Lexus Gives the NX a Hybrid-Only Makeover
Just over a month after its global debut, Lexus has officially revealed the 2027 NX for the American market, and there is quite a bit to unpack. Sure, the compact luxury crossover retains its familiar shape, but Lexus has made substantial changes beneath the surface, particularly to its hybrid systems.
Of note, the Lexus NX lineup is now all-electrified. You get two flavors: the NX 350h, which is your standard hybrid, and the NX 450h+, the plug-in with extra juice. Both get upgraded powertrains, tweaked chassis bits, and a focus on making the NX smoother and sharper to drive.
Lexus has also trimmed the fat from the lineup, now offering just four grades: Premium, Premium+, F SPORT, and Luxury. You can pair any of them with either hybrid setup, though which drivetrain you get depends on the trim. The idea is to keep things simple but still let buyers pick what matters most—efficiency, comfort, or a bit of sporty flair.
Jared Levenson/Autoblog
New Hybrid Systems Bring More Power and Better Efficiency
The 2027 NX 350h uses an updated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors, producing a preliminary combined output of 244 hp. That is 4 hp more than the outgoing model. Lexus says the revised system makes greater use of electric motor assistance during acceleration, helping deliver smoother power delivery and a more natural relationship between engine speed and vehicle speed.
The NX 450h+ gets a bigger bump: its front motor generator now cranks out 203 hp (up from 180), and total system output jumps to a healthy 324 hp. That’s a decent leap over the old model.
A revised lithium-ion battery increases both output and capacity by 8%. Lexus estimates that the plug-in hybrid can travel up to 45 miles on electric power alone, depending on grade. DC fast charging is now standard, alongside a North American Charging Standard (NACS)-style charge port. Under ideal conditions, Lexus estimates charging from 10% to 80% takes 35 minutes using a 50-kW DC charger.
|
Model |
Drivetrain |
City (mpg) |
Highway (mpg) |
Combined (mpg) |
Electric range |
|
NX 350h |
FWD |
44 |
35 |
40 |
— |
|
NX 350h |
AWD |
42 |
34 |
38 |
— |
|
NX 350h F SPORT |
AWD |
41 |
34 |
38 |
— |
|
NX 450h+ |
AWD |
39 |
35 |
37 |
45 miles |
|
NX 450h+ F SPORT |
AWD |
38 |
34 |
36 |
45 miles |
The regular hybrid also gets updated efficiency estimates. The front-wheel-drive NX 350h is rated at 44 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 40 mpg combined, based on manufacturer estimates. The AWD version is estimated at 42/34/38 mpg, while the NX 350h F SPORT AWD is rated at 41/34/38 mpg. Official EPA figures will be released closer to the on-sale date.
Jared Levenson/Autoblog
Sharper Styling, a Quieter Cabin, and More Technology
The exterior updates include a revised mesh grille, darker trim accents, and redesigned lighting. At the rear, the NX introduces Lexus’ Double L Signature lighting treatment, with illuminated L-shaped elements and an illuminated Lexus logo. New exterior colors include Shaded Ivy and Incognito, with the latter exclusive to F SPORT grades.
Inside, you’ll spot a more horizontal dash, a big 12.3-inch digital cluster, and a 14-inch touchscreen front and center. There’s a new steering wheel, updated controls, and fresh interior colors to choose from. Lexus also claims they’ve slashed engine noise in the cabin by 20% compared to last year, thanks to extra sound insulation and some structural tweaks.
Technology is another focus. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an integrated Drive Recorder, and over-the-air updates for the Lexus Interface are standard. Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 also comes across the lineup, bringing updated driver-assistance features. F SPORT and Luxury grades additionally receive Sensory Concierge, which coordinates lighting, sound, climate settings, seat temperature, and fragrance to personalize the cabin atmosphere.
Lexus has also revised the suspension, steering, and braking systems to improve ride comfort and handling. Structural reinforcements are intended to reduce road noise while helping the crossover feel more composed on different road surfaces.
Lexus
Pricing and Availability Remain Under Wraps
No word yet on pricing for the 2027 NX. Lexus says we’ll get more details on trims and official EPA numbers closer to launch. The NX 350h will be assembled in Canada and Japan, while the NX 450h+ will be built in Japan. For American buyers, the main change is straightforward: the NX range now consists entirely of hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, with updated performance, efficiency, and cabin technology.
With this overhaul, Lexus is going all-in on electrification for its compact luxury crossover. You’ll still have to decide if you want the regular hybrid’s simplicity or the plug-in’s extra muscle and EV range, but either way, both versions get a serious upgrade for 2027.
Lexus
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