OverviewWith a stylish exterior, comfortable cabin, and quiet on-road demeanor, the 2027 NX Hybrid offers the best of the Lexus brand's traits in a small crossover form factor. A pair of hybrid powertrains are offered, starting with a traditional 241-hp hybrid setup that is both efficient and refined. A plug-in hybrid is also offered, which is more powerful at 322 horsepower and offers up to 40 miles of electric-only driving.Inside, the NX has enough room for four adults to get comfy across two rows of seats; there's ample space for cargo, too. It's one of the larger options in the subcompact luxury SUV class. This year's redesign brings a more reductive interior layout and increases reliance on a large central touchscreen for most of the NX's controls, which may be frustrating for drivers who prefer a less digital experience.Expert Tip: The NX is related to the less expensive Toyota RAV4, so if the Lexus's prices don't align with your budget, that model offers a similar package without the luxury price tag.AdvertisementAdvertisement.What's New for 2027?Lexus has given the NX a styling upgrade this year, with a sharper front-end design and a tweaked rear end that looks more like the larger RX SUV. The cabin also gets revised, with a more minimalistic design that sees many of the NX's controls relegated to the touchscreen or inside a hidden touch panel on the dashboard. Starting this year, the NX is only offered with a hybrid powertrain.Pricing and Which One to BuyThe upcharge for the NX450h+ plug-in doesn't make much sense to us—financial or otherwise—unless you plan on charging it religiously. We'd recommend passing on that model and using some of the savings to get a higher-trim NX350h—specifically the Luxury trim.Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceHybrid Powertrains: 2.5-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, 241 hp combined (FWD NX350h), 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors, 241 hp combined (AWD NX350h), 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors, 322 hp combined (NX450h+)Transmission: continuously variable transmission (CVT)Drivetrains: front-wheel drive, all-wheel driveAdvertisementAdvertisementThe NX is offered as both a traditional-style hybrid (NX350h) and a plug-in hybrid (NX450h+). The NX350h comes with either front- or all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive models pair two electric motors with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder for a total system output of 241 horsepower. All-wheel drive adds another electric motor on the rear axle, but total output remains at 241 horsepower.The zippier NX450h+ plug-in (PHEV) uses the same four-cylinder gas engine but features more powerful electric motors. That combo results in a total output of 322 horsepower. This model comes with a larger battery pack and is claimed to offer about 40 miles of electric-only driving range.LexusTowing and Payload CapacityMax Towing: 2000 poundsTowing isn't the NX Hybrid's forte, although it can still pull a load of 2000 pounds or less when fitted with the optional Tow Prep Package.Range, Charging, and Battery LifeClaimed EV Range: 40 milesAdvertisementAdvertisementThe plug-in hybrid NX450h+ is said to offer up to 40 miles of electric-only driving range per charge, and it can be recharged at home or at a public DC fast charging station. The charging port is located on the driver's side front fender behind a power charge port door.Interior, Comfort, and CargoFirst Row: The NX hybrid's cabin is appealing and upscale, featuring a modern design and classy materials. The steering wheel and dashboard feature hidden controls that illuminate when you touch them. Ambient lighting is standard, and upscale models with the Mark Levinson stereo get special illuminated speaker grilles. Luxury and F Sport trims come with a mood-enhancing feature called Sensory Concierge. It utilizes fragrance, climate controls, and seat temperature controls to enhance driver relaxation or improve energy.Second Row: The NX hybrid offers one of the more spacious cabins in the luxury subcompact crossover segment, with enough passenger room in the rear seat to comfortably accommodate adults.Cargo Capacity: With the rear seats in their upright position, the NX offers 23 cubic feet of cargo space; fold the seats down, and that number jumps to 47 cubic feet. That's about average for the class, but both the Volvo XC40 and Acura ADX have a slight edge in overall cargo volume. C/D testers were able to fit 8 carry-on pieces of luggage with the second row in place and 20 with it folded.LexusInfotainment and ConnectivityInfotainment: 14.0-inch touchscreenConnectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoAudio System: 10-speaker audio system (standard), 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system (optional)AdvertisementAdvertisementAll NX models come with a 14.0-inch touchscreen display with an easy-to-use software interface. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both included and work wirelessly. A 12.3-inch digital gauge display is standard, and a head-up display is also available. A 10-speaker stereo system is standard; a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo system is optional.Safety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesLexus offers a host of standard driver-assistance features in the NX hybrid. Shoppers can expect to find automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control on all models.Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering featureFor information about the NX's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.Warranty and Maintenance CoverageLexus offers one of the more comprehensive protection packages in the segment. But while the Volvo XC40 and the BMW X1 come with three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, Lexus provides that benefit for only one year.AdvertisementAdvertisementLimited Warranty: four years or 50,000 milesPowertrain Warranty: six years or 70,000 milesHybrid Component Warranty: eight years or 100,000 milesComplimentary Maintenance: one year or 10,000 milesAs more information becomes available, we'll update this story with more details about:0–60-MPH TimesFuel Economy and Real-World MPGC/D Test Results and SpecsYou Might Also LikeGift Guide: Best Ride-On Electric Cars for KidsFuture Cars Worth Waiting For: 2025–2029