2025 Lexus RX Hybrid Reviews, Pricing & Specs

You are looking at a $75,000 SUV. Hard to believe, but true. Our 2025 Lexus RX 500h Black Line Special Edition test vehicle, which features an exclusive Incognito (think: muddy gray) paint job and unusual orange brake calipers, had nearly every factory option on it. But aside from those flashes of orange tucked behind the black 10-spoke wheels, the huge front grille, and the dramatic swell as the sheetmetal rises into the RX’s rear haunches, it was unremarkable looking. In truth, the Lexus RX has never been much of a looker. There’s always been something slightly off about it, although the current-generation model is at least palatable, if very dependent on the version you choose and the color/wheel combination.

There are three 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid models to choose from. The RX 350h is the base model, offering 246 horsepower and 36 mpg in combined city and highway driving. The RX 500h is the wild child, delivering 366 hp and 27 mpg. The RX 450h+ is the plug-in hybrid, offering an estimated 37 miles of electric-only driving range before switching to gas-electric hybrid operation, which provides 35 mpg.

All three models include standard all-wheel drive (AWD), and the RX 350h offers a range of choices with base, Premium, F Sport Design, Premium+, and Luxury trim levels. The RX 500h comes only in F Sport Performance and Black Line Special Edition trim, while the RX 450h+ is available exclusively in Luxury trim. Across the entire model lineup, the base prices range from $52,875 to $72,710, including the $1,450 destination charge. Our test vehicle’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), with options, was $75,000.

Open the driver’s door, and a contemporary interior with quality materials and lovely ambient lighting awaits. Ergonomically, the controls range from baffling to brilliant, and we appreciate that Lexus avoids the increasingly common single curved display approach to digital instrumentation and infotainment systems, which makes many modern vehicles look the same inside.

In the Lexus RX universe, the RX 350h is the least powerful but most efficient model. With 246 hp and 233 pound-feet from a hybrid powertrain based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it won’t cause heart palpitations until you pass your umpteenth gas station without stopping. Also, the occasionally droning continuously variable transmission (CVT) is less than ideal. Still, its electric motors (there’s one for each axle) ensure it is about as quick to 60 mph as a gas-only Lexus RX 350.

Choose the RX 450h+ PHEV, and the hybrid system uses the same gas engine paired with a larger battery pack and a more powerful primary electric drive motor. Total system output measures 304 hp, and Lexus quotes a zero-to-60 time of 6.2 seconds. However, since this model is only available with the Luxury trim, it’s the most expensive RX Hybrid.

The RX 500h is a different thing altogether. It features a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, and produces 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Compared to the RX 350h, this results in substantially better acceleration to 60 mph (-1.5 seconds) in exchange for lower fuel economy (-9 mpg).

Additionally, the Lexus RX 500h is equipped with a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, standard 21-inch wheels, and Lexus’s more sophisticated Direct4 all-wheel-drive system. Direct4 continuously adjusts the amount of power sent to each wheel based on surface conditions and driver behavior. Lexus also fits this model with performance brakes, a dynamic rear-wheel steering system, and the ability to program a Custom driving mode calibrated to personal preferences.

With plenty of power, an appealing sound when revving, and deceptively quick acceleration, the RX 500h’s drivetrain is surprisingly rewarding. However, it’s not very fuel-efficient, averaging just 20.9 mpg on our Southern California testing loop, which is significantly lower than the EPA's estimated 27 mpg in combined driving. Additionally, on several occasions while driving in the city, after nearly coming to a stop and then pressing the accelerator, the drivetrain hesitated before responding. That’s not very Lexus-like.

The RX 500h is pleasantly quiet on the freeway, and while it feels firm on city and suburban streets, the ride isn’t uncomfortable. The adaptive damping suspension doesn’t control unwanted body motions as much as expected, though, and can produce unnatural sensations as it attempts to perform its job. Drive this F Sport Performance-tuned SUV with enthusiasm and you’ll find there is too much Lexus going on between the road surface and the driver. The RX 500h is remarkably capable at threading twisty two-lane roads, but filters communication so much that you’ll have trouble discerning it. It doesn’t feel rewarding, and it’s hard to tell when the SUV’s dynamic limits are approaching.

Only the howling Goodyear Eagle Touring tires that fold onto their sidewalls in corners offer a definitive guide to the need for driver prudence. As a result, we believe the RX 500h F Sport Performance is more about the sporty appearance and straight-line acceleration than it is about overall dynamic capability and satisfaction. For this version of the RX Hybrid, more communication between man and machine is warranted.

For nearly its entire existence, the Lexus RX has been a midsize, two-row crossover SUV. For a few years, there was an RX L version with tiny third-row seats, but Lexus wisely ditched that in favor of the roomy new Lexus TX model starting in 2024. This allows the current-generation RX to focus on occupant comfort and practical cargo space, which it delivers effortlessly.

