Is NX 300 a hybrid?
No. In the current Lexus NX lineup, the NX 300 is not a hybrid; it is a gasoline-powered model. The hybrid options are the NX 350h and the plug-in hybrid NX 450h+. The NX 300h badge appears in older generations and in some markets, but it is not part of the contemporary lineup in most regions.
Current NX lineup and hybrid status
The main variants you’ll encounter today fall into two broad categories: gasoline-only models and electrified options. Here is how they commonly stack up across markets:
- NX 250 — 2.5-liter gasoline engine, typically non-hybrid (availability and drivetrain can vary by market).
- NX 350 — 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine, non-hybrid.
- NX 350h — hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors.
- NX 450h+ — plug-in hybrid with a larger battery and electric-only driving capability.
Bottom line: The NX 300 badge is not used for hybrids in today’s Lexus catalog; verify the exact variant by checking the model year and market.
Historical context and regional variations
Over the years, Lexus used different badges by region and generation. The NX 300h was a hybrid variant in earlier generations for some markets. Other markets used NX 200t or NX 300 for gasoline variants. Since the current generation, the hybrids are clearly named NX 350h and NX 450h+.
Key badge history by era includes:
- NX 300h — Hybrid variant in some markets during older generations.
- NX 200t / NX 300 — Gasoline variants in various regions; not hybrids.
- Current generation — Hybrids are labeled NX 350h (standard hybrid) and NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid); non-hybrid models include NX 250 and NX 350.
This history helps explain why you might encounter the NX 300 badge in older years or certain markets, even though it isn’t part of today’s hybrid lineup. Always verify the exact powertrain with the dealer or the vehicle’s VIN.
What to watch for when shopping
To avoid confusion at the showroom, rely on the model year and the powertrain badge on the tail or the window sticker. The NX 350h and NX 450h+ identify hybrids or plug-in hybrids; an NX 300 badge in today’s market generally signals a gasoline-only model, depending on regional naming conventions.
Badge and powertrain indicators
Hybrid variants will display the hybrid suffix in the model name (for example, 350h or 450h+). For a definitive answer, check the VIN, window sticker, or ask the dealer about the drivetrain and battery configuration.
Summary
In today’s Lexus NX lineup, the NX 300 is not a hybrid. The electrified options are NX 350h (standard hybrid) and NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid), with the NX 300h badge reserved for older models in certain markets. When shopping, confirm the year and market and rely on the official specifications to verify the drivetrain.
