Hybrid vehicles have become an increasingly attractive option for car buyers seeking to blend eco-consciousness with reduced running costs, all without sacrificing the familiar driving experience of traditional gasoline cars. This appeal extends to the luxury segment, where automakers are rapidly expanding their hybrid offerings. While the fully electric vehicle market continues to evolve, Luxury Hybrid Suvs like the Lexus RX are capturing significant attention due to their immediate benefits and refined driving dynamics.
One brand stands out for its early and unwavering commitment to luxury hybrid SUVs: Lexus. Their foresight has positioned them perfectly to capitalize on the growing demand, as evidenced by the record hybrid vehicle sales in 2024. Lexus, with its RX model, has masterfully crafted a luxury hybrid SUV that seamlessly blends practicality with opulent features.
The Enduring Popularity of the Lexus RX Hybrid
For those in the market for a luxury hybrid SUV that expertly balances sophistication and everyday usability, the 2025 Lexus RX should be at the top of your list. The RX holds the distinction of being the first Lexus model to embrace hybrid technology in 2005, marking a global milestone as the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle. In 2024 alone, the Lexus RX family achieved remarkable sales figures, with 118,636 units sold. Within this impressive number, 42,876 were RX Hybrids, and a further 4,248 were the advanced RX plug-in hybrid. These figures solidify the RX’s status as Lexus’s best-selling model overall, their top-selling hybrid, and the leading midsize luxury SUV in the competitive US market.
Practicality and Space in a Luxury Hybrid SUV
The interior of a Lexus RX Plug In Hybrid.
The 2025 Lexus RX is configured as a spacious two-row midsize SUV, prioritizing passenger comfort and cargo capacity by forgoing a third row. This design choice, combined with its front-wheel-drive (FWD) architecture, contributes to superior interior packaging compared to many rivals in the two-row midsize luxury SUV category. While the RX occupies the midsize luxury SUV segment, it’s important to note that it isn’t as expansive as larger three-row options like the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, or Volvo XC90. Instead, its primary competitors include models such as the BMW X5 (the second best-selling midsize luxury SUV) and the Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Despite its slightly more compact footprint compared to some rivals, the Lexus RX still offers commendable cargo space. The sleek, sloping roofline does subtly impact ultimate cargo volume, but it remains highly practical for daily needs. For Lexus customers requiring a three-row SUV, the larger Lexus TX is available, boasting greater dimensions than the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 while often presenting a more accessible starting price.
| Lexus RX | BMW X5 | Mercedes-Benz GLE |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Volume | 117 cubic feet | TBA |
| Cargo Volume | 29.6 cubic feet | 33.9 cubic feet |
Value and Reliability: Hallmarks of the Lexus RX
A blue Lexus RX Plug In Hybrid midsize hybrid SUV is parked.
A key advantage of the Lexus RX within the luxury hybrid SUV market is its attractive pricing strategy. The 2025 Lexus RX is positioned price-wise to compete with compact German luxury SUVs, offering exceptional value when compared to similarly priced models in a smaller size class. For context, the Mercedes-Benz GLC starts at $49,250, and the newly released BMW X3 begins at $49,950. The Lexus RX, despite its larger size category, starts at just $50,325, with the hybrid variant beginning at $52,475. This competitive pricing is a deliberate strategy by Lexus.
The Lexus RX leverages the Toyota New Global Architecture platform (TNGA-K), a platform shared with mainstream Toyota vehicles. This contrasts with brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which typically utilize platforms exclusive to their luxury marques. This approach is both a strength and a trade-off. While some may argue that German rivals offer a slightly more refined driving experience, the use of a Toyota platform and powertrains endows the RX with exceptional reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance, largely due to the commonality of parts with widely available Toyota components.
2013-2014 Lexus RX 350 Exterior Shot Parked
Luxury Appointments and Design of the RX Hybrid
A black 2025 Lexus RX Plug In Hybrid is driving.
Beyond its practicality and compelling pricing, the Lexus RX truly delivers on the luxury expected from the brand. As a Lexus, it provides more than just efficient hybrid technology and a spacious cabin; it offers a refined and sophisticated ownership experience.
Striking and Recognizable Design
A blue 2024 Lexus RX 350 h is parked.
