“It is a great car. The seats are comfortable and are memories so you don't have to change them every time you change drivers. The back up camera is very clear. Parking assist is very helpful.”
2017 Lexus NX: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Lexus NX is mostly a carryover, with one main change: the NX 300h hybrid became AWD-only after Lexus dropped its front-wheel-drive version. The turbo models received no major redesign or mechanical update.
About the 2017 Lexus NX
1st generation NX (2015-2021), third model year and last pre-refresh year before the 2018 update.
Lexus positioned the NX as a bold compact luxury crossover for city and suburban driving. The model’s core appeal was its dramatic styling, raised seating position, quiet upscale cabin, and a choice between turbo power or hybrid efficiency. Compared with more conservative rivals, the NX aimed to feel more expressive and design-led, while still delivering the smooth ride, comfort, and dependability shoppers expected from Lexus.
The 200t is the everyday turbo model, with a 2.0-liter engine, a 7-inch infotainment screen and a quiet, comfort-focused cabin. The 200t F SPORT adds firmer suspension tuning, more aggressive styling and sport seats, while the 300h combines a 194-hp hybrid system with standard electric all-wheel drive and a comfort-oriented suspension.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The NX 300h became AWD-only, ending the front-wheel-drive hybrid version. Its EPA estimates changed from 35 mpg city and 31 mpg highway for 2016 to 33 city and 30 highway for 2017.
Tech
The heated steering wheel on the 200t F SPORT moved from standard equipment to an option.
2017 Lexus NX specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Hybrid, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 6-Spd w/Multi-Mode | Automatic, ECVT | Auto, 6-Spd w/Multi-Mode |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Hybrid | Gas |
| MPG City | 22 mpg | 33 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 28 mpg | 30 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Horsepower | 235 hp | 194 hp | 235 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 152 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 1500 lb | 2000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 54.6 cu-ft | 53.7 cu-ft | 54.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Park Assist | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2017 Lexus NX?
The main change for 2017 is that every NX 300h hybrid has electric all-wheel drive because the front-wheel-drive hybrid was dropped. The 200t and 200t F SPORT otherwise carried over without a major redesign or mechanical update.
Does every 2017 Lexus NX 300h have all-wheel drive?
Yes. Every 2017 NX 300h has Lexus' electric all-wheel-drive system; there is no front-wheel-drive 2017 hybrid version.
Was the 2017 Lexus NX redesigned?
No. The 2017 NX is the final pre-refresh model year, with no meaningful exterior, interior or structural redesign. The larger styling, safety and infotainment update arrived for 2018.
Did the 2017 Lexus NX 200t F SPORT get a different engine?
No. The 2017 NX 200t F SPORT retained the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the regular 200t. Its distinctions are sportier suspension tuning, styling, seats and gauges rather than a separate engine.
Is the 2017 Lexus NX a major upgrade over the 2016 model?
No. The 2017 model is not a major upgrade over 2016. Its meaningful differences are the AWD-only NX 300h lineup and the F SPORT heated steering wheel moving from standard equipment to an option.
2017 Lexus NX Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Lexus NX.
4.1
2017 Lexus NX
(298 reviews)
“I love this car for the elegance and smooth easy ride. After reading many customer reviews I seen the majority were positive on the Lexus NX. The fuel economy is great as well.”
“It is not as comfortable as our previous Lexus's. The clock should be digital. The location of the garage door opener is inconvenient. This car is more of a step down from our previous ES and our first Lexus which was an RX than we expected.”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2017 Lexus Nx Nx Hybrid Crossover Clutter
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2016 Lexus Nx 200T Luxury Utility Turbocharged
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2018 Lexus Nx 300 A Refresh Added Conveniences
- lexus.com — Models / 2017 / MY17 Lexus NX Turbo and NX Turbo FSPORT NX 300h Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2017 Lexus Nx Hybrid Product Specs