The Lexus NX may not be the brand's best-seller outright, but the right-sized cute-ute isn't far off its big brother who perennially hogs the top spot. To that end, Lexus is keeping the 2027 NX fresh with a revamped powertrain strategy, improved road manners, and for better or worse, a new look inside and out.
Headlining the updates to the 2027 NX is a revamped powertrain lineup. Mirroring the closely related RAV4, Lexus axed the non-hybrid NX 350, effectively now making the NX 350h the entry point to the lineup. A 2.5-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder engine still makes up the gas end; on the electric end, Lexus says the new e-Axle assembly incorporating the transmission, electric motor, and power control unit is more compact and lighter than the previous setup.
The 2027 NX also now uses silicone carbide semiconductors in its inverter, translating to better efficiency. Lexus has yet to detail full powertrain specs and ratings, such as fuel economy and range, but the NX 350h now puts out 241 net horsepower — an improvement by one singly pony.
The 2027 NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid builds on those upgrades with a new lithium-ion battery pack. Lexus says they've improved battery output by 8 per cent, capacity by 30 per cent, and it's now capable of DC fast-charging. Power is rated at 332 hp — a more substantial increase — and Lexus quotes an initial range estimate of 64 kilometres. Oh, and it's now capable of DC fast-charging.
Beyond the powertrain, Lexus says they've put in work to improve the 2027 NX's road manners. By rotating the NX PHEV's battery pack to a transverse layout, Lexus says they've improved its lateral rigidity and lowered the centre of gravity. That coincides with a long list of additional tweaks and upgrades making the 2027 NX more compliant and responsive. Highlights include extra underbody bracing, reinforced mounting points, a redesigned variable-steering rack, and revised dampers for NXes without adaptive suspension.
Software-defined tweaks include revised variable power steering ratios, a new gizmo that subtly applies the brakes under hard cornering — but not hard enough for stability control to kick in — along with retuning the battery to kick in more juice under hard acceleration for more linear power delivery and less noise, and the ECU for even smoother transitions between gas and electric.
Visually, the 2027 NX isn't much of a departure compared to the outgoing model from the side, but new front and rear fascias freshen up the look considerably. Up front, Lexus' spindle grille remains, connected to the headlights which now feature a split daytime running light treatment. Around the back, Lexus subtly tweaked the rear bumper diffusor and a new lightbar incorporating the tail lights and a light-up L-E-X-U-S wordmark.
Inside, that L-E-X-U-S wordmark appears on the new steering wheel seemingly lifted directly out of the new ES. It ties in with a new dash layout featuring a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a new 14-inch touchscreen standard across all trim levels. For better or worse, Lexus swapped out most of the physical switchgear with haptic-feedback controls.
Rounding out the updates are new exterior and interior colours, a new Sensory Concierge feature on upper-trim Luxury and F-Sport trims that use interior illumination, soundscapes, climate control and even fragrances, and Lexus' latest Safety System 4.0+ suite of active driver and safety assists.
Lexus says production for the 2027 NX 350h will remain at their Cambridge, Ontario plant alongside the RX and RAV4, while the NX 450h+ PHEV will be built in Japan. Expect to see the first 2027s in dealers this fall.