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If an NX is simply too small to your Lexus plug-in hybrid (PHEV) wants, the RX is your solely different choice.
We received’t blame you when you’re not accustomed to the PHEV model of the RX – the Japanese luxurious model’s largest SUV, earlier than you step as much as the off-road-ready flagship LX, based mostly on the Toyota LandCruiser.
The RX is Lexus’s third-best-selling mannequin up to now this yr, behind the smaller NX and LBX SUVs, however consumers on this phase are inclined to look to BMW, Land Rover, or Mercedes-Benz as a substitute.
The RX is due to this fact a little bit of an underdog, significantly within the PHEV guise you see on take a look at right here.
You would describe the RX as being below the radar, given its silhouette doesn’t stand out from the SUV crowd, and it shares a platform with quite a few mainstream Toyota automobiles, together with the Kluger (of closest relation), RAV4, and even the Camry.
Its powertrain isn’t all that unusual for the phase, with rivals just like the BMW X5, Audi Q8, Land Rover Defender, Vary Rover Velar, Volkswagen Touareg, and Volvo XC90 all accessible as PHEVs.
Not less than within the scheme of total RX gross sales, the only real PHEV variant outdoes the 2 petrol fashions with out trailing conventional hybrids by an excessive amount of. That’s fairly spectacular given it’s the second-most costly RX presently on sale.
Past that, the PHEV was solely added to the RX lineup in April of this yr, regardless of the present, fifth-generation RX being launched in Australia in 2022. The RX lineage dates again to 1998, though that is the primary iteration to omit a V6 engine, alongside its predecessor’s seven-seat capability.
The mannequin you see right here is the 2026 Lexus RX450h+ Sports activities Luxurious AWD, the only real PHEV variant, which continues to be by some means out-priced by the range-topping RX500h F Sport Efficiency.
It’s the primary time the mannequin has been accessible as a PHEV, which continues to be an unusual powertrain for Lexus – and its mum or dad firm, Toyota.
Is that this a candy spot within the plug-in hybrid catalogue of Lexus?
How a lot does the Lexus RX price?
There’s just one PHEV model accessible for the Lexus RX, and it’s priced at $123,500 earlier than on-road prices.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus RX350h Luxurious 2WD | $93,285 |
| 2026 Lexus RX350h Luxurious AWD | $96,950 |
| 2026 Lexus RX350 F Sport AWD | $100,950 |
| 2026 Lexus RX350 Sports activities Luxurious AWD | $106,950 |
| 2026 Lexus RX350h Sports activities Luxurious AWD | $116,850 |
| 2026 Lexus RX450h+ Sports activities Luxurious AWD | $123,500 |
| 2026 Lexus RX500h F Sport Efficiency AWD | $130,950 |
As talked about, there are extra direct rivals than it’s possible you’ll count on.
Deep breath, these embody: the BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport ($153,600 earlier than on-roads), Audi Q8 TFSI e S line ($154,284 earlier than on-roads), Land Rover Defender 110 P300e ($131,100 earlier than on-roads), Vary Rover Velar PHEV P400e ($125,511 earlier than on-roads), Volkswagen Touareg R ($133,490 earlier than on-roads), and Volvo XC90 Extremely PHEV ($130,990 earlier than on-roads).
The RX450h+ is cheaper than all these, although some fashions have cheaper PHEV variants too. Our comparability instrument may give you a greater thought of how the whole lot strains up.
To see how the Lexus RX stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
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What’s the Lexus RX like on the within?
Actually luxe, and seemingly well-considered.
As is typical of Lexus, there’s a pleasing circulate from one facet of the cabin to the opposite. The expertise is complemented by the shapes and materials selections, which all work collectively to not solely make the whole lot look good, but additionally comfy and useful.
For one, you’ll discover a cohesive color palette. Sure, there’s lots of black and it’s typically fairly darkish, however the methods chosen to current these darkish tones make it fascinating – between the black leather-based, suede, woodgrain panelling, and even the minimal piano black, there’s loads to maintain your eyes comfortable.
