Some people prefer a calm, comforting driving experience over an exciting one. People who feel that way will appreciate the Lexus RX Hybrid, which puts those traits and a stylish appearance at the top of the list. Lexus's compact luxury SUV also features a trio of fuel-sipping powertrains that help stretch a gallon of gas, especially the plug-in hybrid model, which is now more affordable.
No matter what RX you choose, a cushy ride and serene cabin are primary ingredients. There are only two rows of seats, and those sitting up front have easy access to a user-friendly infotainment system. While the gas-electric RX feels more subdued than, say, the BMW X3 or the Porsche Macan, it can look the part with the brand's available F Sport treatments.
Expert Tip: If you want the same sleek styling and similarly luxurious interior for a lower price, check out the nonhybrid Lexus RX, which starts at $51,175 and features a 275-hp turbo four.
View Price on AmazonFor 2026, the RX Hybrid lineup doesn't receive any significant aesthetic or mechanical changes, though there are some noteworthy updates. The plug-in hybrid is still the most expensive variant, but a new Premium trim notably lowers the cost of entry; its $66,680 starting price is almost $6K less than last year. For those who opt for the F Sport Handling or F Sport Performance treatments, they're now compatible with the Appearance package (black 21-inch wheels, black exterior add-ons, orange brake calipers). Finally, you no longer must pay extra for wireless phone charging, as it's now standard across the lineup.
If this year's model is largely unchanged and you're comfortable with a lightly used car, you may want to consider shopping previous model years. A one-to-three-year-old model will likely have a warranty and it'll cost less than buying new.
The regular RX350h's powertrain is the most relaxed in our experience, and it delivers the slowest acceleration of all the hybrid models. Stepping up to the RX500h F Sport Performance unlocks a punchier powertrain, but while Lexus had an opportunity to recast the current-generation RX as a performer with the RX500h model, its chassis engineers regrettably chose not to dial in any additional cornering confidence. All models we've driven so far are just as softly sprung and focused on luxury as the previous-generation RX. That will please faithful buyers but is unlikely to attract driving enthusiasts.
A plug-in hybrid model, the RX450h+, features the same powertrain that's offered in the Lexus NX450h+ subcompact SUV, but it makes two extra horsepower in this application, bringing the total to 304 horsepower.
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In Comparison: If you're looking for a compact luxury SUV with a hybrid powertrain that's quicker in a straight line, check out the Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV, which raced to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
The Lexus RX Hybrid's max tow rating applies to all powertrains, and that figure is competitive with the rest of its classmates.
The RX450h+ plug-in hybrid comes with an 18-kWh battery pack and a 6.6-kWh onboard AC charger. Lexus says it can be recharged in about two and a half hours on a 240-volt connection, and a full battery is said to offer up to 37 miles of electric-only driving, per the EPA. In our testing, the RX450h+ managed 30 miles of highway driving before the battery was depleted.
The EPA's data shows that the most efficient RX model is the RX350h, which carries ratings of 37 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The RX500h has estimates of 27 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, while the plug-in RX450h+ model is rated at 36 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.
Source: caranddriver.com
