Lexus revealed the updated NX on 1 September 2026 with an all-new hybrid system, a bigger plug-in battery and DC fast charging. Global sales start late 2026.
The Lexus NX, one of the most popular premium SUVs on the planet, has been given a major update. Lexus held the world premiere of the new NX on 1 September 2026. It keeps the familiar shape but gets a new hybrid system, a stiffer body, a bigger battery for the plug-in model and a cleaner cabin. Lexus says it will go on sale around the world from the end of 2026.
Why the NX matters
The NX was the first compact crossover from Lexus when it arrived in 2014. By the end of July 2026, Lexus says it had sold about 1.9 million of them in more than 90 countries and regions.
What is new under the skin
The biggest change is the hybrid system, which Lexus describes as completely redesigned. It uses an e-Axle that combines the transaxle, electric motor and power control unit in one compact unit. The inverter now uses silicon carbide (SiC) chips, which waste less electricity. Lexus says this improves fuel economy while giving the car more punch.
Lexus lists four versions in its prototype specifications:
- NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid, 2.5-litre, AWD): 215–240 kW system output and 0–100 km/h in about 6.0 seconds.
- NX 350h (2.5-litre hybrid, AWD or FWD): 140–180 kW and 7.1–7.8 seconds.
- NX 300h (2.0-litre hybrid, FWD): 145 kW and 9.2 seconds.
All figures are provisional because the cars are still in development.
A plug-in that goes further
The plug-in NX 450h+ gets a newly developed lithium-ion battery. Lexus says it has 8% more output and up to 30% more capacity (the North American version gets a smaller gain). Its estimated electric-only range is more than 100 km on the European WLTP test and more than 140 km on Japan's WLTC test. For the first time it also supports DC fast charging, so it can charge much faster than before.
Sharper to drive
Lexus says floor stiffness is up by about 25% and the suspension towers are about 30% stiffer. There are new shock absorbers, a smaller 360 mm steering wheel and quicker steering. The E-Four all-wheel-drive system now drives the rear wheels more of the time, including in a straight line. The car was tuned at Toyota's Shimoyama test centre in Japan and at Germany's Nürburgring.
Looks and cabin
The new NX is 30 mm longer at 4,690 mm, while width, height and wheelbase are unchanged. It has a new mesh grille, black mirrors and trim instead of chrome, and Lexus's first “Double L” rear light signature. Inside, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14-inch touchscreen sit side by side. A new feature called Sensory Concierge links lighting, music, climate, seat heating and in-car fragrance into three moods.
Chief engineer Kunihiko Endo said in the release: “Rather than simply heading straight to your destination, you may find yourself wanting to take the long way around.”
What it means for buyers in Kenya
Lexus has only said that global sales start from the end of 2026, and it has not named Kenya or given prices. For importers, the new model is years away from the used market. The current NX, on sale since 2021, is the one to look at for now, and it is within Kenya's eight-year age limit for used imports. Duty depends on engine size and fuel type, so a 2.0-litre and a 2.5-litre NX fall into different bands. You can estimate the cost of a specific car with our import calculator.
Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation (Lexus)
Grok