Not solely that, however it all nonetheless appears premium, like your cash has gone someplace worthwhile. The gunmetal accents are delicate however impactful, there are suede inserts within the doorways, and thankfully, none of those aesthetic selections affect usability.
Naturally, the cabin is headlined by the large infotainment show, which is built-in right into a piano black panel that melds properly into the instrument show housing. A criticism is that the infotainment graphics are practically similar to plain Toyota methods, and due to this fact not fairly as unique.
It’s not less than straightforward to navigate, responsive, and presents wi-fi Apple CarPlay (regardless of wired Android Auto), however a Lexus-themed pores and skin over the whole lot could be good. You possibly can say the identical concerning the local weather management system pulled straight out of the Toyota elements bin, which is principally digital – other than the 2 almost-real temperature dials.
These aren’t fairly as notchy as we’d like, however their digital readouts look the half. The lowermost local weather ribbon can even keep in place when Apple CarPlay is lively, which implies it’s at all times accessible.
A bit extra cumbersome are the steering wheel buttons, which look actual however are literally touch-sensitive. That is Lexus’s approach of hiding extra controls behind fewer buttons, and you’ll change what every D-pad controls by urgent the big flat buttons on both facet.
In observe, these are fiddly as a result of they require a couple of press to ‘get up’ and reply to your enter. There could also be extra controls hidden in right here, however we’d slightly these have their very own devoted buttons on the expense of an uncluttered wheel.
It’s price mentioning that these additionally fiddle with the crisp instrument show, however there are a great deal of hidden menus that, when mixed with the haptic buttons, may be troublesome to wade by way of.
Not even the door handles are free from these small quirks, as they’re Lexus’s electrical ‘handles’ that as a substitute press like buttons to open the doorways. These aren’t annoying, and also you’ll shortly get used to them – however they might be one thing that can throw you off initially.
In any other case, consolation is essential, which the seats present in bucketloads. Not solely are they upholstered in a mixture of high quality leather-based and suede, however they’re additionally heated, ventilated, and well-bolstered. Moreover, there’s an enormous vary of electrical adjustment that makes it straightforward to get in and located – the best way the whole lot angles in the direction of the driving force can be satisfying.
You’ll additionally discover black woodgrain inserts on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, which we like, even when they’re slightly over-the-top.
We discovered the wheel to be good to carry and sized appropriately for a automobile of the RX’s stature. The driving place is powerful in consequence, whereas nothing feels prefer it’s too far out of attain with out stretching your palms or leaning ahead.
Storage across the cabin can be good, even when it isn’t all instantly obvious. There are the usual passenger glovebox and huge door bottle holders, in addition to a mushy central armrest that may open to face both the driving force or passenger, revealing a sizeable storage field.
There are additionally two uncovered USB-C ports, and a sliding cowl forward of the 2 cupholders. In there’s one other USB-C port and one USB-A port (totalling 4 ports), a 12V outlet, and a wi-fi cellphone charging pad – all very discreet, and retains telephones safely out of sight when driving.
You’ll discover one thing in every single place you look in right here – exactly as a high-spec Lexus ought to be – even with out going overboard with the piano black plastic. Plus, the 21-speaker Mark Levinson system sounds unbelievable.
The RX’s second row is spacious, and the peak of the ground, mixed with the big door opening, makes it straightforward to climb in. You’ll discover the bench seat is completed in the identical leather-suede combine as up entrance, and so they’re extra supportive than you’d count on.
This makes them comfy, and also you’re unlikely to slip round as a lot as in different SUVs round turns. There’s loads of room for adults again right here, although a small ‘driveline’ hump compromises legroom within the center.
Passengers not less than get a great deal of niceties, together with a devoted local weather management panel and twin USB-C ports on the again of the centre console, in addition to each heating and air flow for the outboard seats.
