Lexus NX 2027 hybrid-only, 100 km EV range
Lexus has unveiled a comprehensive facelift for the NX SUV, eliminating pure petrol variants and focusing on hybrid powertrains.
Lexus will launch a significantly updated NX compact SUV globally by the end of 2026. The 2027 model year facelift, arriving five years after the second-generation car's debut, abandons pure petrol engines to become a hybrid-only lineup with major chassis and powertrain revisions.
The overhaul includes new structural components. Lexus has added new floor crossmembers and a stiffer transmission tunnel, working with strengthened front and rear ends to increase floor rigidity by 25%. Redesigned suspension towers are reportedly 30% stiffer.
Powertrain and Performance
The entire range now uses Lexus's sixth-generation hybrid system. The power control unit is integrated into the motor and E-CVT, making the system 10 kg lighter and 10 cm slimmer. Silicon carbide semiconductors in the inverter are said to reduce energy losses.
Three hybrid variants will be available. The specifications are as follows:
| Model | Engine | Total System Output | 0-100 km/h Time | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX300h | 150 PS 2.0L NA four-cylinder | 197 PS | Not specified | Same powertrain as UX300h and top Toyota Prius |
| NX350h | 184 PS 2.5L NA four-cylinder | 245 PS | 7.1 seconds | New lighter battery; AWD optional with rear motor |
| NX450h+ PHEV | 2.5L NA four-cylinder + dual-motor AWD | 326 PS | 6.0 seconds | 30% larger battery; DC fast charging added; FWD version dropped |
The plug-in hybrid NX450h+ receives the most substantial upgrades. Its new battery capacity is boosted by 30%, enabling a pure electric WLTP range of over 100 km, a near 30 km increase. The battery is mounted lower and its cells are aligned longitudinally to increase lateral rigidity. DC fast charging support is a new addition, requiring the charge port to be moved from the rear to the front alongside the fuel filler.
Chassis and Driving Dynamics
Road manners are targeted for improvement. Revised passive dampers feature ultra-low-speed valves for more responsive damping. More responsive variable-ratio steering is now standard, with the electric power steering retuned. The vehicle will now apply brakes subtly in corners to stabilise yaw and roll during abrupt manoeuvres.
Throttle control and the pedal assembly have been tweaked for a more linear response. A redesigned engine block and a more rigid engine-to-transaxle connection aim to move resonance away from combustion frequencies.
Design and Interior Updates
The exterior retains the spindle grille, now in a black finish. The mesh grille integrates with sharp L-shaped headlights featuring dual-line daytime running lights. These lamps flow into more rigid ducts that stabilise airflow around the front tyres. Wheel house fins are designed to evacuate air and reduce pressure buildup.
The rear features an illuminated Lexus script and full-width taillights with a dual-L signature, a first for the brand. The interior adopts a simpler horizontal dashboard design inspired by the ES sedan. It includes hidden-until-lit capacitive touch climate controls with haptic feedback.
The 14-inch touchscreen remains, with the removal of integrated knobs freeing up space. A 12.3-inch instrument display sits behind a smaller steering wheel with hidden controls. A new Sensory Concierge system coordinates ambient lighting, music, climate settings, seat temperature, and a new air fragrancing system with five scents across three moods: Inspire, Radiance, and Revitalise.
New exterior colours include Sonic Tellus, an ashy green, and an F Sport-exclusive Titanium Carbide Grey. New interior options are Abalos, a Mars-inspired brown, and a searing red Prominence, also exclusive to the F Sport.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The NX inherits the latest Lexus Safety Sense+ system. Improvements reportedly include autonomous emergency braking with a higher speed range, smoother adaptive cruise control, and auto lane changes. The cruise control gains an Eco mode that works with navigation.
A new camera-based driver attention monitor can pull over and stop the car if the driver is incapacitated. Lane keeping assist is improved to detect poles and barriers when road markings are unclear. Blind spot monitoring now detects motorcycles and bicycles. The update also brings improved adaptive high beam and a new 360-degree camera system with 3D and transparency views.
