10 Reasons The 2027 Lexus NX Just Became The Best Luxury SUV To Buy

The Lexus NX has long been a go-to recommendation in the luxury crossover segment—offering a serene driving experience, strong resale value, and minimal repair headaches compared to its German rivals like the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Audi Q5.

For 2027, Lexus gives the NX significant updates: refreshed exterior styling, a overhauled interior, refined chassis and suspension tuning, and a complete shift to an all-electrified powertrain lineup. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the 10 top highlights—and 3 drawbacks—of the 2027 Lexus NX.

1. Benchmark Long-Term Reliability

Lexus continues to set the standard for factory build quality and minimal long-term repair concerns.

• Production Sourcing: The hybrid NX 350h is built at Toyota's Cambridge plant in Ontario, Canada, while the plug-in hybrid NX 450h+ is manufactured in Japan.
• Proven Engine Architecture: The turbocharged and gas-only engines have been entirely dropped. Both models now feature the naturally aspirated 2.5L 4-cylinder engine (A25A-FKS)—a time-tested engine block utilized across millions of Toyota and Lexus vehicles over nearly a decade.
• Indestructible Drivetrain: Paired with a 6th-generation planetary-gear eCVT and standard dual-motor electronic all-wheel drive, the powertrain avoids high-stress failure points.

2. Exceptional Fuel Economy

With non-hybrid variants retired, fuel efficiency is a primary asset across the lineup:

• Both the NX 350h and NX 450h+ achieve approximately 38 MPG (6.2 L/100 km) in standard hybrid mode.
• Although premium fuel is recommended for optimal output, the powertrain runs safely on regular unleaded gasoline without risking long-term component damage.

3. The Performance-Minded NX 450h+ Plug-In Hybrid

For drivers seeking quick acceleration alongside EV daily commuting, the NX 450h+ PHEV delivers a noticeable bump in capability:

• Output: Features larger electric drive motors and an upgraded battery pack, pushing total output to 324 horsepower (compared to 240 hp on the standard 350h).
• Acceleration: Sprints from 0 to 60 mph in under 6 seconds (versus ~7 seconds for the standard hybrid).
• EV Range & Charging: Delivers up to 50 miles (70 km) of pure electric driving range per charge and now includes NACS (Tesla-style) port compatibility with DC fast-charging support.

4. Whispersoft Refinement & Improved Handling

Lexus applied structural reinforcements to the 2.5L block and increased sound insulation throughout the chassis:

• Seamless Transitions: Engine start-stop engagement is virtually imperceptible under normal city driving conditions.
• Suspension Upgrades: Damping has been tuned for a smoother highway ride, while available F Sport models feature an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) with driver-selectable shock firmness.

5. Overhauled Cabin Architecture

The interior features an upgraded layout with luxury material options:

• Material Accents: Available real ash wood or bamboo trim inlays, alongside five NuLuxe (synthetic leather) or genuine leather color combinations.
• Standard Panoramic Glass Roof: A full panoramic glass roof with a power sunshade now comes standard across all trim levels.
• Sensory Concierge: A wellness-focused mode combining ambient lighting, tailored audio profiles, climate adjustments, and subtle fragrance misting.

6. Next-Gen 14-Inch Infotainment Interface

Every 2027 NX receives Lexus's latest 14-inch high-definition touchscreen display:

• Software: Features fast hardware processing, intuitive voice commands, and clean menu hierarchies.
• Features: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, paired with a fully digital, customizable driver gauge display and an available integrated dashcam drive-recorder.

7. Physical Controls Retained

Rather than migrating every single function into screen menus, Lexus preserved driver-friendly physical controls:

• Features a dedicated analog volume knob and a proximity-sensing capacitive button bar beneath the touchscreen that illuminates as the driver's hand approaches.

8. Updated Active Safety (Lexus Safety Sense 4.0)

Standard equipment includes LSS+ 4.0, adding enhanced pedestrian detection, intersection turning assistance, proactive driving assist, and refined lane-tracing assistance.

9. Competitive Pricing & Base Trim Value

While official 2027 pricing reflects modest year-over-year adjustments, the base model remains one of the best value propositions in the compact luxury crossover market:

• Base models come standard with the 14-inch display, heated seats, full safety suite, and 18-inch wheels—which offer a slightly softer, quieter ride than optional 20-inch wheels.

10. Class-Leading Resale Value

Unlike most German luxury crossovers that suffer steep 3-to-5-year depreciation curves, the Lexus NX retains a high percentage of its original MSRP on the secondary market due to strong consumer demand for out-of-warranty reliability.

3 Key Drawbacks

• Tight Rear Seating & Moderate Cargo Capacity: The compact footprint results in snug rear legroom for taller adults and a smaller rear cargo hold compared to larger rivals like the BMW X3 or Acura RDX.
• Run-Flat Tires & Lack of a Spare Tire: The under-floor rear cargo area houses storage bins rather than a physical spare tire. The standard run-flat tires produce slightly stiffer ride characteristics and cost significantly more to replace when worn.
• No Traditional Gas Engine Option: Buyers strictly seeking a non-electrified, gas-only powertrain will need to look elsewhere, as the NX is now exclusively sold as an HEV or PHEV.

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