The 2025 Lexus RX presents a distinctive and stylish aesthetic. The front fascia is dominated by Lexus’s signature Spindle Grille, which has evolved into the seamless Spindle Body design, integrating smoothly with the electrified vehicle era and their reduced need for traditional grilles. The side profile retains the RX’s hallmark steeply raked silhouette and floating roofline. The rear is characterized by a full-width LED taillight, adding to its modern appeal. The current RX generation showcases a more streamlined and refined design language compared to the previous generation’s more angular and sharply creased styling.
However, the very popularity of the Lexus RX, while a testament to its appeal, can also be a drawback for those seeking ultimate exclusivity. Its widespread presence, particularly in urban business centers and affluent suburban areas, means standing out from the crowd can be challenging. Opting for an F Sport trim or the top-tier RX 500h F Sport Performance can enhance visual distinction and offer a more unique presence.
Premium Interior and Enhanced Features
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2025 Lexus TX 500h F-Sport Interior (14) ](Chris Chin | TopSpeed)
Stepping inside the Lexus RX reveals a meticulously crafted interior characterized by premium materials and exceptional build quality. Panel gaps are minimized, and the overall solidity of the cabin exudes Lexus refinement. For the 2025 model year, Lexus has introduced notable upgrades, including a standard 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster (similar to that featured in the Lexus TX interior), now standard across all RX variants.
Depending on the chosen trim level, the RX offers NuLuxe synthetic leather or genuine leather upholstery, a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch Lexus Interface infotainment systems with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and either a standard or premium Mark Levinson surround sound system. A wide array of color and material options are available on higher trims, allowing for a degree of personalization to make your Lexus RX uniquely yours.
2025 Lexus TX 500h F-Sport LEAD
Three Hybrid Powertrain Choices for the Lexus RX
2024 Lexus RX group picture A key aspect of the 2025 Lexus RX’s broad appeal lies in its availability with three distinct hybrid powertrain options. This range caters to diverse needs and preferences within the electrified vehicle landscape.
Hybrid Performance and Efficiency Options
A 2024 RX 500h FSPORT Performance AWD Caviar driving on the road
For drivers seeking a seamless transition to hybrid technology without the complexities of charging, the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance (pictured) are excellent choices. Electronic AWD is standard on all RX hybrids. The RX 350h utilizes a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors on both axles, delivering a combined system output of 246 horsepower. This efficient hybrid system is coupled with a smooth e-CVT transmission and is shared with models like the Toyota RAV4 and Lexus NX 350h. It prioritizes fuel efficiency and everyday usability.
For driving enthusiasts, the RX 500h F Sport Performance offers a more dynamic experience. Unlike the series-parallel hybrid system in the 350h, the 500h F Sport Performance employs a performance-oriented parallel hybrid setup. It combines a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with electric motors integrated into the drivetrain and a dedicated electric motor for each rear wheel. This advanced Direct4 electronic AWD system enables precise torque distribution to each rear wheel. Power output is a substantial 366 horsepower, and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is standard, further enhancing its performance capabilities.
Plug-In Hybrid Capability: The RX 450h+
2024_Lexus_RX_450h+ For those wanting to explore electric vehicle driving, the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid provides a compelling option. It utilizes the same 2.5-liter series-parallel hybrid system as the RX 350h but with enhanced electric motors and a larger battery pack. This results in a higher system output of 304 horsepower and an all-electric range of 37 miles from its 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. Charging the battery can be completed in approximately 2.5 hours using a 240V Level 2 charger, thanks to the RX 450h+’s 6.6 kW onboard AC charging capability.
2025 Lexus RX Hybrid Specifications
| RX 350h | RX 500h F Sport Performance | RX 450h+ Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5-liter four-cylinder series-parallel hybrid | 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder parallel hybrid |
| Drivetrain | Front engine, AWD | Front engine, AWD |
| Horsepower | 246 hp | 366 hp |
| Torque | 233 lb-ft | 506 lb-ft |
| Transmission | e-CVT | 6-speed A/T |
| EPA Combined MPG | 36 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Combined MPGe | N/A | N/A |
| EPA EV Range | N/A | N/A |
| Max AC Charging | N/A | N/A |
| Base MSRP | $52,475 | $66,150 |
In conclusion, the Lexus RX has solidified its position as a leading luxury hybrid SUV by consistently delivering a compelling blend of practicality, luxury, value, and advanced hybrid technology. With its range of hybrid powertrains and refined features, the 2025 Lexus RX continues to be a top choice for discerning buyers in the market for a luxury hybrid SUV.
