2026 Lexus NX

MSRP: From $44,175

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Overview

The 2026 Lexus NX compact crossover is now in its fifth model year, and continues to occupy an interesting niche that sees some people classify it as a subcompact and others as a compact. It’s six inches longer than a BMW X1 and four inches shorter than an X3, but its pricing more closely aligns with the subcompact class, though the top hybrid trims push well into compact pricing territory. And with the even smaller UX positioned below it, most will, therefore, see the NX as a compact crossover.

It delivers Lexus’ signature brand of premium quality, eschewing sporty dynamics for refined comfort instead. Three powertrain options are on offer, including a 275-hp 2.4L turbo-four, a 240-hp naturally aspirated and hybridized 2.5L four-cylinder, and a plug-in hybrid with the 2.5L engine and 304 hp and an electric range of 37 miles.

Best For: Buyers who want a serene driving experience, fuel efficiency, and excellent reliability in a compact luxury SUV, not outright sportiness or class-leading space.

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What’s New for 2026

The 2026 NX NX 350h hybrid will be available with front-wheel drive as well this year, adding to the existing all-wheel-drive configuration, providing a lower price entry point for the hybrids. Furthermore, the base NX 250 trim is discontinued, and the F Sport Handling trim is now expanded to include all the powertrain configurations. A new 450h+ Premium trim also joins the lineup this year. Last of all, Infrared (below) is added to the paint palette, and the availability of Ultra White is expanded to all trims.

Exterior

The NX is familiarly Lexus, with the automaker’s signature design language, with a bold spindle grille and angular lighting signatures. LED headlights are standard, upgraded to triple-beam LEDs on the top trims. The standard wheels measure 18 inches, upgradable to 20 inches. The F Sport runs on dark-gray 20s as standard and also adds a unique mesh grille and body-color fender trim. The extensive paint palette includes hues like Ultra White, Cloudburst Gray, Copper Crest, Infrarred, Atomic Silver, and Nori Green.

Lexus USA NX configurator

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Interior

In the cabin, all the controls in the driver-focused cockpit are within easy reach. A standard 9.8-inch touchscreen makes way for a 14-inch unit further up the range, and there are six USB ports spread throughout the cabin. NuLuxe leatherette covers the seats, except for the Luxury trim, which gets real leather with chevron seat quilting. Cabin color combinations include Macadamia, Black, Palomino, and the extroverted Roja Red. Thematic ambient lighting with 14 nature-inspired themes is available, too.

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Price Range and Best Value Trim

The 2026 Lexus NX’s price list starts at $44,175 for the NX 350h FWD and tops out at $62,830 for the NX 450h+ F Sport Handling AWD. These prices exclude the $1,295 destination fee. The $47,650 NX 350h Premium AWD is the best deal in the range, with exceptional hybrid fuel efficiency, a moonroof, heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a power-adjustable tilting/telescoping steering column, and a hands-free power liftgate. For stronger performance and more driver engagement, this trim in 350 gas format ups the excitement factor a bit at the expense of efficiency, and for $900 less.

2026 Lexus NX Specs Overview

Powertrain Options

Performance and 0-60 MPH

The gas NX 350 with the turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine is the most engaging to drive and provides swift performance, motivating the NX to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, but it’s not the quickest. That honour belongs to the 304-hp PHEV, which does the same in six seconds flat. While this is far from slow, it still trails rivals like the X1. The regular 240-hp hybrids are the slowest, with the AWD versions reaching 60 mph in 7.2 seconds and the heavier AWD versions taking a full second longer.

For a sportier bent, the F Sport Handling’s bigger wheels and adaptive suspension add some handling prowess without destroying the ride, but it never feels particularly sporty. And with an eight-speed automatic transmission more interested in refinement than firing off lightning-fast shifts, the NX is best for the more sedate driver.

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Fuel Economy (MPG)

The NX 350h’s 40 mpg combined EPA estimate with FWD and 39 mpg with AWD makes the sensible choice, and convincingly outpaces the efficiency of most luxury compacts. The 350’s 24 mpg combined, however, is considerably worse than the X3 xDrive30’s 29 mpg. The NX 450h+ does a far better 36 mpg on gas alone, but comes with the potential of 84 MPGe combined and a 37-mile all-electric range.

Towing

Towing capacity is modest at just 2,000 pounds, so you won’t be able to pull much more than small trailers, but at least it applies to all the hybrids as well. Rivals like the Volvo XC40 can tow as much as 3,500 pounds.

Drivetrain

The NX 350h gives you a choice between standard FWD and optional AWD for $1,550, adding an electric motor to the rear axle to drive the rear wheels when needed. The NX 350 gas and NX 450h+ PHEV come only with AWD.

Dimensions

Interior Space (Front and Rear)

Cargo Space

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Warranty

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Exceptional hybrid fuel economy (40 mpg combined)
• Serene, quiet cabin with high-quality materials
• Comprehensive standard safety features
• Smooth, compliant ride quality
• Strong reliability reputation
• Three powertrain options, including a 37-mile EV range PHEV

Cons:

• Less cargo space than many competitors
• NX 350 trails sportier rivals in acceleration
• Complimentary maintenance limited to one year
• Navigation requires a subscription after the trial period

Verdict

The Lexus NX offers impeccable build quality, premium materials, a very quiet cabin on the move, and a comfortable ride, so it succeeds because it plays to these traditional Lexus strengths, instead of trying to chase the segment leaders on performance and handling credentials. If you’re more interested in a relaxing environment and efficiency for daily driving or suburban commuting than a dynamic feel, the NX will hit the mark for you. It even gives you regular and plug-in hybrids to choose from, the latter complete with a 37-mile electric range. If you don’t have a yen for speed, the regular hybrid is probably the best balanced – and it’s more attainable now that you can get it with FWD.

Recommended For: Drivers seeking a fuel-efficient and refined compact luxury crossover with Lexus reliability.

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Competitors

• BMW X1/X3
• Mercedes-Benz GLA/GLC
• Audi Q3/Q5
• Volvo XC40/XC60
• Genesis GV70

About the author

Cobus F. Potgieter

Reviews and Features Editor

Cobus F. Potgieter is a Reviews and Features Editor at Autoblog covering new car reviews, and technology and historical features. He moved to motoring media full time in 2021 after a career as a public relations practitioner and joined The Arena Group in June 2025.