• Auto123 gets in a first drive of the 2027 Lexus NX.
Elora, ON – We came to this pittaresque town west of Toronto to meet not a new generation of the NX compact SUV, but a substantially updated edition. Which means the model remains on its second generation, inaugurated for the 2022 model-year and so now, if our math is correct, entering its sixth year.
And while the updates are indeed numerous, arguably the main talking point here is the elimination of any non-electrified options from the NX lineup. That decision isn’t exactly controversial – it falls more into the reasonable or even no-brainer category than the risky category.
But still, it’s notable, especially since the NX continues to be a core product for the Lexus brand, in fact since this year it is its top seller in Canada, which happens to be the luxury automaker’s fourth biggest market in all the world.
Where will the 2027 Lexus NX be manufactured?
As before, the 2027 NX HEV will be manufactured right here in the good old Canad of Ah. More specifically, at Toyota’s TMMC plant in Cambridge, Ontario.
The 2027 NX 450h+ (plug-in hybrid) for the Canadian market will be assembled at the Toyota Motor Kyushu (TMK) plant in Japan
2027 Lexus NX – What’s new?
While the body panels retain a familiar silhouette, the vehicle has been redesigned more or less from the ground up. Structural enhancements include a redesigned engine block for increased rigidity, while floor rigidity jumps by 25 percent to enhance steering response and minimize vibrations. A reworked front suspension tower integrated with the front pillar structure contributes to a 30-percent increase in overall front-end rigidity. In the process, it lowers the vehicle's centre of gravity for increased comfort and agility.
Suspension tuning features new dampers, refined front eAxle components and a dynamic setup calibrated for precise handling.
Safety also takes a step forward with the standard Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 suite, adding the latest driver assistance technologies.
Acoustic insulation sees an upgrade. Thanks to NVH updates and sound-absorbing materials added to the rear bumper, rear doors and centre pillars, interior noise and vibration are reduced by 20 percent, Lexus promises.
Powertrains of the 2027 Lexus NX – 8.5/10
Ditching traditional gas engines entirely, the lineup splits between high-efficiency hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, incorporating the brand’s sixth-generation hybrid system.
The NX 350h HEV pairs a 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a lighter lithium-ion battery package featuring an enhanced cooling system for increased output. Available with front-wheel drive or electronic all-wheel drive, system output reaches 244 hp. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The top-tier NX 450h+ PHEV features electric all-wheel drive and a newly developed 22.7 kWh underfloor-mounted battery. Total system output is pegged at 324 hp, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The PHEV's electric range increases to 72 km (up from 61 km previously). Charging is significantly faster: a Level 2 charging station can replenish the battery in 2.5 hours if conditions are good, while DC fast charging can lead from a 10- to an 80-percent state-of-charge in 30 minutes.
Towing capacity stands at 2,000 lb across the lineup.
Design of the 2027 Lexus NX – 8.0/10
The vehicle adopts an evolution of the brand's "Vital x Tech" design theme. Up front, a redesigned front fascia incorporates a frameless spindle grille (with the sporty F Sport-style grille layout now standard) and adaptive LED headlights. The exterior profile gains revised side skirts, a new rear diffuser and dark accents, as chrome trim is replaced by black trim.
At the rear, new LED lighting showcases a Double L-motif light signature — a first for the brand.
A panoramic roof is now standard across all grades. Wheel sizes range from 18-inch wheels on Luxury models to 20-inch wheels on higher trims. The F Sport adds a sportier stance with black contrasts, 20-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers and rear-bumper aerodynamic elements.
Interior of the 2027 Lexus NX – 8.5/10
Inside, the cabin receives its most significant transformation, drawing heavy inspiration from the ES sedan and new TZ SUV. Occupants sit in an updated, lower seating position designed to improve comfort and driver engagement.
Key interior features include:
• Redesigned dashboard, centre console and updated door panels.
• Standard heated seats and a heated steering wheel; seat ventilation is added on Executive grades.
• Premium upholstery options ranging from something called NuLuxe on Luxury and F-Sport variants to genuine leather on Executive models.
• Available perfume dispensers and a top-tier Sensory Concierge feature offering three distinct mood experiences combining sound, ambient light, visuals and scent.
The standard audio system has 10 speakers, and if that leaves you cold the available Mark Levinson system comes with 17 of them, along with a distinct metal grille and ring illumination for the speakers.
Technology in the 2027 Lexus NX – 8.5/10
The tech suite centers on a new 14-inch central infotainment display paired with a 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster. Capacitive HVAC controls and camera inputs simplify dash interactions.
Lexus promises faster processing of voice commands and an increased recognition success. Translation: the car will hear you better and reply more quickly.
For charging convenience, the model features an integrated North American Charging Standard (NACS) charge port, though Lexus hasn’t confirmed if a plug adapter will be included at delivery. The PHEV also includes a 1,500W power socket and app-based climate pre-conditioning.
An optional Connect & Secure package introduces an automatic-recording dash cam, remote vehicle localization, and a digital anti-theft system capable of disabling the vehicle remotely.
The 2027 NX features the Lexus Safety System+ 4.0, with enhancements that include Lace Tracing Assist, Emergency Steer Assist and Intersection Support – the latter something we’ve all prayed for at one point or another, if we’re being honest.
A driver monitor camera is standard, so keep your eyes on the road and your head up straight if you don’t want your knuckles rapped via a warning beep.
Driving the 2027 Lexus NX – 8.0/10
By this point, it’s no secret what the core mandate of a Lexus is: deliver a refined, comfortable ride and in-cabin experience that are generally on the short side of exciting, but not dull either. Surprise surprise, that’s what the 2027 edition of the NX delivers.
The adjustments to the body that have given the model increased rigidity do make themselves felt. The NX is tidy and tight when cornering and hugs the road very well. Both the HEV and PHEV models deliver sufficient power at all times for a vehicle of this size, so highway on ramps and passing situations present no problem. An acceleration beast the NX is not (5.9 and 6.9 seconds to get to 100 won’t set too many hearts racing), but that’s not its mandate, and it manages to be lively just the same.
One caveat here: our day of driving did not include any real highway time. That said, it’s not hard to deduce from a) the drive we did have and b) the brand behind the NX that the 2027 edition will serve as an excellent extended road trip companion due to its comfort-focused suspension, comfortable seating and ability to deliver ample power when needed. And if you want to play with the ambient lighting options and pump certain fragrances into the cabin for that special experience, well you can do that too!
We found the transitions from the electric motor to the gas engine to be, if not imperceptible, very discreet. The new and improved range of 72 km (71 for the F-Sport) should allow for nearly ICE-free driving in most urban daily driving situations.
Our drive time was too short to take any meaningful measures of fuel consumption. Official figures for the different configurations are:
- 2027 NX 350h - 5.6L/6.9L/6.2L/100 km (city/highway/combined)
- 2027 NX 450h – 6.3L/6.7L/6.3L/100 km
- 2027 NX 450h F-Sport – 6.5L/6.9L/6.5L/100 km
2027 Lexus NX – Pricing and availability in Canada
The updated SUV arrives in Canadian dealerships at the tail end of 2026 or early in 2027. Canadian buyers can choose from six distinct grades spanning HEV (350h) and PHEV (450h+) powertrains across Luxury, Executive and F Sport trim levels.
Official Canadian pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle's market launch date. We’ll be curious to see the gap in pricing between not just the HEV and PHEV configurations, but also between the FWD and AWD versions of the former.
2027 Lexus NX – The competition
- - Alfa Romeo Tonale
- - Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring
- - Mercedes- Benz GLC 350e
- - Volvo XC60 PHEV
