2026 Lexus NX Lineup Ditches Old Base Model for New, Pricier Hybrid
The entry-level 2026 Lexus NX is now a hybrid, while the PHEV gets cheaper, and the F Sport grade expands to the entire lineup.
The second-generation Lexus NX debuted for the 2022 model year, ushering in substantial updates for the compact luxury crossover. Since then, the NX has become a staple in that space, enjoying strong sales in a highly competitive segment. Lexus hasn’t bothered to give the NX any notable updates since then, however, save for a few minor tweaks with each passing model year. That’s also the case with the 2026 Lexus NX, which is being treated to a few tweaks that will undoubtedly be of interest to anyone in the market for a new compact luxury crossover.
The 2026 Lexus NX lineup will still consist of four grades – Standard, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport – but there is a bit of shuffling around within them. For starters, the Premium grade can now be paired with the NX 450+ plug-in hybrid powertrain, which consists of a gas 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors that deliver a combined output of 304 horsepower.
The idea here, according to Lexus, is to give customers a more affordable entry point to the partially-electric model – it starts out at $59,105, cheaper than the entry-level Luxury trim in 2025 at $62,415. Additionally, the NX 450+ now comes with a dual voltage charging cable, giving customers the ability to utilize both Level 1 and Level 2 charging capabilities.
As for the regular NX 350h hybrid, all models with that powertrain can now be spec’d with front-wheel-drive, in addition to the existing all-wheel-drive configuration. This drivetrain also utilizes the gas 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a pair of electric motors, which generate a combined 275 horsepower. This addition does come at the expense of the non-hybrid NX 250, however, which has been discontinued to make way for the new FWD NX 350h.
On the downside, that means it’s more expensive to get into a 2026 Lexus NX than a 2025, as the NX 250 started out at $42,140 last year, while the FWD NX 350h costs at least $46,120. As for the F Sport Handling package, it was previously only available in the NX 350 and NX 450+, but for 2026, it can be had on any model in the lineup, regardless of powertrain.
Other than these notable changes, the 2026 Lexus NX is gaining a new exterior paint color option for all models – Infrared – while Ultra White is also now available across the entire lineup, too. Otherwise, the NX charges into another model year unchanged.
Photos: Lexus
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