What kind of oil does a Lexus NX take?
The Lexus NX generally uses 0W-20 full-synthetic engine oil. Some hybrid variants or market-specific versions may call for 0W-16; always verify with your owner's manual or the under-hood oil specification label.
The NX lineup includes gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in variants, and oil recommendations can vary by engine type and geography. To ensure you use the correct grade for your specific year and model, consult the official documentation or your local Lexus dealer.
Oil specifications by NX variant
Below is a quick guide to the typical grades you may encounter, with the caveat to verify for your exact year and market.
- Gasoline NX with turbo engine (the conventional NX 350): 0W-20 full-synthetic engine oil (as specified in most regional manuals).
- Hybrid NX 350h: In many markets, Lexus recommends 0W-16 full-synthetic oil; confirm in your manual or with a dealer.
- Plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ (where offered): Oil grade generally aligned with hybrid recommendations (often 0W-16 or 0W-20 depending on market); verify for your region and model year.
Note: The exact grade can vary by engine designation and market. Always consult the specific owner’s manual for your vehicle year and region, or check the oil filler cap and door jamb sticker for the recommended viscosity.
How to verify the correct oil for your NX
Practical steps to ensure you use the correct oil grade for your vehicle.
- Consult the owner's manual’s Specifications for Engine Oil to confirm the exact viscosity and specification requirements (ACEA/ILSAC and any Lexus approvals).
- Inspect the engine oil filler cap; many caps display the recommended viscosity (for example, 0W-20).
- Check the driver-side door jamb sticker or the maintenance/service sticker for the recommended viscosity and oil type for your model/year.
- If in doubt, contact a Lexus dealer or a qualified technician with your VIN to verify the precise spec for your NX.
Following these steps helps ensure you use the correct oil grade, preserving performance and warranty coverage.
Summary
For most current Lexus NX models, the standard recommendation is 0W-20 synthetic oil. Some hybrid variants and certain markets may require 0W-16; always confirm with the official documentation or a Lexus professional for your exact year and model. Using the correct oil and changing it at the recommended intervals supports engine longevity and optimal efficiency.
