Is the Lexus NX front or rear wheel drive?
The Lexus NX is not offered with traditional rear-wheel drive; buyers choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) depending on model, trim, and market.
In practice, base NX 250 configurations may be FWD with an AWD option, while turbocharged NX 350, hybrid NX 350h, and plug-in NX 450h+ variants are typically equipped with AWD or AWD-only setups. Availability varies by year and region.
Drivetrain options by model
What drives the NX depends on the variant. The following outlines typical configurations. (Note: market variations apply.)
- NX 250 — commonly offered with FWD as the base configuration; AWD may be chosen as an upgrade in many markets.
- NX 350 — turbocharged 2.4-liter model; generally paired with AWD and not offered in rear-wheel-drive form in most regions.
- NX 350h — hybrid variant that is typically available with AWD (often electronic all-wheel drive) in most markets; some trims may offer FWD depending on region.
- NX 450h+ — plug-in hybrid that is normally AWD-only, reflecting its multi-motor drive to both axles.
In practice, the NX's drivetrain is FWD for base configurations in some markets, with AWD available or standard on higher trims, and the plug-in NX 450h+ being AWD-only in most regions. Always check the exact build for your year, market, and trim.
Market notes
North America
In the United States and Canada, the NX lineup typically emphasizes AWD for higher trims, while the base NX 250 can be configured with FWD or AWD depending on the build. The NX 450h+ plug-in variant is AWD-only.
Europe and other regions
European markets often price AWD upgrades as part of the standard package on turbo and hybrid variants; rear-wheel drive is generally not offered on the latest NX generation in these markets.
Summary
The Lexus NX offers front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options but does not offer a traditional rear-wheel-drive configuration. For most buyers, AWD is common on the higher trims and on the plug-in hybrid, while base models may be available with FWD depending on market and year.
