2027 Lexus NX Goes Hybrid Only, Gets Sharper LooksLexusThe 2027 Lexus NX undergoes a refresh, with updated exterior styling and a cabin design that echoes the recently overhauled ES sedan.The NX is now hybrid only, offered as the NX350h or the plug-in hybrid NX450h+.The PHEV model gets 20 more horsepower thanks to a new e-axle and a larger lithium-ion battery that provides an estimated 40 miles of all-electric range.The Lexus NX is the brand's second-most popular model in the United States, and after five years on the market, the second-generation subcompact luxury SUV is due for an update. The 2027 NX arrives with tweaked styling inside and out, and will now be offered exclusively with hybrid powertrains.A More Advanced PHEVWhile the NX previously offered the NX350 with a 275-hp turbocharged inline-four, the nonhybrid model has now been scrapped. Instead, for 2027, the NX will be offered as either the hybrid NX350h or the plug-in hybrid NX450h+. Both hybrid models continue to make use of a 2.5-liter inline-four gas engine and a continuously variable transmission.LexusLexus' U.S. announcement was vague on powertrain specs, but the global version says that the NX350h produces 241 horsepower and the NX450h+ produces 322 hp. The former is just one horsepower more than last year, and Lexus makes no mention of changes to the standard hybrid setup, so this may just be a difference in how the number is reported globally. We reached out to Lexus for clarification and will update this story if we hear back.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe plug-in hybrid NX, however, undergoes substantial changes. The NX450h+ gains a more compact, lightweight e-axle setup, with the transaxle, electric motor, and power control unit all integrated into a single package. There's also a new lithium-ion battery, which Lexus says has 30 percent more capacity than before and delivers an 8 percent higher output, bringing that increase of 20 horsepower. The PHEV is also now capable of DC fast-charging, and it can now provide an estimated 40 miles of electric driving, up from 33 miles.LexusLexus also claims that the way the hybrid system operates has been rethought, with more battery power used when you step on the go pedal in order to create more linear-feeling acceleration, while the ECU has been reprogrammed to more smoothly transition from electric to gas power. Lexus says the NX450h+ will hit 62 mph in 6.0 seconds, although we tested the pre-facelift model at 5.6 seconds, so it should be even quicker.Stiffer and QuieterLexus also reengineered the battery-cell layout from a longitudinal setup to a transverse orientation, which the company says improved lateral rigidity across the entire body. The battery also sits lower, bringing the center of gravity closer to the road, and the engine-block casting was redesigned to boost rigidity between the engine and transaxle, as well as minimize noise and vibration.The front and rear of the unibody architecture were also reinforced, and Lexus added a new floor cross member and more strengthening along the tunnel ridge. The suspension towers also now have integrated structural components, further increasing rigidity, improving handling while lowering road noise.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile some NX trims feature an adaptive suspension, those that don't now gain new dampers with ultra-low-speed valves to help keep the body flatter over undulating roads. Lexus also says the NX should feel more nimble in part due to a steering wheel that is 0.4 inch smaller in diameter and a "Variable Rack Gear" with a more responsive variable steering ratio. There's also a new brake-control system that inputs "subtle braking during cornering to help stabilize yaw and roll motions during abrupt maneuvers."Sharper Styling and a Cleaner CabinAlthough the NX's overall shape is unchanged, Lexus reworked the front and rear ends for a more modern, assertive look. The headlights are now linked to the grille, which appears to be wider, with a black border that forms a horizontal base along the bottom edge of the front bumper.LexusThe headlights feature two LED lines, with the upper element vaguely echoing the check-mark look seen across the Lexus lineup for many years, and an air vent positioned below. Around back, the taillights wear new graphics with a pair of L-shaped lines that connect and flow across the rear fascia. Lexus also added two new exterior colors: Shaded Ivy and Incognito.The cabin represents a greater departure, with a new 14-inch touchscreen that is standard across all trims and sits perched atop the redesigned dashboard. Behind the steering wheel, which trades the Lexus logo for badging that spells out the brand's name, is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Drivers will also find that the steering wheel's telescopic adjustment now has a wider range of motion.LexusThe entire dashboard setup is cleaner and more horizontally oriented, with many of the climate controls now integrated into the screen and the others situated as illuminated buttons that are neatly integrated into the trim, similar to the latest ES sedan. The gear selector has also been replaced by a smaller toggle switch.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere are two new interior hues, a tan color called Abalos and Radiant Red, with the latter exclusive to the F Sport trim. The Luxury and F Sport trims also gain the Sensory Concierge feature, which uses interior illumination, music, the climate-control system, seat temperature, and fragrance to create a variety of environments designed to promote wellness.LexusThe NX packs Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, which brings a host of driver-assistance and safety features. This includes pre-collision automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, road sign detection, and automatic high beams. There's also a standard built-in dashcam.The Lexus NX is set to go on sale before the end of this year. There's no word on how much the 2027 model will cost, but we expect the base price to rise slightly, with the 2026 NX350h starting at $46,570 and the NX450h+ starting at $59,505. The NX350h will continue to offer both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, and both powertrains will come in Premium, Premium+, F Sport, and Luxury trims.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Shop New Cars Shop Used CarsAdvertisementAdvertisementYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029