Is Lexus NX 300h 4 wheel drive?
The short answer is yes: the Lexus NX 300h is a hybrid SUV that uses an all‑wheel‑drive system to deliver traction to all four wheels in many markets and model years. Availability and exact configuration can vary by region and year, since Lexus updated its NX lineup over time.
Drivetrain basics: how the NX 300h delivers AWD
The NX 300h combines a gasoline engine with electric motors to form Lexus’ hybrid system. A primary gasoline engine works with front‑mounted electric traction, while a second electric motor on the rear axle provides all‑wheel‑drive capability. This arrangement allows the car to operate in a front‑wheel‑drive mode for efficiency, with the rear motor stepping in to supply torque when extra traction is needed. The setup is designed to optimize both efficiency and stability across weather and road conditions.
What this means in practice
In everyday driving, the NX 300h can feel like a typical compact SUV with strong highway efficiency for a hybrid. When weather or road surfaces demand more grip, the rear electric motor can engage to send power to the back wheels, improving traction without the complexity of a traditional mechanical transfer case.
Historical context and current lineup
The NX 300h badge belongs to the first generation of the Lexus NX, introduced in 2014. In many markets, that hybrid was offered with all‑wheel drive as a common or standard option. Over subsequent years, Lexus updated the NX lineup and shifted naming for its hybrid variants. In today’s global market, buyers are more likely to encounter hybrids labeled NX 350h or NX 450h+ (the latter being a plug‑in hybrid) rather than NX 300h in new‑car programs. If you are shopping used or in a particular market, confirm the exact drivetrain and badge for that year and region.
Before listing specific configurations, note the following distinctions that affect many buyers:
- The NX 300h uses a 2.5L Atkinson‑cycle engine paired with electric motors to drive the wheels.
- All‑wheel drive is provided by one or more electric motors and is managed automatically by the hybrid system.
- Regional differences exist: some markets offered FWD variants in older NX 300h configurations, while others standardized AWD.
- In newer generations, Lexus has moved to different hybrid badging (such as NX 350h and NX 450h+) with updated tech and performance profiles.
In summary, the traditional NX 300h is an AWD-enabled hybrid in most contexts, though exact availability depends on year and market. If you’re shopping today, verify the drivetrain badge and whether the vehicle is a hybrid model with AWD or a different hybrid/plug‑in configuration used in your region.
Summary
The Lexus NX 300h is designed as an all‑wheel‑drive hybrid, with power delivered to the rear wheels by electric motors to enhance traction. While the badge is associated with an older generation, AWD remains a core feature of Lexus’ hybrid NX models in many markets. For current purchases, focus on the hybrid branding in your region (such as NX 350h or NX 450h+), and verify the specific drivetrain configuration for the year you’re considering.
Is the NX 300 all-wheel drive?
Available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), each 2021 NX 300 centers around a 2.0L turbocharged engine. When you choose the NX 300 F Sport trim adds paddle shifters, front and rear lateral performance dampers, and an F Sport-tuned suspension to provide power at your fingertips and dynamic handling.
Is the Lexus hybrid 4 wheel drive?
Lexus offers several hybrid SUVs that use a mild-hybrid system with one or more electric motors supporting a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Lexus NX Hybrid has all-wheel drive and an EPA-estimated fuel rating of 36-39 MPG combined. The Lexus RX Hybrid is a slightly larger crossover SUV with seating for five.
Is the Lexus NX AWD or 4WD?
LEXUS CROSSOVERS/SMALL SUVS WITH AWD
The larger NX offers a drivetrain choice on its base 300 and 300 F Sport trims, with AWD standard on the hybrid 300h. The RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 350 F Sport present AWD as an option to the standard FWD, but the hybrids, the 450h and 450hL, are AWD only.
Is the Lexus 300h all-wheel drive?
Whether a Lexus 300h is all-wheel drive (AWD) depends on the model; the NX 300h comes with standard AWD, while the UX 300h has front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard with AWD as an available option. The ES 300h is a front-wheel drive model.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Lexus UX 300h's all-wheel drive system: 57sAuto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosYouTube · Jun 3, 2025
- NX 300h: Standard all-wheel drive across all trims.
- UX 300h: Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available as an option.
- ES 300h: Front-wheel drive.
