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2026 Lexus NX Revealed: New Hybrid Power, Sharper Design and a More Personalized Driving Experience

Lexus is taking its popular compact luxury SUV into a new chapter with the introduction of the new NX, combining a redesigned exterior, a more sophisticated cabin and an all-new hybrid system designed to sharpen performance while expanding the model’s electrified capabilities.

Since arriving in 2014 as Lexus’ first compact crossover SUV, the NX has become one of the brand’s most important global models. By the end of July 2026, cumulative NX sales had reached approximately 1.9 million units across more than 90 countries and regions, cementing the SUV’s position as a cornerstone of the Lexus lineup.

For the latest generation, Lexus is building on that success with a philosophy centered around the idea of “DISCOVER YOUR EDGE”—a concept intended to encourage drivers to explore beyond the predictable and find new possibilities behind the wheel.

2026 Lexus NX Embraces a New Electrified Era

The new Lexus NX retains the fundamental formula that made the nameplate successful: compact dimensions, sporty styling, everyday practicality and a premium driving experience.

But Lexus says the latest model has been developed for what it calls the electrified era, with an all-new hybrid system intended not only to improve efficiency but also to enhance the way the SUV drives.

The company describes the development philosophy in straightforward terms: the NX should be a vehicle that makes drivers want to take the long way home.

That philosophy is reflected in the engineering. Rather than treating electrification simply as a way to reduce fuel consumption, Lexus is using hybrid technology as a tool for improving acceleration, responsiveness and overall driving character.

The new NX will be offered in several powertrain configurations, including the plug-in hybrid NX 450h+, hybrid NX 350h and NX 300h variants, depending on market specification.

Lexus NX 450h+ Targets More Than 40 Miles of EV Range

At the top of the electrified range is the NX 450h+, equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive.

Prototype specifications indicate system output ranging from approximately 215 to 240 kW, depending on configuration. Lexus quotes a 0-to-100-km/h acceleration time of around 6.0 seconds.

More importantly for drivers who regularly charge at home, the NX 450h+ is designed to deliver more than 40 miles of electric driving range in North America. European specifications target more than 100 km of EV range, while Japanese specifications list more than 140 km.

Those figures make the plug-in hybrid NX particularly interesting for urban drivers who can complete much of their daily commuting on electric power while retaining the flexibility of a gasoline engine for longer journeys.

NX 350h Offers Hybrid Performance Without Plugging In

The NX 350h continues the conventional hybrid approach, combining a 2.5-liter inline-four engine with Lexus’ electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

Depending on specification, system output is listed between approximately 140 and 180 kW, with 0-to-100-km/h acceleration estimated at 7.1 to 7.8 seconds.

The NX 350h is available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, giving customers greater choice depending on their priorities.

For buyers who want electrification without having to connect the vehicle to a charger, the conventional hybrid configuration remains one of the most practical options in the NX lineup.

NX 300h Adds a More Accessible Hybrid Configuration

The new NX also expands its powertrain range with a 300h configuration featuring a 2.0-liter inline-four engine.

Prototype specifications list approximately 145 kW of system output and a claimed 0-to-100-km/h time of around 9.2 seconds.

This version is positioned as a front-wheel-drive option and provides an alternative for buyers who prioritize efficiency, everyday usability and Lexus’ premium SUV experience over outright performance.

The availability of individual powertrains will vary by market.

A Sharper Lexus NX Exterior

While the new NX represents a significant evolution underneath the skin, Lexus has also revised the SUV’s exterior design.

The latest model measures 4,690 mm in length, representing an increase of 30 mm compared with the previous specification. Width remains at 1,865 mm, while overall height is 1,660 mm. The wheelbase continues to measure 2,690 mm.

That means the NX remains firmly within the compact luxury SUV category while gaining a slightly longer footprint.

