IS Lexus NX 300h a hybrid?

The NX 300h is indeed a hybrid variant within the Lexus NX family. This article explains what the NX 300h is, how it fit into Lexus’ hybrid strategy, and how the lineup has evolved in recent years.

What the NX 300h is

To understand its role, it helps to know how the NX 300h blends gasoline and electric propulsion, and where it sits in the NX timeline.

• Powertrain: A 2.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined output around 197 horsepower.


• Transmission: A CVT-based electronically controlled transmission (often described as an e-CVT) to manage the hybrid power flow.


• Drivetrain: Available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the model year and market.


• Fuel economy: The NX 300h was designed for efficiency in its era, with typical combined mpg figures in the low-to-mid 30s range depending on configuration and driving conditions.

In short, the NX 300h represents Lexus’s early approach to offering a gasoline-electric NX model that prioritizes efficiency alongside practicality.

First-generation timeline

The NX 300h appeared with the first-generation NX lineup introduced in the mid-2010s, serving as the hybrid counterpart to the gas-powered variants. As Lexus updated the NX in subsequent years, the 300h badge largely belonged to the earlier generation, with changes to powertrains and naming conventions moving forward.

Current Lexus hybrid lineup and where NX 300h stands

In the latest model years, Lexus has rebranded and reorganized its hybrid NX variants. The hybrid badge is now most commonly associated with the NX 350h in many markets, while the NX 300h nameplate has largely been retired for new models.

• Naming shift: The modern hybrid NX is typically labeled NX 350h in markets where the second generation is offered.


• Powertrain evolution: The NX 350h uses a refined 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine paired with electric motors and a newer e-CVT, delivering higher system output and improved efficiency compared with the earlier NX 300h.


• Alternative hybrid options: In some regions, plug-in hybrid variants such as the NX 450h+ have appeared, offering extended electric-only driving ranges where available.


• Market availability: The NX 300h name is largely associated with older-generation NX models; buyers today typically look for the NX 350h or NX 450h+ depending on the market.

For shoppers, this means the NX 300h name is a marker of the first-generation hybrid, while the current hybrid experience is defined by the NX 350h (and PHEV options where offered).

What this means for buyers

If you’re evaluating a used NX, a NX 300h from the first generation can still offer a genuine hybrid experience. If you’re shopping new today, look for the NX 350h for a modern hybrid with updated efficiency and technology, and consider the NX 450h+ if a plug-in hybrid is available in your region.

Bottom line

Yes, the Lexus NX 300h is a hybrid. It represents the hybrid entry in the NX lineup from the first generation. In current production, Lexus generally offers the NX 350h as the standard hybrid variant, with some markets also offering plug-in hybrids like the NX 450h+. The NX 300h badge, while historic, is mainly associated with earlier NX models rather than the latest generation.

Summary: The NX 300h marked Lexus’s early hybrid push for the NX crossover. Today, the hybrid badge in the NX family is more commonly found on the NX 350h (and NX 450h+ in relevant markets), with the NX 300h name reserved for older-generation models.

What is the difference between NX 300 and NX 300h?

The most significant and obvious difference between the NX 300 and NX 300h is the drivetrain. While the Lexus NX 300 uses a turbocharged gasoline engine with your choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the NX 300h uses a potent four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors and intelligent all-wheel drive.

What is the difference between Lexus NX and NX hybrid?

The main difference between the Lexus NX and the NX Hybrid is their powertrain: the standard NX uses a traditional gasoline engine, while the NX Hybrid combines a gasoline engine with electric motors for better fuel efficiency. This difference results in the NX Hybrid offering significantly higher MPG, while the standard NX models provide a more traditional driving experience and a wider range of power options, such as the turbocharged NX 350. 
This video explains the differences between the standard and hybrid Lexus NX models, focusing on their powertrains and transmissions: 41sModern MotoringYouTube · Mar 9, 2024
Performance

• Standard NX (e.g., NX 250, NX 350): The standard models offer a range of gasoline engines, including a 203-horsepower naturally aspirated engine and a 275-horsepower turbocharged engine. The NX 350, for example, has a more traditional and powerful acceleration profile with an 8-speed automatic transmission. 
• NX Hybrid (e.g., NX 350h, NX 450h+): The hybrid models use a combination of a gasoline engine and electric motors, resulting in a smoother and more responsive feel, especially at lower speeds. 
  • The NX 350h produces a combined 240 horsepower. 
  • The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid delivers 304 horsepower and can operate on all-electric power for a certain range. 

This video discusses the performance of the Lexus NX 350h and NX 350: 54sModern MotoringYouTube · Aug 7, 2025
Fuel Efficiency

• Standard NX: Expect lower MPG compared to the hybrid, with ratings like 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway for the NX 250 and 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway for the NX 350. 
• NX Hybrid: The hybrid versions are significantly more fuel-efficient. 
  • The NX 350h has an EPA-estimated rating of 41 mpg city / 37 mpg highway. 
  • The NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid can achieve an impressive 84 MPGe combined, with up to 37 miles of all-electric range. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the fuel efficiency of the Lexus NX 350h: 51sMotor City MaggieYouTube · Jun 26, 2025
Similarities

• Design: The standard NX and NX Hybrid share the same modern and sophisticated exterior design language. 
• Interior and Technology: Both models offer a luxurious interior, advanced technology, and safety features, such as the Lexus Interface, with standard safety systems like LSS+ 3.0. 

How to choose

• Choose the Standard NX if: You prefer a more traditional gasoline engine with a wider variety of performance options and don't prioritize maximum fuel efficiency.
• Choose the NX Hybrid if: Fuel economy is your top priority and you want to save on gas expenses. The hybrid models offer a smoother driving experience and lower emissions, with the NX 450h+ providing the additional benefit of all-electric driving. 

Is the Lexus NX 300h hybrid?

2021 Lexus NX 300h Performance Specs
Each NX 300h is built around a four-cylinder engine and Lexus Hybrid Powertrain paired to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT). The NX 300h also includes standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in every trim.

Does the Lexus NX 300h hybrid require premium gas?

Yes, the Lexus NX requires premium gas.
If you use fuel with an octane rating of less than 91, it can damage your engine. To figure out the octane level of the gas you're buying, check the numbers on the pump. Each fuel option will let you know how much octane is in the gas you're buying.