What engine is in the 2019 NX 300h?
The 2019 NX 300h is Lexus’ compact luxury hybrid crossover, pairing a gasoline engine with electric motors to deliver combined power around 194 horsepower. It uses a dedicated hybrid powertrain rather than a conventional gasoline setup.
Engine fundamentals
The core powerplant is a 2.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine, integrated with the Lexus Hybrid Drive system. This configuration blends internal combustion with electric propulsion to optimize efficiency and emissions.
Key specifications of the powertrain include the following:
- Engine: 2.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine
- Hybrid system: Lexus Hybrid Drive with electric motors for propulsion and startup
- Combined output: Approximately 194 horsepower (about 145 kW)
- Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT)
- Drivetrain options: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), depending on trim
- Battery type: Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack
These elements together form the NX 300h’s distinct hybrid setup, designed to balance performance with fuel efficiency in urban and highway driving.
Hybrid system in action
The NX 300h relies on a hybrid synergy-style powertrain that uses two electric motors in concert with the gasoline engine. The electric components handle starting, propulsion at low speeds, and assist during acceleration, while the gasoline engine provides sustained power for higher-speed cruising. In AWD configurations, an additional electric drive component helps deliver traction to the rear axle as needed.
Important aspects of the system include the following:
- MG1 and MG2 electric motors cooperate with the gasoline engine to propel the vehicle and manage energy flow
- The hybrid system can operate in electric-only, engine-only, or a combination mode depending on speed, load, and battery state
- Energy is stored in a NiMH battery pack and recharged through engine operation and regenerative braking
- Front-wheel drive is standard on some NX 300h configurations, with AWD available in other trims
In practice, the hybrid layout is designed to smooth power delivery, improve efficiency in everyday driving, and offer seamless transitions between electric and gasoline propulsion.
Markets and variants
For the 2019 model year, the NX 300h’s powertrain was offered primarily in markets where Lexus maintains a dedicated hybrid lineup for the NX. The availability of FWD versus AWD and the exact balance of hybrid components can vary by region.
Why this matters for the NX lineup
The 2019 NX 300h stands out in Lexus’s NX family by delivering a quieter, more efficient ride thanks to its hybrid hardware. The combination of a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors provides a smooth driving experience, particularly in city traffic where electric assist and regenerative braking shine.
Summary
The 2019 Lexus NX 300h is powered by a 2.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine paired with electric motors in a Lexus Hybrid Drive system, delivering a combined output of about 194 horsepower. The hybrid setup uses a nickel-metal hydride battery and an electronically controlled CVT, with drivetrain options that include both FWD and AWD depending on the market and trim. This configuration emphasizes efficiency and refined performance within Lexus’s compact luxury SUV lineup.
