2027 Lexus NX Spied as It Might Be Losing Its Gas Engine

Not many models are more important for Lexus in the U.S. than the NX crossover. In the first quarter of 2026, Lexus sold 13,219 of them, behind only the larger RX. With that in mind, news of an upgraded NX will always get the attention of fans of the brand. The 2027 model has been captured in new spy shots—at the Nürburgring, of all places. No, this doesn’t mean we’re getting a high-performance, corner-carving “F” variant of the NX; the company was also seen testing a new three-row electric crossover called the TZ at the famous circuit. It’s the updated NX that’s expected to sell in higher numbers, though.

2027 Lexus NX Design Updates

The 2027 NX isn’t expected to change drastically, but it will come with tweaks to its exterior design. Although most of these are partially concealed in the spy photos, we can expect new headlights with revised graphics, a different pattern for the spindle grille, and more pronounced air vents. At the back, Lexus has moved the reflectors higher up, tweaked the bumper, and changed the taillight graphics. These design updates are important, since the second-gen NX first went into production in 2021.

No other changes are known at this stage, but we expect the usual upgrades that come with such a facelift. That could be new exterior and interior colors, infotainment updates, and possibly a reshuffling of trims and packages. The current NX is already one of the comfiest and well-built crossovers in its segment, and nothing is expected to change there.

Will The Non-Hybrid Model Survive?

Last year, Lexus discontinued the non-hybrid NX 250, leaving the NX 350 as the only non-hybrid NX model. In 2026 so far, just over 75% of all NXs sold have been hybrids or plug-in hybrids; the PHEV had its best start to a year ever. Since this car’s less fancy cousin, the platform-sharing RAV4, has already transitioned to a hybrid-only lineup, it wouldn’t be a shock if the 2027 NX does the same.

Currently, you can get the NX with a 275-horsepower non-hybrid turbo-four, a 240-hp hybrid, or a 302-hp plug-in hybrid. The regular hybrid can get 40 mpg combined in front-wheel-drive guise and up to 39 mpg with all-wheel drive, far ahead of the non-hybrid’s 24 mpg. If the non-hybrid model falls away, Lexus could possibly fill that gap with a cheaper hybrid variant.

Related: The 2026 Lexus NX Has Many Hybrid Trims, but Only One Is the Smart Buy

What It Means

Globally, luxury automakers saw an overall sales decline last year, but Lexus was an outlier and set a new record. Much of this has to do with strong sales of its SUV lineup in North America, and the NX is a key player in that mix. The 2027 NX will keep this momentum going, although it’s not known if this is a cosmetic facelift only or something more. Either way, it’s one of the top vehicles for buyers looking to step into the luxury segment for the first time.

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