Lexus trademarks “NX 200t” and “NX 300h”

Toyota has reportedly filed two trademarks in the United States and Canada for the nomenclature “NX 200t” and “NX 300h.” And based on the alphanumeric scheme of these two filings, it’s clear that these designate two new Lexus models that could come to market in the near future.

Enthusiast site Kaizen Factor suggests that these two new NX models (no, not that NX) are likely the names for a new small crossover that will slot below the popular RX. Decoding the latter part of the naming structure, it would appear that the 200t model will be powered by the new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that we’ve told you about before, while the 300h will use the 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine found in the Toyota Camry Hybrid, Avalon Hybrid and Lexus ES 300h.

Right now, it’s hard to say exactly when the new NX crossover will launch, since earlier reports have stated that Lexus isn’t too keen to shake up its CUV strategy just yet. (The RX is the best-selling luxury crossover, after all.) Still, look for the new 2.0-liter turbo engine to launch in the relatively near future and spread across a good portion of the Toyota lineup.