I've read that you can get over 300 HP from the NX450h+ by turning the EV mode on with only the ICE running. How do you do that? Is that the only way to get AWD? Thanks for your responses.

 

Well I would think that would be the HV mode with the ICE and electric combined total of 300hp. EV mode only gives you the power of the electric, altho a full throttle push should also start up the ICE as an override. Of course sport mode to feel all of it off the line if you desire.

 

Thank you. That's my answer. I'll try sport mode and see how it works.. Thanks again.

 

AWD works in both EV-only mode and HV mode (the rear wheels are powered exclusively by an electric motor).

 

ICE only starts in that manner if you're in AUTO EV/HV mode. The car defaults to EV only, and then reverts to HV when the battery is low.

Personally I avoid AUTO EV/HV mode as I don't want the cold ICE to suddenly fire up in the city for power.
When driving on the highway, I switch to HV mode.

So I never really use AUTO EV/HV.

IMO, they could make AUTO EV/HV a lot more useful by programming it to switch to HV mode when highway or long-distance or high speed driving is detected.
e.g. GPS says car is driving on a highway/freeway/expressway and speed is greater than X. Speed is greater than X for longer than Y (where Y is a few minutes and X is like 80kmh / 50mph). GPS destination distance is greater than remaining EV range.

 

I agree, the software could use some tuning. OTOH, I understand Toyota/Lexus not willing to mess with things once they are out in the real world.