Lexus says the exterior has been designed to create anticipation before the driver even enters the vehicle. The objective is to make the NX appear dynamic and athletic while retaining the practical proportions expected from a family-oriented crossover.

The result is an evolution rather than a radical departure from the NX design language.

Interior Focuses on Simplicity and Relaxation

Inside, Lexus is taking a different approach.

Rather than filling the dashboard with unnecessary visual complexity, the new NX adopts a simple, horizontal-themed interior designed to create a greater sense of openness.

The emphasis is on making the cabin feel relaxed and intuitive, while maintaining the premium atmosphere expected from a Lexus.

The interior is also an important part of Lexus’ broader attempt to differentiate the NX from competitors through sensory experiences rather than relying solely on materials, screens and performance figures.

That approach becomes particularly apparent with one of the model’s most unusual new technologies.

Sensory Concierge Brings Personalized Lighting and Fragrance

The new Lexus NX introduces a feature called “Sensory Concierge,” which combines personalized lighting and fragrance to create a more relaxing cabin environment.

Lexus describes the system as an attempt to create a living-room-like atmosphere inside the vehicle.

The concept is increasingly relevant as luxury automakers search for ways to make their vehicles feel different from conventional transportation. Instead of simply adding more digital displays, Lexus is focusing on the physical atmosphere experienced by occupants.

Lighting and fragrance can be selected according to the occupants’ preferences and mood, adding another layer of personalization to the NX experience.

It is an unusual feature in the compact luxury SUV segment and could become one of the characteristics that distinguishes the new NX from more conventional rivals.

Lexus Wants the NX to Encourage Exploration

The philosophy behind the new Lexus NX goes beyond its specification sheet.

Lexus introduced the brand message “DISCOVER—Imitate No One” at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, signaling an effort to further differentiate the brand through unique experiences.

The NX is one of the vehicles being used to express that philosophy.

The “DISCOVER YOUR EDGE” theme essentially challenges drivers to move beyond simply choosing the safest or most conventional option. Lexus wants the NX to become a vehicle that encourages exploration, whether that means discovering a different route home, traveling farther on electric power or simply enjoying the driving experience.

That philosophy is particularly important for a model that has already established itself as a mainstream success for the brand.

1.9 Million Sales Give the New NX a Strong Foundation

The NX’s sales record gives Lexus considerable room to experiment with the latest generation.

Approximately 1.9 million NX vehicles have been sold worldwide since the model debuted in 2014, with sales spanning more than 90 countries and regions.

Those numbers demonstrate how important the NX has become to Lexus. What began as the company’s first compact crossover SUV has evolved into one of its core global products.

The challenge for Lexus is therefore not to reinvent the NX completely, but to modernize it without losing the qualities that attracted existing customers.

The latest model appears to take exactly that approach.

2026 Lexus NX Prototype Specifications

According to the preliminary prototype specifications supplied by Lexus, the new NX measures 4,690 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,660 mm high, with a 2,690-mm wheelbase.

The NX 450h+ uses a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, all-wheel drive and an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Prototype system output is listed at 215-240 kW, with a 0-to-100-km/h time of approximately 6.0 seconds.

The NX 350h also uses a 2.5-liter inline-four engine and is offered with AWD or FWD. Depending on configuration, system output ranges from approximately 140 to 180 kW, while acceleration to 100 km/h takes approximately 7.1-7.8 seconds.

The NX 300h uses a 2.0-liter inline-four engine, front-wheel drive and produces approximately 145 kW of system output. Lexus quotes approximately 9.2 seconds for 0-100 km/h acceleration.

Curb weight ranges from approximately 1,690 to 2,130 kg depending on powertrain and specification.

The prototype is listed with 235/60R18 or 235/50R20 tires, depending on configuration.