Rounding all of it off is a mushy central armrest with cupholders and retractable sunshades on the home windows. Regardless of that black headliner, the house additionally feels tremendous ethereal on account of the panoramic sunroof up prime.
Annoyingly, Lexus doesn’t quote a boot capability determine for the RX. Within the steel, the ground house feels bigger than the five hundred litres supplied within the X5, and corresponding to the 810-litre space of the Touareg R.
The RX’s sloping roofline means there isn’t as a lot leeway for tall cargo as there’s in its boxier rivals, however it received’t be any harder to load it up. Its ground sits at a pleasant peak, and there’s a powered tailgate as customary.
Two electrical switches make it straightforward to drop or increase the rear seatbacks for additional house, and you could possibly add a fridge for lengthy journeys due to the 12V outlet close by. Scattered round are additionally a collection of cargo hooks and tie-down factors, and below the ground are cubbies for free gadgets, together with charging cables.
All of it makes for a really sensible house, even when there’s no spare wheel – a tyre restore package is customary as a substitute.
| Dimensions | Lexus RX450h+ |
|---|---|
| Size | 4890mm |
| Width | 1920mm |
| Top | 1695mm |
| Wheelbase | 2850mm |
| Cargo capability | – |
To see how the Lexus RX stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What’s below the bonnet?
The Lexus RX PHEV incorporates a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, which is then mated with a repeatedly variable computerized transmission. Integrated into the transmission is a 134kW/270Nm electrical motor, contributing to a peak system energy output of 227kW – although Lexus doesn’t quote a mixed torque determine.
| Specs | Lexus RX450h+ |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5L naturally aspirated 4cyl |
| Engine outputs | 136kW/227Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 134kW/270Nm |
| System outputs | 227kW |
| Battery | 18.1kWh li-ion |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Drive sort | All-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 2200kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 6.5s |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 1.3L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 5.4L/100km |
| Vitality consumption (as examined) | 22.1kWh/100km |
| Electrical driving vary (PHEV, NEDC) | 85km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 55L |
| Gasoline requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 29g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 1500kg |
Moreover, the RX450h+ incorporates a 7kW onboard charger. This implies it takes round 7.5 hours to totally cost utilizing a Sort 2 cable at 10A, or 2.5 hours at 32A if at a public charger.
Our week with the automobile concerned primarily freeway driving, although there was additionally a little bit of time spent on inner-city errand-running. This automobile was additionally examined for a video overview on the CarExpert YouTube channel, which concerned some higher-intensity driving on the Lang Lang Proving Floor.
A few of it will have contributed to our higher-than-claimed gas financial system determine, however it’s typically very troublesome to get any PHEV to be as environment friendly as producers declare.
To see how the Lexus RX stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How does the Lexus RX drive?
As has lengthy been the case with non-performance Lexus fashions, the RX’s validity as a luxurious SUV boils right down to uncompromised consolation.
For essentially the most half, it behaves because it ought to. The journey is of course much better sorted than most mainstream fashions, although its tendency in the direction of the firmer facet makes the automobile really feel far more substantial, with no surprising behaviour that implies any lack of effort from the Lexus engineers.
Being a Sports activities Luxurious mannequin, drivers additionally get the good thing about adaptive suspension as customary, which is very compliant in comparison with customary passive fashions. It additionally signifies that firmness adjustments relying on the drive mode chosen, starting from a compliant each day journey to a sharper, sportier vibe.
A draw back is that, not like in a few of its dearer rivals, you don’t have fairly as a lot management over the RX’s suspension, because it lacks capability for nuanced changes.
Nonetheless, all of it makes for an SUV that may confidently deal with inner-city bumps, and the properly weighted steering ought to make the driving force really feel equally as assured when diving down facet streets or navigating carparks.
This steering additionally will get heavier when dialling up into the RX’s sport modes, complementing the firmer journey. It’s nonetheless a giant, heavy SUV, however physique management is impressively managed when you resolve to push into some extra spirited driving.
