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Back to Podcast Episodes2026 Lexus NX Lineup Shifts Heavily Toward Hybrids
The non-hybrid NX 250 has been discontinued
Lexus has released pricing and updates for one of its most important models, the NX. Competing against other compact crossovers like the Acura RDX and BMW X3, the NX has always been more focused on the “luxury” part of the luxury crossover segment. It’s stylish, refined, and sophisticated, but not necessarily the quickest or most practical.
For the 2026 model year, Lexus has managed to reduce the price of both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the NX by adding new derivatives, but the non-hybrid range is a lot smaller and pricier. More than ever, the 2026 NX shows that Toyota/Lexus is investing more heavily in hybrids.
Related: 2026 Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid Just Got Cheaper—How It Compares To BMW Rival
New Hybrid Variants Lower Starting Price
Lexus
Recognizing the popularity of the NX Hybrid and NX Plug-In Hybrid—sales of both have increased significantly in 2025—Lexus has devised a way to lower the entry point for both.
The NX 350h now comes with front-wheel drive, which starts at $45,470 including a destination and handling charge of $1,295. The 2025 model was only available with all-wheel drive, so it started at $46,300. The FWD 350h has the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor, making 240 horsepower combined. Its 0-60 time is 8.2 seconds, a little slower than the AWD model’s 7.2-second run.
However, the new FWD 350h is a bit more efficient, getting 40 mpg combined to the AWD 350h’s 39 mpg.
The 450h+ plug-in hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter four-pot with electric motors too, but can get to 60 in six seconds and has a 84 MPGe combined rating. It can also be driven for 37 miles on electric power alone. This variant sticks with AWD only, but it has a new base Premium trim that starts at $59,105. For 2025, you would have had to pay at least $62,415 for an NX 450h+.
The new 450h+ Premium is still well-equipped, but loses out on features like triple-beam LED headlights, open-pore wood trim, and available second-row heated seats that you’ll find on the next trim up, the Luxury.
All PHEVs now come with dual voltage charging cables, for both Level 1 and 2 charging.
Non-Hybrid Models Are Pricier, Though
Lexus
Lexus has discontinued the base NX 250, which had a 203-hp engine. This variant started at $41,990 for 2025, and because it’s been discontinued, the normal NX is now more expensive.
Here’s a complete summary of NX pricing for 2026,
Published on 1 day, 19 hours ago