The Lexus NX, which has not undergone major transformations since its launch in June 2021, is close to receiving a significant renovation. After more than five years without substantial changes, the compact luxury SUV is expected to hit the US market for model years 2027 or 2028 with a series of innovations.
Expectations are that the vehicle will undergo a long-awaited facelift, aligning it with the brand’s and segment’s most recent trends.
Lexus NX 2027 should introduce changes to the exterior design
Lexus tends to take a more discreet approach to cosmetic revisions to its cars during mid-cycle updates, and the new NX appears to follow that line. However, prototypes being tested indicate that the company has planned visible external improvements for the SUV.
Design studies suggest the new Lexus NX will feature sharper headlamp graphics, a revised front grille with the signature spindle shape, triangular air intakes in the side bumpers and a sharper design for the splitter and fog lights.
In side profile, the vehicle appears to remain practically unchanged, with the only new feature expected in the US being the new 18 and 20 inch wheels. At the rear, Lexus can adjust the graphics of the lights and redesign the lower part of the bumper of the second generation of the NX, seeking to harmonize with the frontal changes.
What changes inside the new Lexus NX
Major transformations are planned for the interior of the Lexus NX 2027/28. Snapshot images show that Lexus redesigned the NX’s dashboard to present a sleeker and more elegant look.
Still in the cabin, the manufacturer appears to have replaced the 14-inch infotainment screen, which had a curved frame and integrated volume buttons, with a 14-inch unit with a more symmetrical, tablet-style design, similar to the one seen in the new ES.
The facelifted NX is likely to also incorporate the new air conditioning control panel, possibly with capacitive touch buttons. Improvements in material quality and new surface finishes are also realistic expectations.
Furthermore, NX needs to improve its technological capabilities. It wouldn’t be a surprise to find in the updated compact luxury crossover a new wireless smartphone charger with increased power and cooling, high-output USB-C ports, and front seats with massage function.
Performance and autonomy improvements in hybrid versions
The upcoming Lexus NX will offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, with upgrades expected directly from Toyota’s 2026 RAV4 that will bring significant benefits to the model.
The hybrid version must incorporate Lexus’ fifth-generation 2.5-liter hybrid system, the same used in the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid. This system includes an integrated eAxle that combines the power control unit and transaxle, optimizing space, weight and efficiency.
Power output should remain around 240 horsepower, surpassing the RAV4 Hybrid AWD’s 236 horsepower. Fuel economy, which currently stands at around 16.5 km/l (39 mpg) combined, could rise to the 17 to 19 km/l (low-to-mid 40s) range.
The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system is also up for renewal, based on Toyota’s sixth-generation plug-in hybrid powertrain. It will be built around a 2.5-liter engine with more compact components.
While the current unit produces 304 horsepower, the new one can increase power to 325 horsepower. Another big advance for the PHEV will be a larger 22.7 kWh battery, replacing the current 18.1 kWh. This change could increase the EPA-estimated electric range from 37 miles (about 59.5 km) to approximately 45 miles (about 72.4 km), allowing most daily trips to be made without using the gasoline engine.
The new 22.7 kWh battery can also support DC charging of up to 50 kW. However, as with the 2026 RAV4 PHEV, this functionality may be restricted to higher trim versions rather than being standard across the entire lineup. Charging the new battery from 10% to 80% can take as little as 30 minutes.
Price forecast and launch date of the SUV
Lexus has not yet released official details, but the company is expected to start talking about the updated model later this year. When the vehicle arrives at dealerships, prices for the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are expected to start at around $48,000 and just over $60,000, respectively.
