What are the powertrain options on a Lexus NX?
In short, the current Lexus NX lineup offers four powertrains: a 2.5-liter gasoline engine (NX 250), a 2.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine (NX 350), a self-charging hybrid (NX 350h), and a plug-in hybrid (NX 450h+).
This article explains what each option means for performance, efficiency, and how the drivetrains are configured, including typical horsepower figures, transmission types, and drive layouts. Availability can vary by market and model year.
Gasoline-powered options
Gasoline-only configurations provide straightforward performance with traditional automatic transmission and varying drive layouts.
- NX 250 — 2.5-liter inline-four gasoline engine, about 203 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque; transmission: 8-speed automatic; drive configurations typically include front-wheel drive with all-wheel drive available as an option.
- NX 350 — 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine, about 275 horsepower, around 317 lb-ft of torque; transmission: 8-speed automatic; all-wheel drive is typically available or standard on many trims.
These gasoline-only options form the baseline for performance in the NX lineup, with the turbocharged variant delivering significantly more power.
Hybrid option
The hybrid option combines a gasoline engine with electric motors to improve efficiency while delivering smooth, refined acceleration.
- NX 350h — Hybrid system with a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine and electric motors for a combined output around 239 horsepower; transmission: electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT); drive is commonly available with all-wheel drive (eAWD) on many trims.
The NX 350h emphasizes fuel economy without sacrificing the comfort and quiet ride Lexus is known for, making it a popular choice for daily commuting.
Plug-in hybrid option
The plug-in hybrid extends the hybrid concept with a larger battery and the ability to run on electricity alone for short distances.
- NX 450h+ — Plug-in hybrid with a combined output around 302 horsepower; electric range typically estimated around 36–39 miles on a full charge; transmission: eCVT; all-wheel drive is standard on most configurations.
The NX 450h+ offers the flexibility of electric-only driving for short trips while retaining a gasoline engine for longer journeys, appealing to buyers seeking lower daily fuel consumption and the option to plug in.
Summary
The Lexus NX lineup today spans four powertrains: a 2.5L gas engine (NX 250), a 2.4L turbo gas engine (NX 350), a self-charging hybrid (NX 350h), and a plug-in hybrid (NX 450h+). Each option pairs with different transmissions and drive systems to balance performance, efficiency, and practicality. When choosing, consider daily driving distance, access to charging, and total cost of ownership, and verify current specifications and availability for your market and model year.
