Lexus has revealed the 2027 NX, a mid-cycle refresh of its compact luxury crossover that drops the non-hybrid engine option entirely. Going forward, the NX lineup will be offered only as the NX 350h hybrid or the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid.
The change means the previous 275-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-litre engine is gone from the range. The NX 350h retains a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid setup, while the plug-in NX 450h+ gets a new lithium-ion battery pack that Lexus says offers 30 percent more capacity and 8 percent more output than before, pushing electric-only range past 40 miles on select grades.
Both hybrid models will be available in Premium, F Sport and Luxury trim levels. The NX 350h can be specified with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the NX 450h+ comes standard with all-wheel drive. DC fast charging is now standard on the plug-in model, though Lexus has not yet confirmed charging rates.
Updated hybrid system and chassis
The 2027 NX 350h and NX 450h+ move to Lexus' newer hybrid hardware, including a redesigned e-Axle that integrates the transaxle, electric motor and power control unit into a more compact unit. The system also adds silicon carbide power semiconductors, which Lexus says improve energy efficiency and power flow.
Lexus has also revised the NX's chassis for the update, adding structural reinforcements at the front and rear along with a new floor cross member and redesigned suspension towers. The automaker says the changes, developed partly using Toyota's Shimoyama test track and the Nürburgring, are meant to improve handling while keeping the ride quiet and comfortable. Suspension, steering, throttle and braking have all been retuned as part of the update.
A cabin borrowed from the ES
The exterior gets a sharper take on Lexus' spindle grille along with revised headlights and taillights, but the bigger changes are inside. The redesigned cabin draws heavily from the recently updated ES sedan, with a smaller steering wheel, a compact shifter and dashboard buttons that are physically pressable but styled to look like capacitive touch controls.
A 14-inch touchscreen is now standard across every trim, replacing the smaller 9.8-inch unit that came with base models previously. The interior will be offered in five colour choices, including a Radiant Red option exclusive to the F Sport trim.
Sensory Concierge feature
Luxury and F Sport buyers can also opt for a feature Lexus calls the Sensory Concierge, which combines ambient lighting, music, climate control, seat temperature and cabin fragrance into three preset modes: Inspire, Radiance and Revitalize. The fragrance options include a citrus scent called Shinmei, a floral scent called Seiyo and a musk-style scent called Hanya.
Availability
Lexus has not yet released final power output or fuel economy figures for the U.S. market, saying those will be confirmed closer to launch. The automaker has said the 2027 NX should reach dealers by the end of the year, with pricing details still to be announced.
