Lexus NX goes hybrid only for 2027
By William Fletcher MBE, Chief Executive Officer, New Reg Limited
Lexus has dropped the petrol-only NX entirely, leaving buyers with a choice between a standard hybrid and a revised plug-in hybrid for the 2027 model year.
Lexus has removed the conventional petrol engine from the NX range, meaning every version of the popular SUV sold from the 2027 model year onwards will carry some form of electrified powertrain, according to multiple reports.
The two remaining variants are the NX 350h, which pairs a petrol engine with a self-charging hybrid system, and the NX 450h+, the plug-in hybrid model. Both have received stronger hybrid systems for the new model year, and the 450h+ in particular gains a larger battery alongside support for faster charging, addressing one of the more common criticisms of the outgoing version.
Lexus has also simplified how the NX is sold, moving to a four-grade lineup that applies across both powertrains. Cabin technology has been upgraded at every level, so buyers at the entry point of the range benefit from improvements that were previously reserved for higher specifications.
For UK drivers, the practical effect is straightforward: anyone considering a new NX will no longer have the option of a fully conventional petrol model. The choice is between paying less and relying on regenerative braking to top up the battery, or paying more for the plug-in version and gaining the ability to cover shorter journeys on electric power alone. Neither route requires a fundamental change to how most drivers refuel or maintain a car, though plug-in hybrid owners will get the most from the NX 450h+ if they can charge at home or at work on a regular basis.