Is the Lexus Nx 350h a plug-in hybrid?

No — the Lexus NX 350h is not a plug-in hybrid. It’s a self-charging hybrid that combines a gasoline engine with electric motors and recharges its battery through driving and regenerative braking, with no external charging port.

For buyers seeking electric-only driving, Lexus offers the NX 450h+ (often listed as NX 450h+ PHEV in some markets), a plug-in hybrid that can be charged from an outlet and provides a limited all-electric range before the gasoline engine takes over.

How the NX 350h hybrid system works

The NX 350h uses a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors and an integrated transmission to deliver a smooth, efficient drive. The system is designed to operate in tandem, switching between electric-only, gasoline-only, and blended modes as needed. The battery is charged by the gasoline engine and through regenerative braking; there is no option to plug in for charging.

Key characteristics of the NX 350h hybrid include:

• Powertrain: 2.5-liter inline-four Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors and an e-CVT (continuously variable transmission).


• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive available via an e-axle; front-wheel drive also offered.


• Battery and charging: Self-charging hybrid battery; no external charging required.


• Performance: Total system output typically around 239 horsepower, delivering smooth acceleration for daily driving.


• Efficiency and usage: Optimized for urban and highway use with strong fuel efficiency for a compact SUV.

In essence, the NX 350h prioritizes steady, everyday efficiency over electric range, making it convenient for drivers who don’t want to manage charging infrastructure.

NX 450h+ vs NX 350h: plug-in hybrid differences

External charging and battery capacity

The NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid designed to be charged from an external outlet. It carries a larger battery that enables electric-only driving for a portion of daily trips. By contrast, the NX 350h has no plug-in charging capability and relies entirely on onboard generation and regeneration to power its electric components.

Key differences between the two hybrids include:

• External charging: NX 450h+ can be plugged in to charge; NX 350h cannot.


• Battery capacity and electric range: NX 450h+ features a larger battery (around 18.1 kWh) and typically offers tens of miles of electric range in real-world use (roughly mid-to-upper 30s miles on EPA tests, depending on conditions); NX 350h has a smaller battery with no all-electric range.


• Powertrain output: NX 450h+ generally produces more total power (around 302 horsepower) due to its larger battery and motor tuning; NX 350h is around 239 horsepower.


• Charging needs: NX 450h+ benefits from regular charging, especially for short commutes; NX 350h does not require or support charging behavior.

Choosing between them comes down to daily driving patterns and access to charging. If you regularly drive short distances at low speeds and can plug in, the NX 450h+ offers electric-driving benefits. If you don’t have charging options or don’t need electric driving, the NX 350h provides a strong, convenient hybrid experience.

What this means for buyers

For most buyers, the NX 350h delivers solid efficiency, refined comfort, and a straightforward ownership experience without the need to manage charging. It’s well-suited for urban commuting and longer trips where plugging in isn’t practical. If you want the ability to drive on electricity for daily errands and have access to charging, the NX 450h+ presents a compelling plug-in alternative.

Summary

The Lexus NX 350h is not a plug-in hybrid; it is a self-charging hybrid that blends a gasoline engine with electric propulsion and recharges its battery on the fly. The plug-in variant in the Lexus lineup is the NX 450h+, which adds external charging and an all-electric driving window. Your choice depends on daily driving distance, charging access, and how much you value electric-range versus a no-plug hybrid experience.

Does the Lexus NX hybrid need to be plugged in?

Most of the time you're driving, your battery is charging. Not just on the move, but when you stop or slow down, our regenerative braking system recovers even more energy without you having to do a thing. Lexus Self-charging hybrids never need plugging in.

Which Lexus NX model is plug-in hybrid?

NX 450h+
2026 Lexus NX PLUG-IN HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE NX 450h+ PREMIUM AWD.

Is the Lexus NX 350h a hybrid?

Yes, the Lexus NX 350h is the hybrid version of the NX, combining a gas engine with electric motors for improved fuel efficiency. The non-hybrid NX 350 has a turbocharged gasoline engine, while the NX 350h uses a hybrid powertrain to produce 240 combined horsepower. For 2026, the NX 350h is available in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. 
This video reviews the 2026 Lexus NX 350h, discussing its features and value: 56sDiscerning CarsYouTube · Sep 11, 2025
Key differences:

• NX 350: Features a 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 275 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive. 
• NX 350h: Uses a 2.5L 4-cylinder gas engine paired with electric motors to create a hybrid powertrain that produces 240 combined horsepower. 
• Fuel Economy: The NX 350h is more fuel-efficient, with an estimated 40 combined MPG for FWD models and 39 combined MPG for AWD models. 
• Drivetrain: For the latest model year, the NX 350h is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, whereas the standard NX 350 comes with all-wheel drive. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the Lexus NX 350h's performance and features: 57sMotormouthYouTube · Oct 1, 2025

What is the difference between NX 350 and NX 350h?

The main differences are performance, fuel economy, and drivetrain. The NX 350 has a more powerful, turbocharged gasoline engine, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a more traditional all-wheel-drive (AWD) system for a sportier feel. The NX 350h uses a hybrid system with a continuously variable automatic transmission (ECVT), offers significantly better fuel efficiency (especially in the city), and a slightly less powerful engine with smooth acceleration. The 350h is better for city driving and fuel savings, while the 350 is better for those who prioritize traditional driving dynamics and highway performance.
 
This video explains the differences between the Lexus NX 350h and the NX 350: 52sLife with SondurenYouTube · Mar 13, 2023
Lexus NX 350

• Engine: 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder
• Horsepower: 275 hp
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Fuel Economy: Lower, with an estimated 21 MPG city and 28 MPG highway
• Drivetrain: Traditional AWD system with a center limited-slip differential, providing more engaging performance
• Best For: Drivers who prefer a sportier, more traditional driving experience and spend more time on the highway 

This video provides a detailed review of the Lexus NX 350: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Nov 16, 2025
Lexus NX 350h

• Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder with hybrid assistance 
• Horsepower: 240 hp total system output 
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) 
• Fuel Economy: Much higher, with an estimated 41 MPG city and 37 MPG highway 
• Drivetrain: AWD, but it's a hybrid system where the rear axle is powered by an electric motor 
• Best For: City driving and drivers looking to maximize fuel efficiency 

Key takeaways

• Choose the NX 350 if: You want a more powerful and engaging driving experience, especially during acceleration, and are willing to accept lower fuel economy. 
• Choose the NX 350h if: You prioritize fuel savings, do a lot of city driving, and want a smoother, quieter ride. The hybrid system provides strong low-end acceleration, even if highway passing power is not as strong as the 350.