Lexus unveiled the redesigned NX in a world premiere on September 1, with global market rollout scheduled to begin at the end of 2026. First introduced in 2014 as Lexus’ debut compact crossover SUV, the NX has sold approximately 1.9 million units across more than 90 countries and regions as of the end of July 2026, making it a core model in the brand’s global SUV lineup.
Related: The Lexus TZ is a three-row electric SUV
Development of the new NX was guided by the theme “DISCOVER YOUR EDGE,” part of the brand message “DISCOVER―Imitate No One” that Lexus introduced at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. Chief Engineer Kunihiko Endo said the goal was to keep the NX exciting and inspiring: “We developed the NX with the desire to create a vehicle that, from the moment you get in and start driving, makes you feel as though your world and possibilities are beginning to expand. Rather than simply heading straight to your destination, you may find yourself wanting to take the long way around. What kind of vehicle could inspire that feeling? We approached development with that question constantly in mind.” Endo added: “DISCOVER YOUR EDGE―rather than playing it safe and settling for ‘good enough,’ it means challenging yourself to explore new possibilities. With that vision in mind, we created a simple, clean cockpit, sporty driving performance further refined through electrification, greater charging flexibility, and a comfortable cabin where occupants can select lighting and fragrances to suit their mood. While staying true to the NX’s distinctive balance of sportiness and utility, we have evolved it into a model that unlocks new possibilities for each driver and brings new experiences and excitement to their lives. We hope you will look forward to the new NX becoming the perfect companion for every journey.”
Dimensions and powertrains
Three grades were shown in prototype form: the 450h+ plug-in hybrid, the 350h hybrid, and the 300h hybrid. Overall length grew from 30 mm to 4,690 mm, while width (1,865mm), height (1,660 mm), and wheelbase (2,690 mm) remained unchanged. Curb weight ranges from 2,050-2,130 kg for the 450h+ AWD to 1,690-1,750 kg for the 300h FWD, depending on region.
Engine options are a 2.5-liter inline-4 for the 450h+ and 350h, and a 2.0-liter inline-4 for the 300h, paired with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. System output ranges from 215-240kW on the 450h+ to 140-180kW on the 350h and 145kW on the 300h. The 450h+ accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6 seconds, versus 7.1-7.8 seconds for the 350h and 9.2 seconds for the 300h. EV-only range for the plug-in hybrid is rated at more than 40 miles under EPA testing in North America, more than 100km under WLTP in Europe, and more than 140km under WLTC in Japan. All figures are tentative and may vary by region, as the vehicles remain under development.
Powertrain and chassis changes
Lexus redesigned the hybrid system around an e-Axle that integrates the transaxle, motor, and power control unit into a single, lighter, more compact package with a lower center of gravity. Low-electrical-loss silicon carbide power semiconductors in the inverter improve drivetrain efficiency and fuel economy while enabling higher output.
A newly developed lithium-ion battery for the 450h+ increases output by 8% and capacity by 30% (8% for North America), extending EV range. The battery supports DC fast charging to cut charging time and adds a power-operated charging lid. Its cell layout was changed from longitudinal to transverse, increasing lateral body rigidity and lowering the battery’s mounting position, which Lexus said improves handling and stability.
Body rigidity was reinforced at the front and rear ends, with a new floor cross member and tunnel ridge reinforcement raising floor rigidity by approximately 25%. Redesigned suspension towers with integrated structural components improve rigidity by approximately 30%. Lexus said these changes sharpen handling while also improving ride comfort and reducing road noise. A redesigned engine block and additional reinforcement between the engine and transaxle shift resonance frequencies away from combustion noise, and improved ECU control reduces vibration when the engine restarts from EV mode.
Chassis tuning included new shock absorbers with ultra-low-speed valves (on vehicles without the Adaptive Variable Suspension System) for more responsive damping, with testing conducted at Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama and Germany’s Nürburgring. Steering wheel diameter was reduced by 10mm to 360mm, and a Variable Rack Gear with a more responsive steering ratio was added across all grades. Lexus also revised accelerator pedal friction for more linear response, and updated battery power management to reduce excessive engine speed during acceleration.
The E-Four all-wheel-drive system now applies continuous rear motor control in straight-line driving, not only during launch, wheel slip, or cornering, which Lexus said improves stability on low-traction surfaces such as snow. A new brake control system applies light braking during cornering to stabilize yaw and roll in response to sudden maneuvers. Seat and steering wheel position were adjusted based on big data analysis of ideal driving posture, and aerodynamic changes to the side grille ducts and wheel housing fins were made to reduce rear-end lift at speed.
Exterior and interior
The exterior design carries forward the “VITAL TECH” theme with a wider, lower stance and functional elements, such as headlamps and cornering lamps, integrated into the grille. Mirrors and moldings switch from chrome to black accents. Headlamps combine turn signals and daytime running lights into a dual-line signature, while the rear features Lexus’ first “Double L Signature” combination lamps. Nine exterior colors are offered, including two new options: Sonic Tellus, an ash tone, and Titanium Carbide Gray, exclusive to F Sport grades.
Inside, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 14-inch center display are aligned horizontally to reduce eye movement while driving. A redesigned steering wheel adds Responsive Hidden Switches with translucent panels. Ambient lighting runs from the instrument panel to the door trim, reinforcing the horizontal layout. Vehicles equipped with the Mark Levinson audio system get perforated metal speaker grilles with illuminated rings around the door speakers. Five interior colors are available, including two new options: Ababaros [sic — name unclear in source material, flagged below] and the F Sport-exclusive Prominence, described as more vivid than Flare Red.
F Sport models add exclusive front under spoilers, side pontoons and rear corner devices, along with piano black trim on the roof rails, roof spoiler and rocker panels, 20-inch aluminum wheels and red brake calipers. Interior treatment for F Sport includes an all-black instrument panel and contrast stitching.
Sensory Concierge and fragrance system
Lexus introduced a “Sensory Concierge” feature that coordinates lighting, music, climate control, seat temperature, and fragrance across three modes: Inspire, for a sense of exhilaration; Radiance, to support focus; and Revitalize, for relaxation. A separate fragrance system offers five scents dispensed from a generator in the glove box, with up to three cartridges installed at a time, and releases scent through a vent near the instrument panel. Each fragrance can also be paired with matching visuals, music, and lighting. The press materials list five fragrance names in Japanese with English descriptions, but the pairing between each name and its description is unclear in the source document — flagged below for verification before publishing.
Safety systems
The new NX adopts an updated Lexus Safety System+ with wider detection range and field of view. Radar Cruise Control now begins decelerating earlier when a lead vehicle slows or another vehicle cuts in, and gains a new Eco Drive Mode plus map-linked deceleration support for stop signs, T-intersections, roundabouts, toll booths, and curves. Lane Change Assist timing and activation were refined, and the operating speed range was expanded. The Pre-Collision System’s warning and automatic braking now cover a wider speed range for intersection cross-traffic scenarios. The Driver Monitor covers more scenarios for detecting drowsiness. The Driver Emergency Response System gained a feature that brings the vehicle to a stop on the shoulder when triggered on highways. The Adaptive High-beam System offers more precise beam control, and the Blind Spot Monitor now detects bicycles and motorcycles. The Panoramic View Monitor adds a 3D View with swipe controls for checking blind spots. Lane Tracing Assist and the Driver Emergency Response System can now operate while towing, and Blind Spot Monitor coverage extends to the area around a trailer.
As for availability, the redesigned Lexus NX will be made available to multiple markets throughout the year and early next year.
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