There’s Good News And Bad News For The 2026 Lexus NX
The entry-level NX 250 has been axed, resulting in a $3,860 price hike
- Lexus has introduced the 2026 NX, which drops the entry-level 250 variant.
- The NX 350h offers a new front-wheel drive model that returns 40 mpg.
- The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid gains a Premium trim that’ll save you thousands.
The second-generation Lexus NX is approaching middle age and ushering in a surprising number of updates. While a facelift isn’t in the cards for 2026, buyers will find revised powertrain combinations and a cheaper plug-in hybrid.
One of the most significant additions is a new entry-level Premium trim for the NX 450h+. It’s priced at $59,105, which makes it $3,930 less than the existing Luxury version.
Driven: The Lexus NX Embraces Luxury, Tech And Plug-In Hybrid Power
Despite the cost savings, the NX 450h+ Premium comes nicely equipped with heated and ventilated front seats as well as a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel with power adjustment. Buyers will also find a digital rearview mirror, a moonroof, a ten-speaker audio system, and a 14-inch infotainment system.
Last but not least, all NX 450h+ crossovers now come with dual charging cables. This enables owners to use both Level 1 and Level 2 connections.
Expanding Hybrid Options
The other big change is the addition of an NX 350h with front-wheel drive. It features a hybridized 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces a combined output of 240 hp (179 kW / 243 PS).
This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 8.2 seconds and return 40 mpg combined. To put those numbers into perspective, the all-wheel drive NX 350h hits 60 mph (96 km/h) in 7.2 seconds and only gets 1 mpg less.
On the bright side, the front-wheel drive NX 350h starts at $45,470. That’s a considerable savings over the all-wheel drive variant, which begins at $47,020.
Additional changes are limited, but hybrid models now offer the F Sport Handling trim. Buyers will also find a new Infrared paint job as well as expanded availability of Ultra White.
The Base Model Has Been Eliminated
Pricing starts at $46,120, which includes a $1,295 destination fee. That’s a huge jump as the entry-level NX 250 has apparently been discontinued and it began at $42,260.
With that change, the NX 350 now sits at the bottom of the lineup and has a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine developing 275 hp (202 kW / 279 PS) and 317 lb-ft (430 Nm) of torque. It’s paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the model to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 6.6 seconds and return 24 mpg combined.
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