Update: Design, Interior, and Price sections revised.
Despite the availability of fresher rivals, the Lexus NX, thanks to its superb quality, driver-friendly interior controls, frugal powertrains, and strong residual value, remains highly sought after in its segment in the UK.
While a mid-cycle facelift for the NX Hybrid is on the way and has just entered testing, we had a chance to get up close with a current global-spec Lexus NX Hybrid (NX 350h) to understand if there are other factors behind its strong demand.
Design
The Lexus NX Hybrid maintains an uncluttered look, and even when finished in Metallic Nova White, the body lines are not muted. Its stance appears planted, with sharp lines and sculpted panels giving the SUV a confident, modern character without visual saturation.
At the front, the NX Hybrid is characterised by a large, upright spindle grille that extends into the bumper and bonnet area, giving the nose a vertical look.
Peeled-back slim LED headlamps with L-shaped daytime running lights create a distinct visual signature. The sculpted bonnet and tightly drawn front corners give it added sportiness, framed by black lower elements.
In profile, the NX Hybrid doesn’t feel like a downsized RX or LX. Pronounced wheel arches and a gently rising beltline give it a muscular yet restrained look. The contrasting black cladding, flush-fitting details, and 20-inch alloy wheels carry its premium SUV proportions.
The tailgate features prominent ‘LEXUS’ lettering in place of a conventional badge like in earlier models, giving the rear a cleaner, more premium look. Strong rear haunches, a short rear overhang, and neatly integrated rear bumper elements combine to create the signature Lexus rear design.
Looking ahead to the facelift, test prototypes spotted in camouflage point to some key exterior updates. Changes observed on the mules include revised headlight graphics and a spindle grille that appears to adopt a new pattern.
The vertical side vents also look more pronounced and sit closer to the main light clusters, accompanied by a newly integrated apron on the front bumper. At the rear, the updated model is expected to feature revised taillights, chunkier reflectors, and a redesigned bumper and diffuser.
Interior
The dashboard follows Lexus’s Tazuna cockpit concept, grouping key controls and displays within easy reach and line of sight. A wide central touchscreen dominates the cabin, flanked by slim air vents, while physical buttons remain for frequently-accessed functions.
The steering wheel, instrument cluster, and an angled centre console align tightly around the driver, reinforcing a focused driving position. Ambient lighting integrated into the door panels and console brings subtle visual depth as well.
Experience in the Lexus NX Hybrid
Getting into the Lexus NX feels straightforward even for a six-foot-tall bloke, and the seating position is easy to settle into.
The cabin features a wide display with high resolution, and all-round outward visibility feels good. The front seats feel comfortable, and headroom is fine. Under-thigh support and back support feel adequate.
Some areas of the cabin use leather lining, while other sections, including parts of the dashboard, rely on soft-touch plastic. The NX Hybrid’s 14-inch touchscreen uses a taller layout rather than an ultra-wide format, and we found it easier to read menus and access functions.
Piano black trim surrounds the screens and shows fingerprint smudges quickly. The steering-wheel controls feel like hard plastic. They work, but they do not feel high-end to the touch. Rear visibility and side visibility feel normal for the class.
In the rear, the seat uses a bench layout with good back support and decent under-thigh support. However, it would be tough for an adult to access the middle seat due to the large hump on the floor.
Headroom feels slightly restricted, and I noticed that the rising shoulder line toward the back reduces the sense of space.
Specifications
Globally, the Lexus NX Hybrid is available in FWD and AWD configurations, both with a 2.5-litre petrol engine and a high-output permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) powering the front wheels.
The AWD configuration, which the UK-spec NX comes exclusively in, adds a low-output PMSM to spin the rear wheels for enhanced grip when driving on snowy or slippery road surfaces.
The petrol engine produces 140 kW (187 bhp) and 239 Nm (176 lb.-ft.) of torque, while the front motor develops 134 kW (180 bhp) and 270 Nm (199 lb.-ft.) of torque. The AWD configuration-exclusive rear motor generates 40 kW (54 bhp) and 121 Nm (89 lb.-ft.) of torque.
Lexus states the same total power for both NX Hybrid FWD and NX Hybrid AWD at 179 kW (241 bhp) but it does not mention the system torque. The NX Hybrid AWD accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.7 seconds, with a top speed of 124 mph, returning up to 47.8 MPG.
Price
For the MY2026 update, Lexus offers the NX Hybrid in AWD configurations in the UK. It carries a starting price of GBP 46,695 for the entry-level model. While sales of the current NX are holding steady, buyers waiting for the facelift can expect its arrival towards the end of the year.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
