The Lexus NX offers several engine types across its trim range. These include a turbocharged gasoline engine, a conventional hybrid system, and a plug-in hybrid system. Each configuration pairs with an automatic transmission and supports either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on the model.
2026 White Lexus NX 350h
The NX lineup typically includes:
- NX 250
- NX 350
- NX 350h
- NX 450h+
Each designation reflects a specific engine and electrification level.
NX 250 Engine Specification
2.5-Litre Naturally Aspirated Engine
The 250 uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine without turbocharging.
Key characteristics include:
- Inline four-cylinder configuration
- Naturally aspirated air intake
- 8-speed automatic transmission
This engine produces approximately 203 horsepower.
Drivetrain Layout
The 250 offers:
- Front-wheel drive
- Available all-wheel drive
Power transfers through a conventional automatic transmission to the front wheels or to all four wheels when equipped with AWD.
This engine configuration focuses on standard gasoline operation without electrification.
NX 350 Engine Specification
2.4-Litre Turbocharged Engine
The 350 uses a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
Key characteristics include:
- Inline four-cylinder layout
- Turbocharger for forced air intake
- Direct fuel injection
- 8-speed automatic transmission
This engine produces approximately 275 horsepower and 430 newton-metres of torque.
Drivetrain Configuration
The 350 comes standard with all-wheel drive.
The turbocharged engine delivers higher torque than the 250.
This configuration uses conventional gasoline combustion without hybrid assistance.
NX 350h Hybrid System
2.5-Litre Hybrid Powertrain
The 350h uses a hybrid system that combines:
- A 2.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine
- Electric motor generators
- A hybrid battery pack
- An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT)
The total system output is approximately 240 horsepower.
Hybrid Layout
The hybrid system includes:
- A front electric motor
- An additional rear electric motor for all-wheel drive models
This setup allows electronic all-wheel drive without a mechanical driveshaft to the rear axle.
The gasoline engine and electric motors work together to provide propulsion. The system automatically manages power distribution.
NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid System
2.5-Litre Plug-in Hybrid Configuration
The 450h+ uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
This system includes:
- A 2.5-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine
- Front and rear electric motors
- A high-capacity lithium-ion battery
- An electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
Total system output is approximately 304 horsepower.
Electric Driving Capability
The plug-in hybrid system allows:
- Operation in electric-only mode for short distances
- Charging through an external power source
- Hybrid operation when the battery charge decreases
The 450h+ comes standard with all-wheel drive through its electric motor arrangement.
Transmission Types Across Engine Variants
The Lexus NX uses two transmission types depending on engine selection.
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
Used in:
- 250
- 350
This transmission uses traditional gear ratios.
Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT)
Used in:
- 350h
- 450h+
The eCVT manages power flow between the gasoline engine and electric motors.
The transmission does not use fixed gear steps. Instead, it adjusts ratios electronically.
Fuel and Energy Systems
Each engine type relies on a different energy system.
Gasoline Models
NX 250 and NX 350 use:
- Direct fuel injection
- Standard gasoline combustion
No electrification is available for propulsion in these models.
Hybrid Model
350h includes:
- Hybrid battery
- Regenerative braking
- Automatic switching between engine and electric motor
The system does not require external charging.
Plug-in Hybrid Model
450h+ includes:
- Larger lithium-ion battery
- External charging capability
- Regenerative braking
The plug-in system supports both electric and gasoline operation.
Power Output Comparison
Engine outputs across the lineup include:
- 250: approximately 203 horsepower
- 350: approximately 275 horsepower
- 350h: approximately 240 combined horsepower
- 450h+: approximately 304 combined horsepower
Torque values vary based on engine and motor configuration.
The turbocharged 350 delivers higher torque at lower engine speeds than the naturally aspirated 250.
The plug-in hybrid 450h+ offers the highest total system output.
All-Wheel Drive Systems
All-wheel drive availability differs by engine type.
- 250: optional AWD
- 350: standard AWD
- 350h: electronic AWD
- 450h+: standard electronic AWD
Gasoline models use a mechanical driveshaft to distribute power to the rear axle.
Hybrid models use a rear electric motor to power the rear wheels.
This distinction affects drivetrain layout but not interior configuration.
Engine and Trim Relationship
Each engine type aligns with specific model designations.
- 250: entry gasoline model
- 350: turbocharged gasoline model
- 350h: hybrid model
- 450h+: plug-in hybrid model
Trim levels may include additional features, but engine type corresponds to the model number.
Emissions and Efficiency Context
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems reduce fuel consumption compared to gasoline-only models under similar driving conditions.
The NX 350h uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery during deceleration.
The NX 450h+ can operate without gasoline for limited distances when sufficient battery charge is available.
Gasoline models operate solely on internal combustion.
Summary of Engine Types
The Lexus NX offers four main engine configurations:
- 2.5-litre naturally aspirated gasoline engine
- 2.4-litre turbocharged gasoline engine
- 2.5-litre hybrid system
- 2.5-litre plug-in hybrid system
Transmission types include an 8-speed automatic and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
All-wheel drive is either optional, standard, or electronically managed, depending on the engine type.
Questions and Answers: Lexus NX
What engine powers the NX 250?
- It uses a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder gasoline engine.
Which NX model uses a turbocharged engine?
- It uses a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
What transmission does the NX 350h use?
- It uses an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (eCVT).
Which model offers plug-in hybrid capability?
- The 450h+ offers plug-in hybrid capability and supports external charging.
Which NX model has the highest total system output?
- The 450h+ has the highest total system output at approximately 304 horsepower.
*Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle, feature availability.*
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