Which Lexus NX has the most horsepower?
The plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ has the most horsepower, with 302 hp combined, in the current NX lineup as of the 2024–2025 model years. This makes it the strongest option among Lexus’ compact SUV offering in most markets.
To understand how the NX lineup stacks up, this article reviews the horsepower ratings across the main variants and explains why the NX 450h+ stands out, including notes about electric range and year-to-year variations.
Current Lexus NX lineup and horsepower
Here is a quick snapshot of the horsepower figures for each available NX variant in the United States market today:
- NX 250 — 203 hp from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine
- NX 350 — 275 hp from a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine
- NX 350h — about 239 hp combined from a 2.5-liter hybrid system
- NX 450h+ — 302 hp combined from a plug-in hybrid system (gas engine plus electric motors)
In short, the NX 450h+ is the most powerful variant, thanks to its hybrid system that adds electric motors to boost total output and enable a limited electric-only range.
Variant-by-variant horsepower details
NX 250
The NX 250 uses a 2.5-liter inline-four producing about 203 horsepower. It is the entry point in the lineup and emphasizes efficiency over peak power.
NX 350
The NX 350 employs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine delivering around 275 horsepower, offering stronger acceleration and towing capability relative to the base model.
NX 350h
The NX 350h is a hybrid that combines a 2.5-liter engine with electric motors for roughly 239 horsepower combined, aiming to balance performance with better fuel economy.
NX 450h+
The NX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid delivering about 302 horsepower combined, benefiting from a larger electrical boost and the ability to drive short distances on electricity alone. Its electric range is typically in the mid- to high-teens to around 30-40 miles depending on the battery state and recent updates.
What drives the horsepower differences
The horsepower gap among NX variants comes from three key factors: engine displacement and tuning, the presence of turbocharging, and the addition of electric motors in hybrid and plug-in hybrid configurations. The NX 350 uses a turbocharged gasoline engine to maximize output, while the hybrids (350h and 450h+) pair a gasoline engine with electric motors to either boost efficiency (350h) or deliver higher peak power (450h+). The plug-in variant also adds a larger battery and more electric motor support, which helps achieve the highest total horsepower in the lineup.
Summary
Among the current Lexus NX lineup, the NX 450h+ stands as the most powerful model with 302 hp combined, thanks to its plug-in hybrid system. The remaining variants offer progressively lower horsepower: NX 350 at 275 hp, NX 350h around 239 hp, and NX 250 at 203 hp. Market availability and model year changes can affect exact figures, but the 450h+ remains the peak performance option for most buyers seeking maximum output from the NX family.
How much horsepower does the Lexus NX have?
The Lexus NX horsepower varies by trim, ranging from 203 horsepower in the base NX 250 to 304 net combined horsepower in the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid. The NX 350 has a 2.4L turbocharged engine with 275 horsepower, while the NX 350h hybrid model provides 240 net combined horsepower.
- NX 250: 203 horsepower
- NX 350: 275 horsepower
- NX 350h (Hybrid): 240 net combined horsepower
- NX 450h+ (Plug-in Hybrid): 304 net combined horsepower
Which is better, Lexus NX 250 or 350?
The main difference is performance: the NX 250 uses a naturally aspirated 2.5L engine with 203 horsepower, while the NX 350 features a more powerful turbocharged 2.4L engine with 275 horsepower. The NX 350 also comes standard with all-wheel drive, whereas the base NX 250 is front-wheel drive, and the 350 generally offers more luxury options and features.
| Feature | NX 250 | NX 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder | 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 203 hp | 275 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft | 317 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | Standard front-wheel drive (AWD is optional) | Standard all-wheel drive |
| Fuel | Regular gasoline | Premium gasoline |
| Performance | More fuel-efficient, less powerful | More powerful, quicker acceleration |
| Features | Standard luxury features, but fewer upgrade options | More premium standard and optional features, such as upgraded interior materials and lighting |
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Which Lexus NX is the most powerful?
2025 Lexus NX 450h+ AWD
Lexus NX Plug-in Hybrid: The most powerful model in the 2025 Lexus NX lineup, the 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ AWD combines a four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric motors to deliver a combined 304 horsepower. And thanks to its plug-in hybrid setup, this model can also travel up to 37 miles on battery power alone.
What is the difference between NX 350 and NX 350 premium?
The main differences are that the NX 350 Premium adds several comfort and convenience features not found on the standard NX 350, most notably heated and ventilated front seats and a power rear door with kick sensor. The Premium trim also includes a memory system for the driver's seat and ambient lighting, while the base model has standard heated front seats but not ventilated ones or the memory settings.
This video compares the features of the NX 350 Premium and Luxury trims: 59snetman88YouTube · Jul 6, 2024
| Feature | NX 350 | NX 350 Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Front Seats | Heated | Heated and ventilated |
| Driver's Seat | 8-way power adjust | 10-way power adjust with memory settings |
| Rear Door | Standard | Power rear door with kick sensor |
| Ambient Lighting | Not included | Included |
| Steering Wheel | Power tilt/telescope | Electronically adjustable with memory |
| Exterior Lighting | Standard Bi-LED headlamps | Bi-LED headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting |
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You can watch this video to see a walkthrough of the NX 350 Premium's features: 51sChabby's RidesYouTube · Feb 2, 2025
