The little Lexus NX is comfortably in middle age, yet it’s still one of the brand’s bestsellers as the current generation enters its fifth model year. Lexus is dumping the base 250 powertrain for 2026, but it’s looking to expand the compact SUV’s appeal by significantly diversifying the remaining lineup with new combinations of the NX’s three powertrains and four trim levels. Related: 2025 Lexus NX Adds Standard Convenience Tech, Starts at $41,765
What’s New With the 2026 Lexus NX?
The hybrid NX 350h, previously only available with all-wheel drive, can now be had in lower-priced front-wheel-drive form. The base price of the plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ likewise drops, with the addition of the more lightly furnished Premium trim level (previously, the PHEV was only available in the range-topping Luxury and F Sport Handling trims). And whereas the F Sport Handling was formerly available only on the 450h+ and gas-powered NX 350, Lexus is now offering the package’s sport suspension and adaptive dampers on the regular hybrid 350h, as well.
What Are the 2026 Lexus NX’s Powertrain Specs, MPG and 450h+ Range?
Now that the NX 250 is gone from the lineup, the hybrid 350h is the most affordable NX. It pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric assist for total output of 240 horsepower and 270 pounds-feet of torque, routed through a continuously variable automatic transmission. FWD is standard, and AWD is available on every trim level for an additional $1,550. The FWD NX 350h gets a manufacturer-rated 42/38/40 mpg city/highway/combined, while the AWD SUV returns 41/37/39 mpg (official EPA estimates for 2026 are not yet available) A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 275 hp and 317 pounds-feet powers the NX 350, backed by an eight-speed automatic and standard AWD. It returns a Lexus-rated 21/28/24 mpg. The NX 450h+ gets a retuned version of the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder from the 350h, with more powerful electric motors upping output to 304 hp. Torque remains at 270 pounds-feet, and the CVT returns. AWD is standard on the NX 450h+. A larger battery pack grants the plug-in hybrid NX up to a brand-estimated 37 miles of electric range and a 34 mpg combined rating when the gas engine is running.
Availability and Pricing
The 2026 Lexus NX will go on sale later in 2025. Full pricing (including the $1,295 destination charge) is as follows:
NX 350h
- Base: $45,470
- Premium: $47,395
- Luxury: $51,535
- F Sport Handling: $53,945
NX 350
- Base: $46,120
- Premium: $48,045
- Luxury: $52,185
- F Sport Handling: $52,095
NX 450h+
- Premium: $59,105
- Luxury: $63,035
- F Sport Handling: $64,125
What Are the 2026 Lexus NX’s Trim Levels?
For the most part, the NX’s trim levels are identical regardless of powertrain. In other words, buyers will find the same content in the Luxury trim on the NX 350h, NX 350 and NX 450h+. Base models include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a power liftgate and windshield-wiper de-icers. Inside are synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, a digital instrument panel, a 9.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and 10 speakers. The Premium trim adds a moonroof, hands-free power liftgate, heated and ventilated front seats, ambient cabin lighting and a power tilt/telescoping steering column. A heated steering wheel is also standard on the NX 450h+. Step up to the NX Luxury and you’ll also get upgraded LED headlights, genuine leather, a 14-inch touchscreen with navigation and a rearview mirror camera. On the NX 450h+, the Luxury also includes 20-inch wheels. Riding on a sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers, the F Sport Handling stands apart from the rest of the NX line thanks to its monochromatic exterior with body-color fender trim and dark-gray 20-inch wheels. With the 350 and 350h powertrains, it is otherwise equipped similarly to the base trim level but with upgraded headlights, a heated steering wheel and ambient lighting. Many features that are not available on the base trim are optional on the F Sport, and the 450h+ F Sport Handling also includes the heated and ventilated front seats, larger touchscreen and rearview mirror camera. Read More Lexus News:
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Standard and Available Safety Features
Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on the 2026 NX and includes forward collision warning with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, oncoming vehicle detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, emergency steering assist, road-sign recognition and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert and parking sensors with automatic braking are also standard. A head-up display is optional on the Premium trim and standard on the Luxury and F Sport. A 360-degree camera system is optional on all but the base trim, and automated parking is available for the Luxury and F Sport Handling. Related Video:
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