In some far future world, an AI will document and track every object on the planet, probably using a technology we have not even invented yet. This “all seeing” AI will be able to scan every object and keep track of its location in real-time.
Until then, we have the 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ — one of my favorite vehicle tests in recent memory that is decked out in tech features that are almost too many to number. As usual, I tested one of the most impressive advancements, and it’s impressive indeed.
When you pull into your garage or park the vehicle, a scanner detects objects and marks them in blue and yellow highlights in the display. The idea is to help you avoid obstacles that might scratch or dent the vehicle.
In several tests, I pulled into my garage and at various parking locations where there were tight confines. At low speeds, the display pops up showing which objects were detected. You will see an overhead view — stitched together from side cameras from a bird’s eye perspective — and then a front-facing view as well.
In my case, I pulled into the garage during a time when I was packing up boxes, styrofoam crates, and had a few scattered items laying around like a ladder and some garbage bins. As I pulled into the stall, the 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ detected each object.
Curiously, some of the objects were marked with a blue line. Those indicators show how far away you are from the object. The yellow boxes are more for gauging how far you have to move the vehicle before you hit something.
During my testing, I came to rely on this object detection to make sure I wasn’t going to brush up against anything. The garbage bins were the least of my worries. The styrofoam crates were also not much of a danger. But the ladders and a couple of shovels? They caused me more worry, mostly because it was hard to know how close they were to the vehicle.
As it turns out — not that close. The NX easily detected the objects and showed that they were not close enough to cause a problem. It’s actually a relief and reduces stress when you park, because you can keep an eye on the indicators as you pull in.
In one test, the garbage bins had been moved and I noticed I didn’t have enough space to park. I jumped out, repositioned them, and found I had plenty of room.
I’ve seen many parking sensors in cars, some that only beep to tell you when to stop pulling forward, and a few that show a real-time display. This is the first time I’ve seen the yellow and blue highlights to help guide my parking efforts.
Overall, this tech is handy because it means one more assistive technology aid to help you drive, park, and enjoy the vehicle more. It meant parking was easier than ever.
