2026 Lexus NX

The NX is a smart pick in a segment full of flashier options. It’s relatively affordable to own, treats its passengers well without going over the top, and carries the Lexus reputation for dependability. Add in a dealer network known for making ownership painless, and the NX makes a compelling case.

Our owner reviews frequently show praise for the NX, often from repeat buyers. Lexus as a brand has also earned our Most Trusted Luxury Brand award multiple times. If you’re shopping for a compact luxury SUV, the NX deserves a serious look. You might just join the Lexus faithful.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours behind the wheel of this generation of compact luxury SUVs, including the Lexus NX.

The NX lineup drops the NX 250, making the NX 350 the new entry point. The NX 350h hybrid also now offers a front-wheel-drive (FWD) option, getting an estimated 40 mpg combined. A new Premium trim joins the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid range, lowering the cost of entry for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) buyers. The F SPORT Handling package is now available across all powertrains, and new colors, such as Infrared and expanded Ultra White, add more visual flair. All NX 450h+ models now include dual charging cables for Level 1 and Level 2 charging.

Although the exit of the base model means the NX now starts a few thousand dollars higher than last year’s model, it’s still up against competitors in the low-to-mid-$40,000s range like the Cadillac XT4, Infiniti QX50, and Lincoln Corsair. The Acura RDX, Audi Q5, and Genesis GV70 start closer to the mid-$40,000s. If your budget stretches into the high $40,000s, you’ll find the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Volvo XC60.

Before buying an NX, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Lexus NX resale value is best-in-class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The NX is calm and composed, a welcome refuge from traffic chaos. If we were looking for a luxury compact SUV for long trips and stress-free commutes, the NX would be on our shortlist. We’d still like a bit more sound insulation, though.

The NX 350 and NX 350h are the most popular grade choices. The hybrid (NX 350h) makes 240 horsepower, while the NX 350 delivers 275 hp. For reference, the Genesis GV70 2.5T has 300 hp. The NX 350 hits 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, while the NX 350h takes 7.2. Neither is thrilling, but both feel quick enough in real-world driving.

The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid is the powerhouse of the lineup, with 302 hp and the ability to cover most daily errands on electricity alone. If you live in hilly terrain, you’ll appreciate the extra muscle, and you won’t miss the discontinued NX 250’s modest 203 hp. The NX 450h+ does the zero-to-60-mph dash in 6.0 seconds, according to Lexus.

Fuel Economy

The NX 350 returns a manufacturer-estimated 24 mpg combined, solid for the class. The NX 350h hybrid impresses with a combined fuel economy of 40 mpg. The NX 450h+ PHEV offers 37 miles of electric-only range and 36 mpg combined once the battery depletes. Keep it charged overnight or at work, and you’ll run on electricity most of the time.

Inside, the NX sticks to what Lexus is best known for: quality materials, solid assembly, and plenty of standard features. The SUV format brings a higher driving position, and the front seats are especially comfortable. Storage is generous, and while rear legroom (36.1 inches) isn’t class-leading, it’s adequate. The Genesis GV70 offers about an inch more.

Cargo space is 22.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.9 cubic feet with them folded — and that’s true even for the NX 450h+ PHEV. Some rivals, like the GV70, offer more room, but the NX makes good use of its space.

This generation of NX has been around since 2022, and its bold grille remains a Lexus signature. Love it or hate it, you’ve seen it before. Overall, Lexus plays it safe here in terms of incremental updates, but the NX still looks sharp.

Infotainment system
Easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Wi-Fi, Amazon Music, and a natural-voice digital assistant. A 9.8-inch touchscreen is standard; a 14-inch upgrade is available.

Heated front seats
Standard across the NX lineup, these are a very welcome feature on cold mornings.

All-wheel drive 
Providing added confidence in slippery conditions, all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on all models except the NX 350h FWD. The newly available front-drive model expands affordability while preserving options for the rest of the lineup.

Advanced Park
This optional feature makes light work of parallel and perpendicular parking.

Mark Levinson audio
This optional 17-speaker, 1,800-watt system turns the NX into a rolling concert hall.

Digital rearview mirror
Another optional feature we think is worth it for the clear, wide-angle view behind, free of obstructions.

The previous base model, the NX 250, is gone for 2026, leaving the NX 350 as the entry point. The NX 350 packs a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic. It’s the sweet spot for most buyers, delivering solid punch without punishing fuel economy.

The NX 350h hybrid combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with electric motors that net 240 hp and stellar efficiency. Lexus says it gets up to 40 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive form. All-wheel drive is available for those who face slippery conditions, and the hybrid’s smooth, quiet character makes it a natural fit for city and suburban life.

At the top of the NX lineup, the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid brings 302 hp and an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric-only range. Keep it charged, and you’ll cover most daily driving without burning a drop of gas. Not every rival offers a hybrid, and even fewer have a PHEV option.

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

Lexus backs the NX with a 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty and a 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty. Hybrid components and batteries are covered for eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The first scheduled service is complimentary, valid for up to one year or 10,000 miles.

Safety

The Lexus NX earned top marks for safety, including an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, for the 2025 model year. While 2026 crash test results haven’t been released, we expect similar results. Every NX comes with a robust suite of standard driver-assist features: forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and intersection assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure alert with steering assist, and lane-tracing assist to help keep you centered.