2026 Lexus NX: Specifications at a Glance

  • Length: 4,690 mm
  • Width: 1,865 mm
  • Height: 1,660 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,690 mm
  • Powertrains: 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines
  • NX 450h+: Plug-in hybrid, AWD
  • NX 350h: Hybrid, AWD or FWD
  • NX 300h: Hybrid, FWD
  • Transmission: Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission
  • Maximum prototype system output: Up to approximately 240 kW
  • NX 450h+ 0-100 km/h: Approximately 6.0 seconds
  • NX 350h 0-100 km/h: Approximately 7.1-7.8 seconds
  • NX 300h 0-100 km/h: Approximately 9.2 seconds
  • NX 450h+ EV range: More than 40 miles in North America, more than 100 km in Europe and more than 140 km in Japan, depending on market testing standards
  • Tire sizes: 235/60R18 or 235/50R20
  • Curb weight: Approximately 1,690-2,130 kg

The New Lexus NX Could Be One of the Brand’s Most Important SUVs

The latest Lexus NX is not trying to abandon the formula that made the nameplate successful. Instead, Lexus is adding more technology, more electrification and a stronger emphasis on personalization while retaining the compact dimensions and sporty-utility balance that have defined the model.

The NX 450h+ in particular could become an appealing proposition for customers who want meaningful electric driving capability without giving up the convenience of a combustion engine for long-distance travel.

At the same time, the NX 350h provides a conventional hybrid alternative for buyers who do not want to plug in, while the NX 300h broadens the range with a simpler front-wheel-drive configuration.

With approximately 1.9 million units already sold, Lexus does not need to convince the market that the NX works. The task with the new model is more subtle: make an already successful compact luxury SUV feel fresh, more engaging and more relevant to the electrified future.

If Lexus has achieved that balance, the new NX could become more than just another update. It could be the model that defines the next phase of the Lexus compact SUV story.

Source: Lexus

News

Ford Confirms New SUV Based on Geely’s Electric Vehicle Platform

Ford is preparing a new compact SUV that could mark one of the most unexpected collaborations in the European automotive industry. The upcoming model will use Geely’s Global Intelligent Electric Architecture (GEA), combining Ford’s design and brand identity with technology developed by one of China’s largest automotive groups.

The new details shed further light on a strategic partnership between Ford and Geely that is set to reshape production at Ford’s Valencia factory in Spain. The agreement, finalized in July, will see Geely begin manufacturing vehicles at the Ford-owned facility, which has operated significantly below its potential capacity for several years.

The partnership is expected to bring new investment and production activity to the Spanish plant while giving both manufacturers access to technologies and manufacturing capabilities that would be more difficult to develop independently.

Ford’s New SUV Will Be Based on Geely’s GEA Platform

The biggest revelation is that Ford will use Geely’s Global Intelligent Electric Architecture for a new compact crossover.

Geely Auto Group chairman An Conghui confirmed the plan during an earnings call, according to Automotive News. The GEA platform already underpins several Geely vehicles, including the electric EX5 and plug-in hybrid Starray.

For Ford, adopting the architecture provides access to a modern platform designed to accommodate multiple powertrain configurations. That could allow the new SUV to be offered with both electrified hybrid technology and a fully electric powertrain.

Ford has described the vehicle as a “multi-energy” compact crossover, suggesting that the company is deliberately avoiding an all-electric-only strategy.

That approach could prove particularly important in Europe, where demand for electric vehicles continues to develop unevenly and manufacturers are increasingly looking at flexible platforms capable of supporting several types of powertrains.

Rally-Inspired Styling Could Set the Ford Apart

Although the new Ford SUV will share its underlying architecture with Geely models, Ford appears determined to give it a distinct identity.

The company has indicated that the crossover will feature “rally-bred” styling. That description suggests a more aggressive and performance-oriented design than the typical compact electric SUV.

Ford has a long history of leveraging rally-inspired design and engineering for its road cars, particularly through models such as the Ford Puma and various performance-oriented derivatives. The new vehicle could therefore bring some of that visual character into Ford’s next generation of electrified compact SUVs.

