list if you’re looking for a beefy pickup truck. In fact, this capable and surprisingly refined option seems to live in the shadow of the more popular pickup truck options, like the Ford F-150. Regardless, test drivers and owners alike can agree that the Ridgeline offers a surprising amount of style and an road performance that you probably won’t be expected. Altogether, it is easy to see why the 2021 Honda Ridgeline receives a recommendation from Consumer Reports another year in a row.

The Honda Ridgeline | Andrew Harrer, Bloomberg, Getty Images
A silver 2021 Honda Ridgeline splashes through a puddle.
2021 Honda Ridgeline | Honda

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline scores well in almost every area on the Consumer Reports grading scale, earning a place as #1 amongst the rated compact pickup truck segment. In fact, the Ridgeline receives the highest overall score of 80 out of 100, but the recommendation from the site is nothing new. The past several model years have also received this recommendation, and year after year, Honda seems to be working at making minor changes and adjustments to make the pickup even better.

Is the 2021 Honda Ridgeline a good pickup?

While it isn’t as large as full-size pickup trucks, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline offers plenty of space and capability. As a compact pickup, it’s comfortable and easy to drive in daily traffic, even in larger cities, without losing any off-road aptitude or style. The cabin is well finished with soft-touch materials, a dash of modern technology, and most of the standard safety features you’d expect from any new vehicle, and a quiet, comfortable ride quality.

While you won’t be dominating any rocky overlanding trails with the Ridgeline, the in-bed cargo space and dual-action tailgates serve well off the pavement, no matter what adventure you’re headed on. Overall, it is a well-rounded pickup for drivers who want utility without having to drive a full-sized pickup.

The Ridgeline does exceptionally well in a road test

Where the 2021 Honda Ridgeline really shines isn’t just in the list of features or options, but rather where it matters most: on the road. The road tests for the Ridgeline are the biggest highlights for the vehicle. Consumer Reports themselves claim that it is “the most civilized pickup truck [they’ve] ever tested.”

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline is yet another year that the underrated pickup truck has snagged the sought-after recommendation from Consumer Reports. Like many other recommended vehicles, the Ridgeline balances its few pitfalls by being an otherwise well-rounded option for drivers who all might be looking to get something a little bit different from a compact pickup truck.

RELATED: The Honda Ridgeline Should Not Be Losing to the Chevy Colorado Here

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