Loading

Does Lexus nx200t have turbo?


Turbo powertrain and performance


To understand what makes the NX200t tick, it helps to look at its core powertrain and how it behaves on the road.


Engine details


The NX200t uses Lexus/T Toyota’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine (commonly referenced by the 8AR-FTS family). It features direct injection and a twin-scroll turbocharger to maximize efficiency and response. Typical outputs are around 235 horsepower with about 258 lb-ft of torque, with the exact numbers varying slightly by market and model year.


Transmission and drivetrain


Most NX200t models paired the turbo engine with a smooth automatic transmission, commonly a 6-speed unit in earlier years, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Front-wheel drive was standard on some trims, while AWD was offered to improve traction and performance in varied conditions.


Before exploring further, here is a quick summary of the key specs you’re likely to encounter for the NX200t’s turbo powertrain.



  • Engine: 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo (8AR-FTS)

  • Horsepower: about 235 hp

  • Torque: about 258 lb-ft

  • Transmission: typically a 6-speed automatic (varies by year/market)

  • Drivetrain: front-wheel drive base; all-wheel drive available


Note that exact figures can vary by market and model year, so check the specific vehicle’s specifications for precise numbers.


Model history and market variations


Understanding where the NX200t fit in Lexus’s lineup helps explain its turbo designation and how it evolved in different regions.


Timeline and naming


The NX200t first appeared in several markets in the mid-2010s as the turbocharged sibling to the NX300h (the hybrid). In North America and other regions, the turbo variant was commonly available from around 2014–2017. In many markets, the turbo powertrain that began life as the NX200t later carried forward under different model naming (such as NX300 in some regions), as Lexus reorganized its lineup.


How it fits into today’s lineup


As of the mid-to-late 2010s and into the 2020s, Lexus shifted to new naming and engine strategies for the NX family. The current NX lineup emphasizes different engine options (including turbo and non-turbo configurations in newer generations) and does not commonly use the NX200t badge. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine lineage, however, continues in some form within the broader NX family in certain markets.


What this means for buyers and enthusiasts


If you’re shopping for an NX with turbocharged performance, you’re looking at a predecessor in the NX200t line or a later turbo-equipped model under a different badge in various markets. The key takeaway is that the “t” badge signified a turbo engine, but the NX200t name itself is mostly historical in today’s lineup. Always verify the exact engine and trim with the specific vehicle documentation or by checking the VIN to confirm whether a particular NX is turbocharged and which variant it uses.


Summary


The NX200t does have a turbocharged engine—the 2.0-liter inline-4 designed for performance and efficiency. Produced in the mid-2010s, it carried the “t” designation to signal turbocharging, powered by outputs around 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 6-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. Today, the badge is largely historical as Lexus’ NX lineup has evolved with newer turbo-equipped variants under different model names in various markets. If you’re considering a used NX with turbo performance, confirm the exact engine and specifications for the specific year and market of the car you’re evaluating.

Which Lexus NX has turbo?


NX 200t/300
The NX 200t/300 is powered by a 2.0-liter 8AR-FTS turbocharged four-cylinder direct injection engine that can run on both Otto and Atkinson cycles. This engine has Lexus' Economy with Superior Thermal Efficient Combustion (ESTEC) direct injection with turbo (D-4ST) fuel injection.



Which Lexus models have turbos?


EXPLORE OUR TURBO SUVS

  • NX 300. Compact Luxury SUV.
  • NX 300 Premium. Compact Luxury SUV.
  • NX 300 F SPORT. Compact Luxury SUV.
  • RX 300. Mid-size Luxury SUV.
  • RX 300 Luxury. Mid-size Luxury SUV.
  • RX 300 F SPORT. Mid-size Luxury SUV.



Is the Lexus IS 200t mean turbo?


The Lexus IS 200t is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which produces 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth and responsive performance.



Does the nx200t have a turbo?


World-first combination of engine technologies
This innovative structure acts in conjunction with the highly efficient twin-scroll turbocharger and prevents interference between the exhaust gases from each cylinder, generating high torque across the widest possible rev range.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.