What's New for 2015

Introduction

Lexus affiliates around the globe have called on the Japan mother ship to fill a growing need in the brand's lineup: a compact crossover, like those offered or planned by its premium-badge rivals, designed to court young buyers seeking a small, active-lifestyle craft with a measure of indulgence. The corporate lords will respond with the 2015 Lexus NX 300h.

The small hybrid SUV will slot in under the RX model, a mainstay of the Lexus line. It will likely use the same platform as the Toyota RAV, but the chassis underneath the current CT 200h hatchback might also work, a theory given minor credibility by spy shots showing the NX 300h wearing CT 200h sheet metal.

The NX 300h's powertrain is more of a mystery. Following the logic of the Lexus ES 300h sedan, the new NX hybrid could get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder paired with an electric motor, a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. The NX 300h could also use a variant of Toyota's new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that the automaker intends to spread throughout its Toyota and Lexus lineups, including the crossover hybrid's gasoline counterpart, the NX 200t.

The Lexus NX 300h will likely follow the debut of the NX 200t, and not arrive at dealers until early 2015, making Lexus a late arrival to a party that should by then be in proper form with the currently available BMW X1 and forthcoming crossovers like the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class. None of those automakers, however, have announced hybrid versions of their compact crossovers, promising Lexus a slight edge in an increasingly crowded space.

Check back for more on the 2015 NX 300h, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.