Importantly, sharing Geely’s platform does not mean the Ford will simply be a rebadged Geely.

Instead, the partnership appears to follow a growing industry trend in which manufacturers share expensive underlying technologies while developing distinctive exterior designs, interiors, software and driving characteristics for their respective brands.

Geely Will Build Vehicles at Ford’s Valencia Factory

The partnership is particularly significant because Geely will manufacture vehicles at Ford’s Valencia plant.

Ford’s Spanish factory has been operating well below its annual production capacity for several years. Bringing Geely products to the facility could therefore provide a major boost to utilization and help secure the plant’s long-term future.

The all-electric Geely EX2 is expected to be among the first Geely models produced at Valencia, although it will not be the only vehicle manufactured there.

Geely has previously confirmed plans to build two new-energy models at the Spanish facility, with the first expected to enter production in 2028.

The company has also stated that the joint venture is expected to produce three Ford-branded multi-energy vehicles, although it has not yet revealed the complete lineup.

That leaves open the possibility that Ford and Geely are planning a broader product strategy than the single compact crossover currently known.

Ford Bronco SUV Will Join the Valencia Lineup

The new Geely-based Ford SUV will reportedly be built alongside another important Ford model: a Bronco-branded SUV.

The Bronco model is expected to arrive around 2028, although it will use a different platform from the Geely-based crossover.

That distinction is important because it suggests Ford is pursuing two separate SUV strategies at Valencia. One will rely on Geely technology and focus on a compact, multi-energy crossover, while the other will use a separate architecture and carry the increasingly valuable Bronco name.

Ford has been expanding the Bronco family as it seeks to capitalize on growing demand for rugged SUVs with strong brand identities.

Adding another Bronco-branded vehicle could give Ford an opportunity to compete in another segment while preserving the distinctive positioning of the Bronco name.

Why Ford and Geely Are Working Together

The Ford-Geely partnership reflects a broader transformation taking place across the global automotive industry.

Developing new electric platforms, batteries, software architectures and manufacturing systems requires enormous investment. At the same time, automakers are under pressure to reduce costs and bring new vehicles to market faster.

Strategic partnerships can help manufacturers spread those costs while accessing technology that might otherwise take years to develop.

For Geely, the agreement represents an opportunity to expand its manufacturing footprint in Europe and strengthen its presence in the European market.

For Ford, the partnership provides access to Geely’s modern GEA architecture while allowing the company to use an existing European production facility more efficiently.

Geely Auto Group vice president Alex Nan described the cooperation as an important step toward greater collaboration between the two companies and said it would further strengthen Geely’s European presence.

What We Know About Ford’s New Geely-Based SUV

At this stage, Ford has not revealed the vehicle’s name, final design, pricing or complete technical specifications.

However, several key details are now emerging.

The new Ford SUV is expected to be:

  • A compact crossover
  • Based on Geely’s Global Intelligent Electric Architecture
  • Available with multi-energy powertrains
  • Expected to include hybrid and fully electric versions
  • Designed with rally-inspired styling
  • Built at Ford’s Valencia factory in Spain
  • Expected to enter production as part of the companies’ broader 2028 strategy

The use of Geely’s GEA platform could also give Ford considerable flexibility when determining battery sizes, electric powertrains and hybrid configurations.

More technical information should emerge as development progresses.

A Potentially Important New Chapter for Ford in Europe

Ford and Geely’s Spanish partnership is more than a simple manufacturing agreement. It represents a significant change in how two major automotive groups are approaching the European market.

Ford gains access to Geely’s electric vehicle technology and a flexible vehicle architecture, while Geely gains additional European manufacturing capacity and a deeper industrial presence on the continent.

The biggest question now is how Ford will translate Geely’s technology into a vehicle that feels unmistakably like a Ford.

If the company succeeds, the new crossover could become one of the most interesting examples of cross-border automotive cooperation in the next generation of European vehicles.

