2026 Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid

The Lexus NX has always had the unenviable task of being the middle child in Lexus' lineup of SUVs. It's bigger and more expensive than the UX while not quite as large, feature-laden or comfortable as the brand's venerable RX. A major overhaul in 2022 brought modern design and trimmings, along with not one but two fuel-saving hybrid powertrain options. We wouldn't be surprised if Lexus gives the 2026 NX a mild update. If that happens, you can likely expect to see some touch-ups to the styling, some new features, and maybe a reworking of some interior controls for a more intuitive layout. But beyond that, the NX will likely be the same as it ever was.

Even though the NX occupies a tight spot in the Lexus lineup, it's probably the right-size SUV for you these days. The RX has gotten quite large over the years, but the NX is ideal for city dwellers and smaller families. It offers similar luxuries to the RX, the same top-notch build quality you'd expect of a Lexus, and the sporty handling you'd expect of a smaller, lighter car. Not only that, but the NX is also almost $10,000 cheaper than the RX. That's certainly something worth thinking about.

There are a lot of choices for a small luxury SUV. Those who want something sporty and even less conventionally styled can look to the BMW X3 — it was recently redesigned from the ground up with BMW's latest tech and powertrains. The Mercedes-Benz GLC remains a solid yet more expensive option as well. If you want something that packs in a ton of features for a similar price, the Acura RDX and Genesis GV70 are well worth taking a look at.

[Editor's note: The following unofficial information is based on last year's NX. We expect the 2026 model will have a similar lineup and we'll update this section once we have complete information.] The Lexus NX is a compact luxury SUV that is offered in four main versions: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h and NX 450h+. This lineup can seem a little confusing at first, but in most cases, the only difference is the engine. The NX 250 is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four making 203 horsepower. It is the only NX available with front-wheel drive; the rest are exclusively all-wheel-drive. The NX 350 employs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that generates 275 horsepower. Despite having a similar model designation, the NX 350h uses a version of the same 2.5-liter engine from the 250, but here it gets hybrid assistance and a total system output of 240 horsepower. In the NX 450h+, the 2.5-liter is joined by more powerful electric motors and a larger battery pack enabling 304 hp and an EPA-estimated 37 miles of electric range. The non-hybrid NXs use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hybrid models have a continuously variable transmission (CVT).