The 2026 Lexus NX offers New Brunswick drivers a refined luxury compact SUV that balances comfort, technology, and efficiency. Here's what you need to know about this versatile vehicle.
What Body Style Is the 2026 Lexus NX?
The 2026 Lexus NX is a five-seat compact luxury SUV sized for easy urban parking while offering ample space for weekend getaways. At 4,660 mm long with a 2,690 mm wheelbase, it provides comfortable legroom for adults in both rows and 643 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats. The rear seats fold 60/40 on higher trims, expanding capacity to 1,328 litres. The panoramic moonroof (available on most trims) enhances the cabin's open, airy feel, with 943 mm of front headroom and 950 mm in the rear.
What Powertrains Are Available?
The NX lineup offers three distinct powertrains:
NX 350: A 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 275 hp, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard AWD. Fuel economy is rated at 9.8 L/100 km combined (10.9 city, 8.5 highway). This version offers more immediate power for highway merging and slightly more ground clearance at 206 mm.
NX 350h: The hybrid pairs a 2.5L four-cylinder with electric motors for 240 hp total output, managed by an eCVT and standard AWD. It delivers superior fuel economy at 6.0 L/100 km combined (5.7 city, 6.4 highway) - competitive for city driving and minimizing fuel costs.
NX 450h+: The plug-in hybrid features a 2.5L four-cylinder with electric motors for 304 hp total output and 60 km of electric-only range. It combines the efficiency of electric driving for daily commutes with the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer trips.
All three handle New Brunswick's varied terrain confidently and offer approximately 2,000 lb towing capacity.
What Trims Are Available?
The 2026 NX offers six trim levels:
Standard Package (NX 350h only): Includes Lexus Safety System +3.0, 18-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, and 9.8-inch touchscreen.
Luxury: Available on both powertrains. Adds 20-inch alloy wheels, 64-colour ambient illumination, wireless charger, digital key, Blind Spot Monitor, Lane Change Assist, and Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking.
Ultra Luxury: Includes premium triple-beam LED headlamps, panoramic moonroof, wood trim, power back door with kick sensor, digital rearview mirror, and Panoramic View Monitor.
Executive: The top non-sport trim features 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio, leather upholstery, heated rear seats, power-folding rear seats, head-up display, and Advanced Park.
F SPORT 2: Built for sportier driving with exclusive 20-inch wheels, F SPORT steering wheel and seats, adaptive variable suspension, heated and ventilated front seats, head-up display, and 14-inch touchscreen.
F SPORT 3: The top F SPORT grade adds Mark Levinson audio, panoramic moonroof, power-folding heated rear seats, digital key, triple-beam headlamps, and digital rearview mirror. Features sport-tuned suspension with AVS.
Is AWD Standard?
Yes. Every 2026 Lexus NX comes with standard all-wheel drive for New Brunswick's winter conditions. The NX 350h uses an AWD-e system with an electric motor on the rear axle for instant torque distribution. The NX 350 uses traditional mechanical AWD. Both deliver confident traction on snow, gravel, and wet pavement.
What Safety and Technology Features Come Standard?
The 2026 NX includes Lexus Safety System +3.0 as standard equipment across all trims:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Motorcycle Detection
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beam
- Emergency Driving Stop Support
Higher trims add Front Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, and Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist. Panoramic View Monitor and Intuitive Parking Assist are available on Luxury and above.
The Lexus Interface touchscreen (9.8-inch standard, 14-inch on higher trims) includes Service/Safety Connect with a five-year trial and Remote/Drive Connect with a three-year trial. Digital key functionality lets you unlock and start the vehicle using your smartphone, with a credit card key as backup.
The Mark Levinson 17-speaker audio system (Executive and F SPORT 3) delivers concert-quality sound, while thematic ambient illumination offers 64 colours to customize cabin mood.
How Much Cargo Space and Towing Capacity Does It Have?
The NX offers 643 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats - enough for groceries, hockey bags, or camping gear. Fold the rear seats down and capacity expands to 1,328 litres for larger items like furniture or sports equipment.
Towing capacity is rated at 2,000 lb (907 kg) for the NX 350h and 2,006 lb (910 kg) for the NX 350 - sufficient for a small utility trailer, ATVs, or a lightweight boat.
Which NX Is Right for You?
If fuel economy is your priority and most driving happens in the city, the NX 350h delivers strong efficiency. The hybrid's 6.0 L/100 km combined rating translates to real savings, and the eCVT delivers smooth, quiet acceleration.
If you want more power for highway driving or towing, or prefer a traditional automatic transmission, the NX 350 provides stronger acceleration and slightly more towing capacity. The 275 hp turbo engine delivers confident performance.
For plug-in capability and electric-only commuting, the NX 450h+ offers 60 km of EV range for daily errands while maintaining full hybrid flexibility for longer trips.
For trim selection, the Luxury package adds key comfort and safety features. F SPORT models suit those wanting a more aggressive look and sportier handling, while the Executive delivers the full luxury experience with leather, Mark Levinson audio, and Advanced Park.
Ready to Experience the 2026 Lexus NX?
The 2026 Lexus NX pairs refined luxury, practical space, and advanced safety in a package sized for New Brunswick roads.
Discover how the Lexus NX can elevate your daily drive—visit Lexus of Saint John today to schedule your test drive and explore our latest offers!