As a baseline although, you’ll be impressed by how quiet the RX is on the transfer. Having a good portion of a automobile’s energy come from electrical energy naturally leaves lots of house to be crammed by highway noise, however the cabin’s insulation is such that motion is barely audible at city speeds.
The automobile can even prioritise electrical driving the place it will probably, which is often at decrease speeds, or when below low demand like coasting on the freeway. Chances are you’ll discover a tiny bit extra noise when the two.5-litre engine fires up, however just like the mechanically associated NX450h+, it’s nonetheless surprisingly quiet inside.
It’s merely the extent of sophistication we’ve come to count on from high-spec Lexus fashions. Thoughts you, that maturity doesn’t imply the RX can’t get down and boogie, as laying your foot into the throttle may have the SUV shoot away in a rush.
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Its acceleration will take you without warning, particularly given the automobile’s dimension and in any other case reigned-in manner. However even then, it’s nonetheless simply as easy as every other time – you’ll wrestle to note any transmission quirks or the shifts between petrol and electrical energy.
The electrical portion of the drivetrain additionally means torque supply is virtually instantaneous, mitigating any time that’s wanted for the engine to fireplace up or for the transmission to kick down.
There are paddle shifters behind the wheel, however we discovered their usefulness to be restricted. They don’t appear to manage regenerative braking power; as a substitute, they ‘shift’ the CVT between simulated gear steps.
That is solely sensible for reaching an engine braking impact, like sustaining velocity when going downhill or for a fast overtaking manoeuvre. The RX will nonetheless recuperate cost as you drive alongside, however it’s not one thing you continually have to consider – there are not less than buttons to lock it in electrical mode, or keep away from draining the battery.
In any other case, the RX behaves in a predictable method, which makes it straightforward to settle in when you’re on the transfer. Even when its dimension is formidable to somebody coming from a smaller automobile, you’ll nonetheless discover it isn’t unwieldy or essentially troublesome to put when driving on slender roads.
Should you’re nonetheless unsure, the RX450h+ presents a complete suite of security gear that features an array of high-resolution cameras. These may be accessed at any time utilizing a button under the infotainment display screen, and are particularly helpful when attempting to squeeze into a good parking house.
There’s additionally adaptive cruise management with lane-tracing, which works reliably on the freeway. We discovered it to be slightly hesitant to use lots of steering lock round tighter curves, however for essentially the most half, it performs properly to match site visitors.
The one actual criticism is that it takes a second to speed up after altering lanes, a typical Toyota quirk that always requires guide throttle enter to overhaul a slower automobile.
To see how the Lexus RX stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
What do you get?
There are 4 distinct trim ranges within the native Lexus RX vary.
