The Lexus NX is an interesting entry into the crowded compact luxury segment. While some might shrug it off in favor of the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Acura RDX, or Genesis GV70, it’s worth a look for its competitive pricing, reputation for reliability, interior comfort, and luxe ride and handling. The 2026 Lexus NX is part of the vehicle’s second generation, and it will have four trims: Standard, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling.
2026 Lexus NX Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Lexus NX
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Lexus NX
Last redesigned in 2022, the 2026 Lexus NX is largely a carryover model–and that’s after receiving just minor changes for 2025. The biggest change is that the base Lexus NX 250 leaves the lineup, and the new base non-hybrid model is the NX 350. Otherwise, you have new exterior paint options. Infrared is a new color for 2026, and Ultra White is now available across the entire lineup. The next big redesign for the NX isn't expected until the 2028 model year.
Design
With its 2022 redesign, the Lexus NX got a sharper more modern exterior design, featuring the pinched-nose spindle grille framed by the signature L-shaped daytime running lights (DRLs). Standard wheels are 18 inches, but 20-inch wheels are available starting at the Premium trim level. While there aren’t any appearance packages on the NX, it’s worth noting the top F Sport Handling trim does include blacked-out exterior accents and wheels.
Powertrain
The all-wheel-drive-only Lexus NX is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that delivers 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimates fuel economy to be 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined. The NX 350 can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
Interior
The 2026 Lexus NX is a five-passenger compact luxury SUV with a max cargo volume of 46.9 cubic feet with the second row folded flat. Behind the second row, you’ll see 22.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior of the 2026 Lexus NX has a driver-focused cockpit that puts all essential controls within easy reach. Leatherette upholstery is standard, with tan, black, and burgundy color options at a base level. Leather is standard on the Luxury trim. A panoramic glass moonroof is available on all trims.
Technology
The 2026 Lexus NX comes with a standard 9.8-inch touchscreen display and Lexus’ new infotainment system that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as the Lexus intelligent assistant and navigation–the latter two items being subscription-based features. A 14-inch screen becomes standard at the Luxury trim. There are six standard USB ports, and the ability to use your phone as a key is available with an active Remote Connect subscription. Additional optional tech features include a wireless phone charger, ambient lighting, a rear camera mirror, head-up display, parallel/perpendicular park assist, and a 360-degree camera displays.
Safety
One of the biggest selling points for the 2026 Lexus NX is the long list of standard safety features you get at a base level. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 is standard on all trims and includes automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane-trace assist, road-sign assist, lane-departure alert with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and proactive driving assist. Available safety features include front cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist. Though the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn’t crash-tested the 2026 NX at the time of this writing, the 2025 model received the organization’s Top Safety Pick designation. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t crash-tested the current-generation NX.
Pricing and Release Date
Details for the 2026 Lexus NX were announced in August of 2025, and it is expected to be in dealers by late 2025. At the time of this writing, Lexus has priced the base NX 350 at $46,120. The NX 350 Premium starts at $48,045. The top two trims, the Luxury and F Sport Handling are priced within $100 of each other, starting at $52,185 and $52,095, respectively.
