The Lexus occupies an interesting space in the luxury car market. It doesn’t have the same fame as the German brand. It is mainly due to Toyota’s origins. However, these same origins make Lexus uniquely appealing to certain types of buyers. This prioritizes simple features and reliability over full performance and cutting-edge technology. The Lexus RX fully encapsulates those ideals.
The Lexus RX is an RAV4 that has essentially risen for better or worse. It rides on the same platform, and in the plug-in hybrid tester, it uses the same drivetrain found in the RAV4 plug-in, even if it’s 304 horsepower instead of 302. This means you get all the reliability of America’s most popular crossovers. It is wrapped in a beautiful silhouette.
Quick Spec 2025 LEXUS RX450H+ Plug-in Hybrid Engine 2.5L Inline 4 PHEV Transmission Continuous Variable Power 304 Horsepower / 168 pound-ft 0-60 mph 6.2 seconds (Estimated) Base Price / AS Test Price $72,610 / $72,610
These improvements are at a price. The cheapest RX plug-in hybrid is almost $20,000 more expensive than the cheapest RAV4 plug-in. But money goes to the right place. As long as you avoid the F-sport trim, the RX rides beautifully. It glides across most surfaces without disrupting cabin space.
The interior itself is well-dressed and is more directed towards practicality than pure design. It’s not as aesthetically pleasing as the newer BMW or Mercedes-Benz, simply because it has more buttons and less screen space. But I prefer it this way. Having a real button for important features is far better than digging the touchscreen with your eyes off the road.
Sadly, most climate control moved to the bottom of the 14.0-inch infotainment screen, but there are still actual knobs for temperature and volume. Thankfully, the steering wheel controls are also actual buttons, but the two D pads on each side are invalid. Place your finger on either side and the head-up display function awakens, with a bit of a map displayed on each button. I don’t know why Lexus couldn’t label buttons. But at least they exist.
Photo: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
Pros: sophisticated looks, luxurious interior, smooth ride
The rest of the cabin is perfect. The driver’s seat is very adjustable. This means that people of all body types have no problem finding their ideal position. Digital Gauge Clusters are easy to read and provide all the information you need, including the plug-in hybrid tester EV only range.
The steering is smooth and light, with the same goes for the brake and throttle pedals. There is ample room in the back seat to seat adults, yet still has a healthy amount of luggage space. It’s a totally pleasant experience. It’s not exciting, but I don’t think it will. If you want to drive excitement with a crossover, buy a BMW. Or, even better, don’t buy a crossover at all.
The RX is pleasant, but the plug-in powertrain is a bit more desirable. Thanks to the three electric motors, there is a strong torque belt from the line, which is fast enough. Lexus doesn’t quote 0-60 hours, but sprints in the mid-6 seconds range are perfectly reasonable for this segment. However, the 2.5 liters naturally sucked in the inline 4 is loud and bustling, and the sound sticks out into the cabin every time you go. This is the most luxurious thing about this car, and even after a week of driving, I found it difficult to ignore.
Photo: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
Cons: Buzzy & Undamaged Powertrain, Too many on-screen controls
Some people may not be concerned about noise, especially when keeping the throttle light and spin low. This system does a good job of providing the right power when you ask for it, and when you cruise at speed on the highway, it keeps the engine relaxing. But I’m the type to reach speed limits as quickly as possible. This means there’s a lot of unwanted noise at constant rpm until you get there.
The RX450H+ was definitely great on gas during testing. With an 18.1 kilowatt-hour battery pack being pushed into the cabin, it has a full electrical range of up to 35 miles. Even after exhausting the battery, I was able to get 33 MPG driving with hybrid power. This is pretty good for a well-sized SUV with plenty of luxurious equipment on board.
If you have access to home charging, this plug-in trim and its full electrical range are attractive. But it is also very expensive. The RS450H+ is the most expensive RX hybrid that can start at $72,610 including destinations. This is over $20,000 more than the cheapest RX hybrid, the RX350H. That car gets the same powertrain except for onboard batteries (and EV only range). It’s about 50 horsepower, but in terms of value, it’s much more attractive.
Photo: Brian Silvestro / Motor1
The base RX hybrid is also a better representation of the overall spirit of the RX. As a brand, Lexus never had the latest technology or the best handling. Instead, it sticks to its utilitarian roots, providing reliable, useful and efficient transport, all in a comfortable package that doesn’t bother you to spend time. But at the 70 Grand it’s hard not to consider anything with more space and capabilities like the great GX.
The RX does everything well without resorting to gimmicks. Certainly you can go to a plug-in hybrid, but it’s very costly, so I haven’t looked at the points except in very specific circumstances. If you stick to the base car, you’ll be satisfied.
twenty four
Brian Silvestro / Motor 1
engine
2.5 liter inline 4 hybrid
output
304 hp / 168 lb ft
Contagion; Infection
Continuously variable automatic
Drive type
All-wheel drive
Speed: 0-60 mph
6.2 seconds (est.)
Maximum speed
124 mph (mfr.)
Weight
4,810 pounds (MFR.)
efficiency
36 City / 35 Highway / 33 Total
Seat capacity
5
Cargo volume
29.6 / 46.2 cubic feet
For sale
now
Base price
$72,610
Tested price
$72,610
