2027 Lexus NX First Look: The Compact Crossover Goes Fully Hybrid

• What's new: The 2027 Lexus NX goes fully electrified with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
• Why it matters: Lexus' second-best-selling SUV gets fresh new looks, more tech and a stiffer chassis.
• Edmunds says: We're curious if testing at Germany's Nürburgring will make this new NX a sportier driving partner.

All hybrid, all the time

The NX has been available with hybrid powertrain options for years, but for 2027, there aren't any non-hybrids on the ordering sheet. The hybrid NX will be called the NX 350h, and it will be offered with both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) and in Premium, Premium+, F Sport and Luxury trim levels. The plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ will come standard with AWD and in the same number of trim levels.

Lexus says final power and fuel mileage figures for the U.S. market will be released closer to the vehicle's on-sale date, but both the 350h and 450h+ models feature new battery technology with increased output and energy storage capacity, which could result in improved performance. Lexus estimates that the PHEV model will have more than 40 miles of EV range.

A new interior inspired by the ES sedan

The new NX also gets an interior refresh inspired by the latest ES sedan. A 14-inch touchscreen will handle infotainment duties while a 12.3-inch digital display directly in front of the driver is used as a virtual gauge cluster. The steering wheel has been made a little smaller, hinting at other changes Lexus made under the surface for improved performance.

Lexus optimized the 2027 NX's driving position, altering the location and adjustability of the steering wheel and pedals. The interior will be offered in five colors, including a Radiant Red hue that's exclusive to the F Sport model.

Buyers looking for a serene interior experience may appreciate the Sensory Concierge experience that's offered in Luxury and F Sport models and includes preset illumination, music, climate control, seat temperature, and fragrance across three modes dubbed Inspire, Radiance and Revitalize. The scent options include citrusy Shinmei, floral Seiyo, and "mysterious" Hanya fragrances. You know, if that's your thing.

The SUV's sportier side

A variable-ratio steering rack is standard on all 2027 NX models, which, coupled with a more rigid structure, powertrain updates that lower the SUV's center of gravity, and suspension tuning that was refined through laps on the famed Nürburgring racetrack (if you can believe it), ought to improve the luxury crossover's driving manners. Further, while the E-Four electronic all-wheel-drive system continues to use an electric motor at the rear, it's been tuned to enable continuous operation, even under typical straight-line driving situations.

The sporty NX F Sport trim level features unique bodywork with an edgier look outside along with a black instrument panel and contrast stitching inside. It gets its own 20-inch wheels and red brake calipers too. 

Standard safety tech

Every 2027 Lexus NX model will come standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0. Included in the safety suite, among other things, are pre-collision detection with automatic braking, emergency steering support, intersection turn assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert with steering assist. Other advanced driver aids such as lane change assist, rear pedestrian detection and front cross-traffic alert will be available. A drive recorder with an integrated dashcam is also on the options list.

Expect more details to flow out as we get closer to the 2027 NX's release date.