2027/28 Lexus NX.
The top image previews what could be a bold evolution for the next-generation Lexus NX, looking like a dramatic mid-cycle refresh mixed with an all-new redesign. It also shares some design cues with the new 2026 Lexus ES sedan.
The current, second-generation Lexus NX debuted in June 2021. Yet for many enthusiasts, it already feels older than it actually is. That perception likely comes from how closely the current model resembles the original 2014 NX. Despite riding on a completely new platform and offering improved tech, hybrid efficiency, and refinement, the design evolution was subtle. For casual observers, it didn’t scream “all-new.”
However, Lexus has no reason to rush a replacement. The NX continues to grow in popularity worldwide and remains one of the brand’s best-selling SUVs. Strong hybrid demand and Lexus’s reputation for reliability have only strengthened its position in the competitive luxury compact SUV segment.
Still, industry rumors suggest the next NX could arrive as early as next year, or even before. And if early design speculation proves accurate, it may borrow heavily from the styling direction of the new Lexus ES. That would mean sharper lines, a more angular profile, reduced chrome, and a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. It’s a controversial shift. One that redefines traditional “Lexus luxury” into something more minimalist and architectural.
Not everyone is convinced this new direction will resonate with loyal buyers. The upcoming ES redesign has already sparked debate among longtime customers who appreciated the softer, more elegant approach of previous generations.
Mechanically, the next NX is expected to share components with the upcoming Toyota RAV4, likely the 2026 model year version. A hybrid powertrain could become standard, reflecting Toyota and Lexus’s continued commitment to electrification. Given market trends, plug-in hybrid and possibly fully electric variants are also very plausible.
In fact, rumors of an electric RAV4 surfaced months before its anticipated launch, suggesting Lexus could leverage the same architecture for an EV version of the NX. That would position the next NX as a key player in the compact luxury EV space. Competing directly with European rivals.
If Lexus blends bold design with hybrid efficiency and potential EV capability, the next-generation NX could become its most important compact SUV yet. The big question remains: will modern minimalism attract new buyers, or alienate existing Lexus loyalists?
Either way, the next NX is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about luxury SUVs of the year.