The second-generation Lexus NX is only a few years old, but the brand is already giving its compact SUV a mid-cycle refresh. The new crossover features updated styling inside and out alongside gaining Lexus’ sixth-generation hybrid system.
In the NX 450h+, the plug-in hybrid variant, battery capacity increases from 18.1 to 23.0 kilowatt hours. The larger battery increases the all-electric range to 62 miles, up from 37 miles, with the system making a combined 303 horsepower in Europe.
The updated NX 350h gains a lithium-ion battery that borrows its design from the one in the new ES 350h. It’s lighter than the one it replaces, with Lexus revising the cooling system to increase the combined output.
- What’s New? The Lexus NX gets a fresh exterior and a dramatically redesigned cabin.
- What About The Powertrain? The NX 350h and NX 450h+ gain Lexus’ sixth-generation hybrid system. The regular NX still uses a 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
- How Is The Efficiency? The NX 450h+ gets a larger 23.0-kWh battery, increasing its electric range from 37 to 62 miles.
- How Much Does It Cost? Pricing for the refreshed NX hasn’t been announced yet.
Photo by: Lexus
The 2.5-liter four-cylinder and electronic continuously variable transmission produce 196 hp. The NX 350h can sprint to 60 miles per hour in while Lexus claims the NX 450h+ will hit 62 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds.
In the US, the 2026 NX 450h+ produces 304 hp, while the 350h produces 240 hp. Lexus also offers a non-hybrid NX with a 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
Fresh Looks
Photo by: Lexus
The new Lexus NX features an evolution of its Vital x Tech design theme. It has a redesigned front fascia with a frameless spindle grille and revised headlights. At the rear, designers tweaked the taillight layout with a repeated L-motif.
The F Sport trim returns, standing out with newly designed 20-inch wheels, red brake calipers, and rear-bumper aero.
Inside, the Lexus gets its most radical change yet—a new dashboard, center console, and instrument panel. The NX’s revamped cabin takes inspiration from the new ES sedan and TZ SUV.
New Lexus NX (US Spec) Interior
Photo by: Lexus
A large 14.0-inch infotainment display dominates the new layout. It sits in line with the 12.3-inch driver display and above a revised instrument panel. The NX now features capacitive HVAC and camera controls, which sit above the air vents and a new center console.
Lexus also adjusted the seating position. While the seat itself is the same as before, engineers have lowered it, moving it closer to the NX’s center of gravity.
| NX 350h | NX 450h+ | |
| Engine | 2.5L I4 Hybrid | 2.5L I4 PHEV |
| System Output | 199 HP | 303 HP |
| 0-62 MPH | 6.3 Seconds | 7.1-7.8 Seconds |
| EV Range | 62 Miles | N/A |
The NX also features a new steering wheel. Lexus reduced its diameter by 0.39 inches, refined its design for better grip and comfort, and increased its telescopic range, allowing drivers to bring the wheel closer.
Lexus made the accelerator pedal easier and more comfortable to use while making the steering more responsive.
The Little Things
Photo by: Lexus
The engine block has a new shape, making it more rigid. Lexus did this to control noise and vibration better. The new NX features sound-absorbing material in the rear bumper, rear doors, and center pillars.
Lexus claims the changes reduce engine and road noise by around 20 percent. Engineers also increased the NX’s floor rigidity by around 25 percent, improving the steering response while reducing vibrations.
Another rigidity improvement comes from a reworked front suspension tower. Lexus integrated it with the front pillar structure, resulting in a 30 percent increase in rigidity.
Pricing And Availability
The updated Lexus NX will go on sale in Europe in early spring 2027. It is unclear when the crossover will go on sale in the United States or how much it will cost.
The cheapest 2026 Lexus NX is the 350h, starting at $46,570, including the $1,395 destination charge. The 2026 NX 450h+ starts at $59,505, and we expect the price to increase for the revamped model when it arrives, likely for the 2027 model year.
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Source: Lexus
Motor1’s Take: Despite the second-gen NX’s relatively young age, it was beginning to look quite dated inside. The updated crossover is a rare example of an automaker redesigning a car’s interior during a mid-cycle refresh, but it was needed
The revamped exterior is nice, but the new cabin, for better or worse, makes the crossover feel much more modern than the outgoing model.
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