With production expected to begin around 2028, Ford’s Geely-based SUV is still several years away. But the combination of Ford’s rally-inspired design language, Geely’s GEA platform and production in Spain could make this one of the more closely watched new Ford models as the European automotive market enters a rapidly changing era.

Source: Auto News

News

Hyundai Sets New July Sales Record as Tucson and Hybrid SUVs Drive Growth in 2026

Hyundai Motor America has delivered its strongest July performance ever, reporting 82,480 vehicles sold in July 2026, a 4 percent increase over July 2025 and the best July sales month in company history. The milestone was driven by surging demand for Hyundai’s SUV lineup, particularly the Hyundai Tucson, and a rapidly expanding portfolio of hybrid and electrified vehicles.

The headline figure confirms that Hyundai’s strategy of offering a balanced range of cars, SUVs, hybrids, and electric vehicles continues to resonate with American buyers. Year-to-date sales reached 533,048 units, up 3 percent from the same period in 2025, giving Hyundai another year of sustained growth momentum.

Hyundai Tucson Sales Surge 20 Percent in July 2026

The biggest star of Hyundai’s July report was the Tucson family, which achieved its highest July sales volume ever. Tucson sales climbed 20 percent year over year to 19,714 units, making it Hyundai’s best-selling model for the month.

The Tucson’s performance is particularly significant because it reflects strength across both gasoline and hybrid variants. Hyundai says demand for the Tucson Hybrid remained robust, contributing to the model’s record-setting month and reinforcing its position as one of the brand’s most important products in the U.S. market.

The Tucson’s appeal extends beyond sales numbers. The Tucson Hybrid was recently named a Top Finisher in the Cars.com 2026 Best Cars for Car Seats report, earning high marks for child-seat fitment and accessibility. The model also carries an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation and a NHTSA 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, adding family-focused credibility to its growing popularity.

Record Hybrid Sales Highlight Changing Buyer Preferences

Hyundai’s strongest message from July was the accelerating shift toward hybrid powertrains. The company reported a 35 percent year-over-year increase in hybrid sales, marking its best July ever for Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) sales.

Several hybrid models posted all-time July records:

  • Sonata HEV: +85%
  • Elantra HEV: +13%
  • Tucson HEV: +5%

Hyundai also recorded its best-ever July for total electrified vehicle sales, with electrified models accounting for roughly one-third of all retail sales.

“Hyundai’s July results demonstrate the growing appeal of our hybrid-powered SUVs, with hybrid sales increasing 35 percent year over year,” said Randy Parker, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America. “Tucson and Elantra continued to lead, while hybrid models across the lineup helped drive electrified vehicles to one-third of all retail sales.”

The numbers suggest that many consumers are embracing electrification through hybrids rather than making an immediate jump to fully electric vehicles, a trend that is becoming increasingly evident across the broader U.S. auto industry.

Elantra Delivers One of Hyundai’s Biggest Gains

While SUVs dominated the spotlight, the Hyundai Elantra produced one of the month’s largest percentage gains. Elantra sales jumped 39 percent to 17,115 units, with year-to-date sales rising 11 percent.

The compact sedan’s strong performance demonstrates that Hyundai’s passenger-car lineup remains relevant even as the market continues to favor crossovers and SUVs.

2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N Gets a Lower Starting Price

Hyundai also used the July announcement to reveal a significant update for enthusiasts. The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 5 N now starts at $59,900, lowering the entry price for Hyundai’s 641-horsepower performance EV.

The updated IONIQ 5 N adds several notable features:

  • Native NACS charging port
  • Enhanced N Drift Optimizer functions
  • Included charging adapters
  • New Performance Blue Pearl exterior color

By reducing the price while adding charging and performance upgrades, Hyundai is positioning the IONIQ 5 N more aggressively against other high-performance electric vehicles.

