Next-gen Canadian-made Lexus NX gets new looks, hybrid-only powertrains

The 2027 Lexus NX will be available with self-charging and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The hybrids are made in Canada; the PHEVs in Japan.

2027 Lexus NX350h front and side — *The next-generation Lexus NX gets an updated design. – Lexus Canada photo*

The next-generation Lexus NX compact luxury SUV is doing what the company’s mainstream compact SUV, the Toyota RAV4, is doing. It will only be offered with electrified powertrains.

Lexus revealed the all-new NX, which is launching for the 2027 model year. It will be available with a standard self-charging hybrid powertrain as well as a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

And just like with the RAV4, the Lexus NX models with the hybrid powertrain will be assembled in Canada for our market, while the plug-in hybrids will be made in Japan.

The Canadian-made models will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. in Cambridge, Ont.

2027 Lexus NX 350h rear and side — *The 2027 Lexus NX design is new but familiar to the brand. – Lexus Canada photo*

New design

The new design of the NX is familiar to the Lexus brand and similar to the outgoing generation of the NX. The looks are based on the company’s “Vital Tech” design theme.

The headlights with integrated turn signals are integrated into the grille, while daytime running lights create a dual-line lighting look.

Lexus said the mesh grille improves aerodynamics and cooling performance.

There are black accents on the outside, such as on the mirrors and moldings.

The rear gets double L-shaped lights and an illuminated Lexus logo.

There are nine colours to choose from, including a pair of new hues: Shaded Ivy and Incognito. Incognito is only available for F Sport grades.

2027 Lexus NX 350h cabin front — *The updated Lexus NX interior has hidden buttons. – Lexus Canada photo*

Updated interior

The compact SUV gets a 12.3-inch digital driver gauge and a 14-inch multimedia and navigation centre touchscreen, and a new steering wheel.

Instead of physical keys, the NX gets “responsive hidden switches,” which are buttons within translucent surface panels.

Vehicles equipped with an available Mark Levinson audio system get perforated metal speaker grilles, and a circular illuminated ring surrounds the door speakers.

The interior is available in five colours, including a pair of new ones: Abalos and Radiant Red, the latter of which is only available on F Sport models.

An available Sensory Concierge on select grades personalizes the cabin through a combination of lighting, sound and fragrance options.

2027 Lexus NX 350h front end — *The 2027 Lexus NX gets the automaker’s latest hybrid drivetrain technology. – Lexus Canada photo*

Powertrains

Lexus’ latest hybrid technology makes its way into the NX, available as the hybrid NX350h and plug-in hybrid NX450h+.

The latest SUV features an e-Axle assembly integrating the transaxle, motor and power control unit, resulting in a compact, lightweight package. Lexus said this helps lower the vehicle’s centre of gravity.

Electronics and the use of silicon carbide power semiconductors in the inverter help improve efficiency as well.

The plug-in hybrid gets a newly developed lithium-ion battery that is said to increase energy output by eight per cent and increase capacity by 30 per cent. PHEV models also come standard with DC fast-charging capability.

Lexus said select PHEV grades will get up to 64 kilometres of electric-only range.

2027 Lexus NX 350h front seats — *There are five interior colours to choose from. – Lexus Canada photo*

F Sport gets more sporty

Lexus NX F Sport models get new front under spoilers, side pontoons and rear corner devices for a more dynamic ride, the automaker said.

F Sport models also get piano black finishes on the roof side rails, roof spoiler and rocker panels for a sportier appearance.

They also ride on lightweight, highly rigid 20-inch aluminum wheels and have red brake calipers.

The interior gets an all-black instrument panel.

2027 Lexus NX 350h rear seats — *The interior can be personalized through various lighting, sound and fragrance features. – Lexus Canada photo*

Updated safety technology

The latest NX gets the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, the automaker’s latest suite of advanced safety features.

Features of the system include:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist
Intersection Turn Assist
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Lane Tracing Assist
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Road Sign Assist
Automatic High Beams
Proactive Driving Assist
Lexus Interface with 14-inch touchscreen display
Drive Recorder
Digital Key
Safety Connect
Service Connect
Remote Connect
Intelligent Assistant
Destination Assistant
Cloud Navigation
Traffic Jam Assist
Lane Change Assist
Rear Pedestrian Detection
Front Cross-Traffic Alert

2027 Lexus NX trunk — *The Lexus NX is a compact SUV with a roomy interior. – Lexus Canada photo*

Canadian availability

The 2027 Lexus NX will be available in three grades in Canada, available with either the hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain.

All-wheel drive is standard across the board.

Pricing will be announced closer to when the vehicle goes on sale.

For updates, visit the Lexus Canada website.