The 2027 Lexus NX has been revealed for the American market, showcasing a host of visual and specification alterations. The Japanese brand’s South African arm has confirmed when it’ll reach local shores…
Lexus has revealed the updated 2027 Lexus NX compact crossover with some crucial updates applied both inside and out. The model shifts to an entirely electrified lineup offering hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) options, similar to the Toyota RAV4 range. Global markets will receive this extensively revised vehicle by the end of 2026. Lexus South Africa has confimed that the updated package will be introduced to the market within the first half of 2027.
Uplifting the 2027 Lexus NX’s visual aesthetics
The Lexus NX’s revised interior styling evolves the established Vital Tech design concept. A wide, low stance joins functional components that integrate into the front grille. Outer door mirrors and body mouldings trade chrome trimmings for black accents.
Headlamps combine turn signals and daytime running lights into a dual-line lighting layout. The rear lights introduce a Double L Signature alongside an illuminated Lexus emblem. The colour palette expands to nine options, including Shaded Ivy, Incognito, and Iridium.
The dashboard aligns a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster alongside the main touchscreen. Drivers control functions using a new steering wheel and a soft-touch panel featuring Responsive Hidden Switches. Ambient linear lighting stretches across the dashboard to the door panels. Interior upholstery comes in five shades, including Abalos and Radiant Red.
F Sport variants feature dedicated under spoilers, side pontoons, Piano Black exterior trim, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior receives an all-black dashboard with contrasting stitching.
- Also read: Review: 2026 Lexus ES 350h EX
Advanced cabin technology and driver assistance
Every 2027 Lexus NX now incorporates the brand’s updated interface system running on a 14-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Standard features comprise an integrated dashcam recorder, wireless smartphone connectivity, a wireless charging pad, and Digital Key 2.0 functionality.
Luxury and F Sport derivatives introduce the Sensory Concierge system. This feature coordinates interior lighting, dual-zone climate controls, seat heating, and custom cabin fragrances through pre-set modes named Inspire, Radiance, and Revitalize.
Safety equipment expands via the standard Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 suite. Driving assistance functions include pre-collision emergency braking, dynamic radar adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and proactive driving assist. Front cross-traffic alert and traffic jam assist offer further driver support during urban commutes.
Drivetrain and performance enhancements
Engineering updates focus on drivetrain efficiency and chassis response. Both powertrains utilise a compact e-Axle assembly that integrates the transaxle, electric motor, and power control unit. This arrangement lowers the overall center of gravity. Silicon carbide power semiconductors inside the inverter improve electrical efficiency.
The E-Four electronic all-wheel-drive system operates continuously during straight-line travel, cornering, and acceleration to improve grip on low-friction surfaces. It comes standard on the NX 450h+ and higher NX 350h trim levels.
Battery management revisions on the NX 350h allow higher torque delivery via the electric motors, matching engine speed to vehicle acceleration. Total combined output increases to 182 kW, delivering smooth throttle response and better fuel economy.
The Lexus NX is only available as a hybrid
American-specific 2027 Lexus NX models feature the updated 2.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine for both the 350h and 450h+ derivatives. Engine designers reinforced the block casting to increase rigidity between the engine and transaxle. This structural improvement shifts resonance away from combustion frequencies, lowering in-cabin engine noise by 20% compared to the outgoing model. The 2.5-litre unit produces 139 kW at 6,000 r/min and 235 Nm of torque at 4,200 r/min.
The plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ gains a stronger front electric motor rated at 151 kW, replacing the previous 134 kW unit. Combined with the 40 kW rear electric motor, total system output rises to 242 kW. Revised lithium-ion battery chemistry yields an 8% increase in both output and capacity. This battery upgrade extends the estimated EV driving range to over 64 kilometres. Charging capabilities now include DC fast charging, enabling a 10 to 80% charge in 35 minutes using a 50 kW station. Alternating current charging requires two and a half hours via a 240V supply. Mountings for the battery cells shift to a transverse layout, improving chassis rigidity and lowering the center of gravity.
Sharpened chassis geometry and cabin acoustics
Lexus engineers revised structural components across the floor tunnel, front unibody, and suspension towers to elevate overall body stiffness. The dynamic tuning process took place at the Toyota Technical Centre Shimoyama and the Nürburgring circuit in Germany. Non-adaptive variants receive shock absorbers with ultra-low-speed valves to stabilise body motion over road crests.
Manoeuvrability improves through a smaller 360 mm steering wheel paired with a re-tuned Variable Rack Gear power steering system. Brake controls apply light friction to individual wheels during cornering to control vehicle yaw and roll. Cabin noise reduction measures include thicker front door glass, modified heater hoses, and new sound insulation within the rear body shell and dashboard.
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