Introduced in June 2021, the second-gen Lexus NX has remained largely unchanged for over five years. Its long-overdue facelift finally appears to be moving closer, with the updated SUV expected to go on sale in the U.S. for the 2027 or 2028 model year.
Here’s everything we observe and our general expectations from the revised Lexus NX.
Design
Lexus is one of those brands that don’t heavily revise the exterior of its cars with their mid-cycle refreshes, and it appears to have followed the norm for the second-gen NX as well. That said, test prototypes clearly suggest that the company has planned clear exterior enhancements for the compact luxury SUV.
As shown in our exclusive renderings, the new Lexus NX is set to feature sharper headlamp graphics, a revised spindle grille, triangular side bumper vents, sharper splitter and fog lamp design.
The side profile looks virtually unchanged, with new 18- and 20-inch wheels expected as the only revision offered in the U.S. At the rear, Lexus could tweak the tail lamp graphics and redesign the lower bumper of the second-gen NX with the MY2027/28 update, to align it with the adjustments in the front.
Interior
The 2027/28 Lexus NX will have major changes on the inside. Spy shots suggest that Lexus has redesigned the dashboard of the NX to look slimmer and more elegant.
The company also seems to have replaced the 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring a curvy housing and integrated volume dials with a more symmetrically designed, tablet-style 14-inch unit similar to the one seen in the all-new ES.
We may also see the restyled NX with the new climate control panel as well, possibly with capacitive touch buttons. New trim surfaces and an improvement in the quality of materials don’t feel like unrealistic expectations.
Additionally, the NX needs to level up on features. We would not be surprised to find a new wireless smartphone charger with a higher output and cooling, higher-output USB Type-C ports, and massaging front seats in the updated compact lux crossover.
Specifications
The incoming Lexus NX will offer both hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, but we’re expecting upgrades that debuted in the 2026 RAV4 to benefit the incoming model.
New NX Hybrid
The hybrid variant should feature Lexus’s fifth-generation 2.5-liter hybrid system, the same generation used in the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid, with an integrated eAxle that combines the power control unit and transaxle, saving both space and weight and improving efficiency.
The power output may continue being around 240 hp, already ahead of the RAV4 Hybrid’s own 236-hp AWD tune, while the EPA-estimated fuel economy could climb from today’s 39 mpg combined into the low-to-mid 40s.
New NX Plug-in Hybrid
The PHEV system may also be new, based on Toyota’s sixth-generation plug-in hybrid powertrain and similarly built around a 2.5-liter engine with more compact components.
While the current unit produces 304 hp, the new one may step it up to 325 hp. Another major upgrade for the PHEV should be a larger, 22.7 kWh battery pack instead of the currently used 18.1 kWh unit. This can increase the EPA-estimated electric range from 37 miles to around 45 miles, meaning most everyday trips can be completed without the gas engine kicking in.
The new 22.7 kWh unit may support DC charging, at up to 50 kW, though, as on the 2026 RAV4 PHEV, this could be limited to higher trims rather than standard across the lineup. Charging the new battery pack from 10% to 80% may take as little as 30 minutes.
Price & Release Date
Lexus has not confirmed the details, but we expect the company to talk about the refreshed model sometime later this year. When it eventually arrives at dealers, prices of the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants should start at around USD 48,000 and a little over USD 60,000, respectively.
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s exclusive illustration of the new NX Hybrid
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
