The Lexus NX is one of the most popular small luxury SUVs on the market because it's affordable, refined and efficient. Toyota's luxury division is taking its efficiency up a notch for the 2027 model year by completely discarding its gas powertrain.
Lexus' NX will follow in the footsteps of several Toyota relatives and become a standard hybrid. Here's what drivers need to know about the 2027 Lexus NX and its new standard powertrain setup.
The 2027 Lexus NX is a standard hybrid
The 2027 Lexus NX isn't a redesign, but it's a mid-cycle refresh that's completely changing the SUV's fuel economy for the better. It will be a standard hybrid. Lexus is also continuing to offer a plug-in hybrid NX configuration for the 2027 model year.
Lexus' NX will join the Toyota RAV4, Sienna, Sequoia, Camry
and more as a standard hybrid model. Toyota and its luxury division is electrifying its portfolio of vehicles because many drivers see the value in hybrid and electric powertrains. Vehicles that rely on both internal combustion and electrical energy can travel further on less gas.
A power boost is a typical happy byproduct of hybrid powertrain setups. The NX's base price may not increase by much, since its former gas iteration was actually more expensive than the 2026 NX Hybrid due to standard all-wheel drive on all gas models.
What else is new with the 2027 Lexus NX?
The Lexus NX's interior is getting a major upgrade for the 2027 model year. Every NX will come standard with a 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system display, says the company's press release. Plug-in hybrid versions of the NX will come with standard DC fast charging, making it quicker and easier to replenish their fully electric driving range (over 40 miles).
Lexus' NX PHEV also gets a power bump for the 2027 model year, jumping to 322 horsepower, which is impressive for its size. The small luxury SUV will have a redesigned front fascia, a quieter cabin and a redesigned dashboard layout.
Lexus says the new 2027 NX will arrive in winter 2026.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The new 2027 Lexus NX ditches gas powertrain for hybrid setup
