What kind of engine is in the Lexus NX 300?
The NX 300 is traditionally powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four gasoline engine. This configuration has been the hallmark of the NX 300 in many markets during its earlier generations.
In this article, we explore how that engine has appeared across generations, how the NX lineup has evolved, and what the current Lexus NX options mean for engine choices today.
Historical engine used in the NX 300
During its most commonly sold period in North America and many other markets, the NX 300 was equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It produced around 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and was paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. This setup defined the NX 300 before Lexus expanded the lineup to include other powertrains.
The following specifications summarize the core engine characteristics that defined the NX 300 in its traditional form:
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
- Output: Approximately 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque (varies by model year and market)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
- Fuel type: Regular unleaded gasoline
These characteristics signaled a performance-oriented compact crossover for its era, backed by a sporty turbocharged setup rather than a larger V6 or hybrid-only approach. In more recent years, Lexus shifted the NX naming and powertrain strategy in many markets, which changed how the NX 300 is represented today.
The NX line today: what you get in North America
In the current generation sold in North America, the NX 300 name is no longer used for new models. Lexus now offers the NX 250, NX 350, and NX 350h, each with distinct engine choices. Here’s how the lineup breaks down:
NX 250 — 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-4; roughly 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque; 8-speed automatic transmission; typically available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
NX 350 — 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4; about 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque; 8-speed automatic; all-wheel drive is standard on most trims (FWD available in some markets).
NX 350h — hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter inline-4 Atkinson-cycle engine with electric motors; total system output around 239 hp; e-CVT transmission; all-wheel drive is standard.
These configurations reflect Lexus’s broader shift toward embracing both turbocharged efficiency (NX 350) and hybrid technology (NX 350h) while retiring the NX 300 name in the North American market for new models.
Despite the current lineup, the NX 300 designation can still appear in some markets or older model years outside North America, but in the United States and typical recent markets, you’ll encounter the NX 250, NX 350, or NX 350h instead of an NX 300.
Summary
Historically, the Lexus NX 300 used a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering around 235 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Today, Lexus’s NX lineup in North America names its engines as NX 250 (2.5L NA), NX 350 (2.4L turbo), and NX 350h (hybrid), with the NX 300 name largely retired for new models. Always verify the exact model year and market to confirm engine specifications.
