Is the Lexus NX front or rear-wheel drive?
The Lexus NX is not offered with rear-wheel drive. It is available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on the trim, powertrain, and market.
Current NX drivetrain options
Overview
Understanding the NX lineup means noting that FWD is common as the base configuration, while AWD is available on many trims and is standard on certain hybrids in several markets.
What this means for buyers is that you won’t find a dedicated rear-drive NX. Instead, you’ll choose between FWD for efficiency and price or AWD for improved traction and stability, especially in poor weather or on varying road conditions. Hybrid and plug-in variants generally skew toward AWD due to their multi-motor layouts.
Drivetrain configurations you’ll typically encounter in the NX lineup:
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Standard on many NX trims, offering light weight and lower cost.
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Available on most trims and common on hybrids, providing enhanced traction.
- Hybrid and plug-in variants: The NX 350h (hybrid) and, in markets that offer it, NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid) are typically AWD-equipped due to their powertrain layout.
- Note: There is no dedicated rear-wheel-drive NX model in the current generation.
Concisely, if you need better traction or plan to drive in winter or on slick surfaces, AWD is the practical choice. If you prioritize lower cost and lighter weight, a FWD setup is often sufficient.
How to confirm the exact drivetrain on a specific NX
Because drive configurations can vary by year, market, and trim, it's important to verify the exact drivetrain of the NX you’re considering.
- Check the Monroney window sticker for the drive layout (FWD or AWD).
- Review the vehicle’s build sheet or VIN with the dealer to confirm the powertrain configuration.
- Look for AWD badging on the exterior or in the instrument cluster, which can indicate all-wheel drive.
- Ask the dealer for the official drivetrain specification to avoid relying on marketing materials alone.
Concluding: Always verify the drive configuration on the specific vehicle you’re interested in, especially if you have a truckload of winter driving or off-road use in mind.
Notes by market
United States
In the U.S., the NX often ships with FWD as the standard configuration, with AWD available on most models. Hybrids such as the NX 350h are typically configured with AWD, though exact availability can vary by year and trim.
Europe and other regions
Across many European markets, Lexus commonly offers FWD as a baseline option with AWD available across multiple trims, and hybrid variants frequently paired with AWD due to their propulsion layout.
Summary: The Lexus NX is not a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. It comes in front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations, with AWD more common on hybrids and higher trims. When shopping, always verify the exact drivetrain on the specific vehicle model and year to match your needs and climate. A quick check of the window sticker or VIN will confirm the drive layout.
