In the late 1990s, Lexus introduced the RX, pioneering the midsize luxury crossover vehicle segment. This two-row SUV continues to be the brand’s most popular model due to its excellent combination of style, luxury, performance, and utility.
The latest generation was introduced in 2023, featuring four powertrain options. We had the opportunity to test drive the flagship 450h+ variant, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that adeptly balances efficiency and performance.
2025 Lexus RX Choices
For 2025, Lexus offers the RX in four versions: RX at $51,420, RX Hybrid at $53,570, RX 500h F Sport Performance at $67,245, and RX Plug-In Hybrid EV at $73,705. These prices include the $1,095 delivery charge. With various powertrains, drivetrains, and trims, there are a total of 19 RX variants available.
Our 450h+ test model, with all packages included, cost over $75,000. We believe the RX Hybrid offers the best value, costing upwards of $20,000 less than the 450h+.
Lexus RX: Styled Right
We are aware that Lexus’s spindle or hourglass grille offers a love-hate relationship to shoppers. While many are satisfied with its looks, others are put off by the polarizing design.
Beginning with the current generation, all RX models offer a more subdued version of the grille. Further, the design varies across the four main trim levels. Notably, the new look does not change the shape of the grille, rather it blends in better with the hood and upper front fascia.
Specifically, the upper section is color coordinated with the body paint. What remains is an Isosceles Trapezoid, the current “gaping maw” for the RX line.
The body has strong lines, profile indentations, and minimal cladding. LED lights at the front and rear highlight Lexus’ distinctive checkmark accents and bright taillights. Other notable features include beautifully designed wheels, a floating roofline, and a prominent waistline.
The overall design is unique, enabling Lexus to stand out in an increasingly crowded market.
Spacious, Livable Interior
Lexus likes to supply a “living room on wheels” experience with its vehicles. With the RX, they succeed, by including recessed ambient lighting, thick soft-touch materials, harvested woods, and real hides.
The front seats are much more comfortable than your favorite easy chair, delivering heating, cooling, and back support. The only feature missing are massaging seats, which are reserved primarily for the LS and LX models.
The cabin comfortably seats five, though the rear seat can be tight for three large people. There is ample storage behind the second row, and Lexus has dropped the optional third row, which offered limited space for seven passengers. For three-row needs, consider the new Lexus TX.
The RX includes all expected amenities, such as zone climate control. For $250, the Cold Area Package adds a heated steering wheel and windshield wiper deicer. Top trims offer a panoramic roof, while most trims feature a power-sliding moonroof.
Top Technologies
The 2025 Lexus RX comes with a 12.3-inch digital display and a 9.8-inch touchscreen as standard features. Most trims also offer an optional 14-inch touchscreen.
Both displays are compatible with touch and voice commands; saying “Hey Lexus” activates controls for audio, climate, and other systems. This feature functions effectively, and providing clear instructions enhances the user experience.
Other tech features include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a charging pad, six USB ports, and a 12-speaker Lexus audio system. Our model featured the 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio package, which provides exceptional sound quality throughout the cabin.
Key Safety Features
All 2025 Lexus RX models come with blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. You will also find intuitive parking assist with automatic braking. Consider the latter your friend for negotiating tight spaces as the RX does the hard work for you.
Under the Lexus Safety System 3.0 umbrella are many additional features. This package comes standard with the RX. Here, you will find the following items:
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management
- Intelligent High Beams
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection and Braking
- Oncoming Vehicle Detection
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support
- Proactive Driving Assist
- Right/Left Turn Oncoming Pedestrian Detection and Braking
- Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist
- Road Sign Assist
On the Road With the Lexus RX 450h+
You can no longer find a six-cylinder RX. That seems a shame given the engine’s popularity over the years. But we are in a new era and Lexus has chosen a suite of four-cylinder engines to power the current-generation model.
The engines offered have displacements of either 2.4 or 2.5 liters, and they come in naturally aspirated or turbocharged forms, providing four different powertrain configurations. Lexus has employed a strategy of turbocharging the smaller engine while integrating hybrid systems with the larger engine.
The smaller engine is available with either an 8-speed or 6-speed automatic transmission, whereas the large engines feature an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. Except for the base model, all models come standard with front-wheel drive, though the product line predominantly features all-wheel drive.
Power and Efficiency
Our test RX 450h+ model was the second most powerful combination, delivering upwards of 304 horsepower. On the other hand, the 500h – which incidentally also has a hybrid powertrain – delivers 366 horsepower and a whopping 406 pound-feet of torque.
No RX engine previously offered produced such amazing power. Fewer cylinders, but more power thanks to a turbocharged engine and a hybrid system. That makes for a winning combination.
For our test model, we spent ample time on the highway, averaging 33 mpg for the week. That number was enhanced by plugging the PHEV in every night, yielding 35 miles of electric only drive time.
It was great not having to rely on electricity alone to power the vehicle, because once the juice was exhausted, the gas engine took over. And even then, the RX 450h+ acts like a regular hybrid with kinetic energy replenishing the battery pack for additional range.
Gas-Electric Goodness
The 2025 RX 450h+ offers decent step-off power. In all-electric mode it glides, while in gas mode it quickly delivers ample horsepower. It offers direct steering, good handling, and a comfortable ride.
Earlier hybrids had a squishy feel when braking. The RX450h+ has none of that. You might forget you are driving a gas-electric vehicle, especially under full throttle. Here, the electric motor and gas engine combine to maximize performance, enabling this Lexus to top 300 horsepower.
With this model, Lexus utilizes two electric motors. One works in tandem with the gas engine. The second one sends power to the front wheels, enabling the 450h+ to claim all-wheel drive capabilities.
It isn’t a traditional CVT either as it does not utilize traditional pulleys and belts. This fact should allay the concerns of shoppers who may find CVTs in general a “no go” when evaluating a vehicle.
Lexus RX Takeaways
Lexus has produced a new line of RX vehicles that are an improvement over the previous generations. The lack of a V6 does not take away from this vehicle’s capabilities. Offering hybrids gives customers enhanced power or performance, sometimes both. Thus, it is a winning combination for the RX line.
Cost wise, you won’t find an RX available for under $50,000 these days. A well-equipped RX Hybrid with popular packages added will run for about $60,000, the current pricing threshold for midsize, two-row luxury crossover utility vehicles. But that is still thousands of dollars less than a fully loaded RX450+, our handsome test vehicle.
See Also – 2023 Lexus NX 450h+ Review
Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.
Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
- 2025 Toyota Sienna Review (Family Hauler Excellence) - Mar 19, 2025
- Beyond Zero With the 2025 Toyota bZ4X (Review) - Mar 11, 2025
- 2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Review (Plug-in Hybrid Elevates the Flagship SUV) - Feb 26, 2025