Hybrid vehicles offer a compelling blend of fuel efficiency and reduced emissions without a significant price premium compared to their gasoline counterparts. As a result, luxury automakers are increasingly focusing on hybrid models, especially with the growth of electric vehicles (EVs) proceeding at a slower pace than initially projected. One brand, however, has been a leader in the luxury hybrid SUV segment since the mid-2000s, positioning themselves to capitalize on the surge in hybrid vehicle sales, such as those seen in 2024. That brand is Lexus, and their RX SUV perfectly embodies the harmony of practicality and luxury.
The Pioneering RX: A History of Hybrid Innovation
The 2013-2014 Lexus RX 350
To provide the most current and accurate information, data for this article was sourced from Lexus, Toyota, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and other respected sources. The 2025 Lexus RX remains a top choice for those seeking a hybrid SUV that seamlessly blends luxury and everyday usability. Launching in 2005, the RX was the inaugural Lexus model to embrace hybrid technology and was, at the time, the world’s first luxury hybrid vehicle. In 2024, the Lexus RX lineup experienced robust sales, with a total of 118,636 units sold across the range. Notably, 42,876 of those sales were the RX Hybrid, while 4,248 were the RX plug-in hybrid variants. This success made the RX the brand’s overall bestseller, the best-selling hybrid, and the top-selling midsize luxury SUV in the U.S.
Lexus RX: Practicality and Space
Lexus RX hybrid
The 2025 Lexus RX is a two-row midsize SUV, offering ample space for passengers thanks to the absence of a third row. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration contributes to the RX’s well-designed interior, as seen in the space comparisons that follow. While the RX is a midsize luxury SUV, it doesn’t offer the same cargo space as models with a third row, such as the Audi Q7, Acura MDX, or Volvo XC90. Instead, its direct competitors include vehicles like the BMW X5 (the second-best-selling midsize luxury SUV) and the Mercedes-Benz GLE. The RX’s ‘in-between’ size can result in slightly less overall cargo space compared to some other two-row midsize SUVs.
Here is how passenger and cargo volumes compare:
- Passenger Volume: 117 cubic feet
- Cargo Volume: 29.6 cubic feet
Value and Reliability
One of the greatest strengths of the Lexus RX is its competitive pricing. The 2025 Lexus RX is priced in alignment with compact German luxury SUVs instead of being priced alongside its segment competitors. For instance, a new Mercedes-Benz GLC starts at $49,250, while the latest-generation BMW X3, which recently hit the market, has a starting price of $49,950. By contrast, the RX has a starting price of $50,325, with the hybrid version starting at $52,475. This is especially impressive, given the RX’s classification in a higher size category.
This pricing is achieved through the use of the Toyota New Global Architecture platform (TNGA-K for midsize applications). While this platform choice may result in driving characteristics that are less refined compared to some rivals, the RX gains unparalleled reliability, durability, and easier maintenance because of the parts commonality with Toyota vehicles.
Luxurious Appointments
2024 Lexus RX 350h
Beyond its practical qualities and compelling price, the RX offers a high degree of luxury and sophistication. The vehicle’s interior combines premium materials with impeccable craftsmanship. Updates for the 2025 model year include a new 12.3-inch fully-digital gauge cluster offered as standard across all variants (similar to the Lexus TX interior). Depending on the trim level, you will find NuLuxe synthetic leather or genuine leather upholstery, a 9.8- or 14-inch Lexus Interface infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a standard or premium Mark Levinson surround sound system. Higher trims also provide a variety of color and material options, enabling owners to personalize their Lexus RX.
Three Distinct Hybrid Flavors
Lexus RX models
The 2025 Lexus RX hybrid offers three distinct configurations to meet diverse driving needs:
- RX 350h: The RX 350h offers a balanced approach to hybrid ownership without the need for external charging. It is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with electric motors at the front and rear wheels, delivering a combined output of 246 horsepower, and utilizes a planetary gear-type e-CVT. This powertrain is shared with the Toyota RAV4 and the Lexus NX 350h. This is the most balanced option.
- RX 500h F Sport Performance: For performance enthusiasts, the RX 500h F Sport Performance is a performance-focused parallel hybrid. It integrates a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with electric motors on the same driveshaft as the engine, and has a separate electric motor for each rear wheel. It features electronic AWD which is marketed as Direct4 and provides independent power distribution to each wheel. This setup generates an impressive 366 horsepower, and an Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is offered. It is great for a thrilling ride.
- RX 450h+ Plug-In Hybrid: The RX 450h+ offers the experience of EV ownership. It features the same 2.5-liter series parallel hybrid system as the RX 350h, but with more powerful electric motors and bigger batteries, increasing the system output to 304 horsepower and providing an all-electric range of 37 miles from its 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. It will take around 2.5 hours to charge the battery using a 6.6 kW AC source. The best option if you’re looking to drive electric.
Specifications
Here’s a comparison of the key specifications for each model.
