Powering the 2018 Lexus NX 300 (formerly called the NX 200t) is the powerful and fuel-efficient turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4, while the NX 300h's hybrid drivetrain continues with a 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with a pair of electric motors, offering customers class-leading power and fuel economy.

Both drivetrains offer customers a richer, sportier engine sound and exhaust note that is reproduced through the speakers by Lexus' Active Sound Control.

While the NX's performance essentially remains the same, significant improvements are made to the vehicle's suspension tuning to enhance ride and handling. The springs, stabilizer bars and bushings have been retuned for improved turn-in response and steady-state cornering.

For 2018 the entire front fascia is refreshed, with the upper portion of the grille and the front bumpers redesigned to more fluidly blend into the hood and front doors, resulting in a sleeker overall shape and excellent aerodynamics.

The lower rear bumper cover now involves elements of the grille's spindle motif, and broadened to enhance the vehicle's wide stance and low-center-of-gravity look. In addition, the NX's revised taillights is elongated, and the black garnish is revised to better emphasize the "L"-shaped lenses. Also, the new NX features larger chrome-tipped exhaust tips that are integrated into the vehicle's revised bumper cover design and new rear underbody spoiler.

The interior of the new NX 300 is slightly reworked to exude a sportier nature, a more luxurious feel, and with enhanced control interfaces. Immediately noticeable is the larger available display on the center dashboard, which has grown from 7 inches to 10.3 inches. Also, the design of the HVAC control panel has been dramatically simplified by replacing the small section of buttons with four easy-to-operate toggle switches adorned with a tiny "L" on their surface.