- The Lexus NX went through a substantial mid-lifecycle update.
- The Japanese SUV gains fresh looks and an overhauled interior.
- It also benefits from improved hybrid and PHEV powertrains.
Lexus has unveiled a facelifted version of the NX, five years after the debut of the second generation. The second-best selling Lexus behind the RX gains a sharper face, an overhauled interior and important updates under the skin heralded by improved hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Starting with the exterior design, the aggressive headlights adopt a new LED lighting signature and connect to the sculpted Spindle grille and the triangular bumper intakes. The profile looks familiar but the new alloy wheels and the removal of chrome accents freshen it up.
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At the rear, the updated taillight graphics feature an L-shaped motif flanking the illuminated badge. The F Sport trim adds piano black accents to the exterior including subtle aero upgrades, complemented by 20-inch wheels with red brake calipers. Finally, the color palette gains new shades including the Sonic Platinum, the Sonic Tellus khaki green, and the F Sport-exclusive Titanium Carbide Grey.
Dimensionally, the length grows by 30 mm (1.18 in) to 4,690 mm (184.6 in), while the other dimensions remain unchanged including the 2,690 mm (105.9 in) wheelbase.
New Screen, Invisible Buttons
Inside, the dashboard has been completely redesigned, taking cues from the new Lexus ES sedan. The centerpiece is the free-standing 14-inch infotainment display running the latest Lexus Connect software. It is combined with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a cleaner center console and new physical controls with haptic feedback that disappear in the dashboard trim when not in use.
More: Lexus’s New ES Infotainment Acts Like A Tablet, Talks Back In The Gender You Pick
Lexus has introduced new colors for the upholstery including a Clay Red and an F Sport-exclusive Prominence, alongside a Dark Brown Oak wood trim, and a Forged Bamboo trim made from 55% bio-materials.
Drivers also benefit from a new steering wheel and an optimized seating position. High-spec trims feature the Lexus Sensory Concierge system which synchronizes ambient lighting, screen patterns, climate control, seat heating, and custom cabin fragrances across three modes – Inspire, Radiance, and Revitalise. Safety equipment has also been improved with the Lexus Safety System+ suite bringing expanded sensor range and wider camera coverage.
New Hybrid Tech
Under the skin, mechanical and powertrain upgrades over the outgoing model are equally substantial. The TNGA-K architecture benefits from increased structural rigidity, accompanied by revised suspension tuning, a retuned electric power steering, a new cornering braking system, and enhanced noise isolation.
More importantly, both the HEV and PHEV powertrains have been upgraded to the sixth generation of Lexus hybrid technology, bringing greater efficiency and performance. The power control unit and transaxle are now combined in a single unit inspired by the eAxle setup on Lexus EVs. This saves 10 kg (22 lbs) in weight and reduces height by 10 cm (4 in), benefiting packaging.
The flagship NX 450h+ (PHEV) has a combined output between 288-322 hp (215-240 kW / 292-326 PS) depending on the region offering an expanded E-Four AWD capability across a much wider range of driving conditions. It also receives a new lithium-ion battery with increased rigidity and a 30% jump in the capacity from 18 kWh to 23 kWh.
The larger battery and more efficient axle contribute to a longer EV-only range of 100 km (62 miles) on the WLTP cycle, representing an increase of 26 km (16 miles) over its predecessor. The estimated EPA rating is less optimistic at over 40 miles (64 km), which is 3 miles (5 km) more than before. The PHEV also introduces DC fast-charging support, and a power operated charging door.
The self-charging hybrid NX 350h has also been improved with the new eAxle hardware joining the 2.5-liter engine. The combined output is between 188-241 hp (140-180 kW / 190-245 PS), available in FWD and AWD configurations. Some markets also get an entry-level FWD-only NX 300h hybrid with a smaller 2.0-liter engine and a combined output of 194 hp (145 kW / 197 PS). The North American lineup has yet to be announced but we expect the ICE-only versions to carry on.
Availability
The facelifted Lexus NX is scheduled to roll out in global markets towards the end of the year, with European deliveries starting in spring 2027. US pricing and availability are expected to be announced in the coming weeks/months.
Lexus has sold approximately 1.9 million units of the NX since the debut of the original in 2014, making it a core model in its SUV lineup. The premium sibling of the Toyota RAV4 competes with the likes of the BMW X3, Audi Q5, Mercedes GLC, and Volvo XC60.