Palisade Hybrid Black Ink Expands Premium SUV Range

Looking ahead, Hyundai announced an expansion of the 2027 Palisade lineup with the new Hybrid Calligraphy Black Ink trim. The flagship three-row SUV combines a turbocharged hybrid powertrain with exclusive blacked-out styling cues, targeting buyers seeking a more upscale appearance without sacrificing fuel efficiency or family practicality.

The move highlights Hyundai’s intention to push further into the premium SUV space while continuing to electrify its larger vehicles.

Affordable Pricing Remains Central to Hyundai Strategy

Hyundai launched its 2026 Getaway Summer Sales Event, emphasizing financing and retail incentives across the lineup. The company says it currently offers 18 models priced under $50,000 and eight models under $30,000, underscoring its effort to maintain affordability even as vehicle prices remain elevated across the industry.

That pricing breadth gives Hyundai a competitive advantage by allowing shoppers to enter the brand at multiple price points, from entry-level crossovers to premium electrified SUVs.

Hyundai Expands Technology and AI Partnerships

Beyond sales, Hyundai highlighted a series of technology initiatives that point to its longer-term ambitions.

At the San Francisco AI Summit, Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung outlined plans to lead the emerging Physical AI era through advances in smart vehicles, robotics, AI-powered manufacturing, and partnerships with companies including NVIDIA, Waymo, and Google DeepMind.

Hyundai also showcased its robotics capabilities during FIFA World Cup 2026 activities, where Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot participated in a live match environment by delivering the ceremonial match ball.

On the connected-car front, Hyundai announced that myQ Connected Garage technology from Chamberlain Group will be available on select 2024–2026 Hyundai vehicles, enabling owners to monitor and control compatible garage doors directly from the vehicle touchscreen.

Community and Sustainability Initiatives Continue

Hyundai paired its sales news with a broad range of community and environmental initiatives, including:

  • A $25,000 Hyundai Hope grant supporting child passenger safety programs in the Washington, D.C. region
  • STEM education support and food-security donations in Western Massachusetts
  • A new five-year ocean-conservation partnership with Healthy Seas
  • A fleet partnership with the San Diego Lifeguard Division involving 32 Hyundai vehicles

The company also extended its relationship with Inter Miami CF as the club’s Official Mainstream Automotive Partner and a Founding Partner of Miami Freedom Park.

Motorsports Success Adds Momentum

Hyundai earned its third IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge victory of the 2026 season at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, extending its lead in the Manufacturers’ Championship while Hyundai drivers occupied the top four positions in the Drivers’ standings.

The racing success provides additional performance credibility at a time when Hyundai is investing heavily in N-branded products and electrified performance vehicles.

Key Hyundai July 2026 Sales Highlights

  • Total Hyundai sales: 82,480 (+4%)
  • Year-to-date sales: 533,048 (+3%)
  • Tucson: 19,714 (+20%)
  • Elantra: 17,115 (+39%)
  • Santa Fe: 13,373 (-5%)
  • Palisade: 12,173 (-8%)
  • Sonata: 5,218 (+18%)
  • Venue: 2,879 (+12%)

What Hyundai’s Record July Means for the U.S. Market

Hyundai’s record July is about more than a single strong month. The results show a manufacturer successfully navigating several market trends simultaneously: sustained SUV demand, accelerating interest in hybrid powertrains, growing acceptance of electrified vehicles, and continued pressure for affordable pricing.

The Tucson’s 20 percent gain, combined with a 35 percent jump in hybrid sales, suggests Hyundai has found a particularly effective formula in hybrid SUVs that deliver better efficiency without requiring major changes in consumer behavior.

With electrified vehicles now representing roughly one-third of retail sales, Hyundai appears well positioned for the next phase of the market transition. If Tucson momentum continues and upcoming products such as the Palisade Hybrid Black Ink gain traction, the company could carry this record-setting performance deeper into the second half of 2026 and strengthen its position among the fastest-growing mainstream automakers in the United States.

Source: Hyundai