2025 Lexus RX Luxurious tools highlights:
- Bi-LED headlights
- LED daytime working lights, fog lights
- Heated exterior mirrors with driver’s facet auto-dimming
- Rear privateness glass
- 19-inch alloy wheels with vibrant machined end
- Roof rails
- Energy tailgate
- 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Android Auto
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- 12-speaker Panasonic sound system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- DAB+ digital radio
- Lexus Linked Providers
- 5 x USB-C shops, two x 12V, one x USB-A
- 8-way energy entrance seats with two-way energy lumbar
- Heated entrance seats
- Leatherette upholstery
- Tri-zone local weather management
- Energy-adjustable steering column
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Paddle shifters
- Ambient lighting
RX F Sport provides:
- 21-inch gloss black alloy wheels
- Bi-LED headlights
- BladeScan know-how
- Adaptive high-beam
- Dynamic auto-levelling
- Cornering lights
- Headlight cleaners
- F Sport exterior look bundle with distinctive bumpers, grille
- Adaptive suspension
- Aluminium monobloc six-piston calipers
- Palms-free energy tailgate
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Dimpled leather-wrapped steering wheel
- F Sport scuff plates
- F Sport shifter
- F Sport instrument cluster
- Heated and ventilated entrance sport seats
- Aluminium pedals
- Easy accessibility driver’s seat
- Contact-sensitive steering wheel controls
- Multi-colour ambient lighting
- 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
- Lively Noise Management
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Rear door sunshades
- Good key card
RX Sports activities Luxurious provides (over Luxurious):
- Bi-LED headlights with adaptive high-beam
- 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels
- Encompass-view cameras
- Adaptive suspension
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system
- Lively Noise Management (RX350 solely)
- 10-way energy entrance seats with semi-aniline leather-based upholstery
- 4-way lumbar help and reminiscence
- Heated steering wheel with woodgrain trim
- Energy-folding and reclining rear seats
- Heated and ventilated outboard rear seats
- Panoramic sunroof (RX450h+ solely)
- Digital rear-view mirror (RX450h+ solely)
- Semi-autonomous parking help (RX450h+ solely)
RX500h F Sport Efficiency provides (over F Sport):
- Enhancement Bundle(s)
- Matte black 21-inch alloy wheels
- Black aluminium monobloc entrance calipers
- Piano black bumper facet moulding
- Physique-coloured rocker trim
- Lively Sound Management
- Dynamic Rear Steering
To see how the Lexus RX stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
Is the Lexus RX protected?
The Lexus RX boasts a five-star ANCAP security ranking, based mostly on testing performed in 2022. This is applicable to all variants, together with the PHEV.
| Class | Lexus RX |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 90 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 89 per cent |
| Susceptible highway person safety | 89 per cent |
| Security help | 93 per cent |
Normal security tools consists of:
- 8 airbags
- Adaptive cruise management
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Emergency steering help
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
- Clever parking help
- Intersection collision avoidance help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane Tracing Help (lane centring)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Protected exit help
- Pace signal recognition
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Tyre stress monitoring
To see how the Lexus RX stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Lexus RX price to run?
The Lexus RX is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee, and servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km – whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Lexus RX450h+ |
|---|---|
| Automobile guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Battery guarantee | 10 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 3 years (Lexus Encore) |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years or 75,000km ($695 every) |
| Whole capped-price service price | $3475 |
It’s price noting the high-voltage battery guarantee for Lexus PHEVs is 5 years with no mileage restrict, however it may be prolonged by an extra 5 years topic to an annual battery well being test “in accordance with Lexus specs”.
RX consumers additionally get three years of free Lexus Encore membership, which incorporates enticements like entry to complimentary mortgage automobiles if you service your automobile.
To see how the Lexus RX stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability instrument
CarExpert’s Tackle the Lexus RX450h+ Sports activities Luxurious
The RX450h+ is, indisputably, deserving of its flagship PHEV standing.
Within the context of its direct rivals and luxurious SUVs on the whole, it’s an choice that proves to be a reliable all-rounder that’s properly price a glance when you’re available in the market. It hardly does something flawed, whereas nailing all of the essential issues to a excessive customary.
Even our important criticism of it being barely much less environment friendly than claimed is barely price kicking up a fuss over, because it’s a big SUV that’s nonetheless extra environment friendly than many mainstream mid-sizers. Producers’ financial system claims for PHEVs are by no means actually indicative anyway.
After all, it’s nonetheless straightforward to roll right into a BMW or Land Rover dealership with out a lot as a second thought, and find yourself with the keys to fairly an excellent SUV – PHEV or not. We simply imagine that Lexus’s efforts right here current an actual problem for the Europeans, because the addition of a PHEV powertrain has genuinely elevated the RX inside this house.
Should you can stretch for it, the RX450h+’s journey, consolation, and efficiency are properly well worth the premium over the extra frequent NX, whereas working prices will preserve you happy at this stage of attainable Japanese luxurious.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new Lexus RX. Click on right here to get a fantastic deal.
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