Our RX 500h F Sport Performance test vehicle’s heated and ventilated front seats felt snug due to their enhanced bolstering, and after a couple of hours behind the wheel, the bottom cushions weren’t very comfortable. Also, on an 85-degree testing day, the automatic climate system’s fan seemed too loud to be suitable for a Lexus. A panoramic sunroof extends over most of the rear seat. The test vehicle featured optional power-reclining, heated, and ventilated rear seats, which proved quite comfortable. Additionally, the RX provides ample room for adults, making the back seat a suitable place to spend time.

In the 2025 RX Hybrid, Lexus offers plenty of interior storage in practical locations, including an illuminated shelf under the air vents. Unfortunately, the rear center armrest storage compartment lacks a lining, so items placed there may create unwanted noise, vibration, and harshness.

Open the available hands-free power liftgate, and the RX Hybrid reveals 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space. There are hooks for grocery bags, a small amount of storage space under the load floor, and a cargo cover, but the latter gets in the way when loading full-size suitcases on their sides. Buttons in the cargo area allow you to fold down the second row, creating 46.2 cubic feet of cargo volume. That’s not much for a midsize SUV.

You expect a luxury vehicle to be high-tech, and the RX meets the standard. However, even on our top-of-the-line RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, some features that you’d expect to be standard-spec were optional, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. Nevertheless, it is easy to live without any of those items, so maybe the automaker’s approach makes sense.

Once you’ve settled into the SUV’s driver’s seat, you’ll discover the 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel nestled into the dashboard in a traditional binnacled presentation. What’s not so traditional are the unlabeled, dual-function steering wheel controls, which are so distracting to use while driving that they border on dangerous. Imagine hurtling down a typical freeway at 70 mph and trying to mentally coordinate menu selection, finger placement, finger movement, and visual confirmation to ensure you take the desired action. It’s as though Lexus learned nothing from its failed Remote Touch Interface (RTI) infotainment system design experiment, which caused similar levels of distraction, frustration, and danger while driving.

Fortunately, the modern Lexus Interface infotainment system is light-years ahead in many respects. For example, it has a volume knob and large dials for adjusting the dual-zone climate control system’s temperature settings. The RX 500h model features a 14-inch touchscreen display that is light and bright. Plus, it comes with generous complementary subscriptions to connected services, including a complimentary three-year Drive Connect plan with an excellent conversational digital voice assistant called Intelligent Assistant.

As expected, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features, and you can also enjoy SiriusXM satellite radio through Lexus Interface. Alternatively, you can log in to your Apple Music or Amazon Music account and stream songs from the native system. Drive Connect also provides access to a cloud-based navigation system, while Wi-Fi Connect transforms the RX into a mobile wi-fi hotspot.

Overall, the Lexus Interface technology works well; however, our test-drive vehicle experienced an intermittent glitch that caused the song title and album art to disappear while listening to satellite radio. The head-up display is helpful, although it isn’t as large and comprehensive as those found in some of its rivals. Also, the test vehicle’s optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system sounded great. Just don’t attempt to use the steering wheel controls to adjust the volume or change radio stations, especially when you’re driving.

Safety Connect is another Lexus Interface connected service plan. It is free for up to ten years and equips the RX with an automatic collision notification system, an SOS emergency assistance button, and quick access to roadside assistance, providing added peace of mind.

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0) is also standard. It is a collection of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that includes forward collision warning with intersection assist, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, every Lexus RX Hybrid comes standard with a blind-spot monitoring system that includes rear cross-traffic alert.

Predictive Driving Assist (PDA) is also a part of LSS+ 3.0. It actively monitors forward progress and can automatically use braking or steering input to ensure safe following distances and avoid obstacles, even when you’re not using the adaptive cruise control. In some Lexus models, PDA can behave in an irritating manner, but in the Lexus RX it’s mostly agreeable, encouraging a driver to keep it on instead of turning it off.

Our test vehicle’s optional Convenience Package includes a surround-view camera, which we used extensively during our week with the RX Hybrid. We think it is a must-have upgrade, and it should be standard on the more expensive versions of the SUV.

We extensively tested LSS+ 3.0 on different types of roads, and the technology works well. There were some quirks, though. For example, in thick traffic, a Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) feature may activate. It is a hands-free driving assistance technology that operates at speeds of 25 mph or less. That’s not uncommon, but the Lexus asked if it could record the driver while TJA was active. That’s unsettling. How about no?

Additionally, a lane-change assist function is available when using the adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist systems. It takes a while to make a decision, though, so impatient people might wonder what the point of it is. Easily, the worst thing about using LSS+ 3.0 is adjusting the adaptive cruise control speed and following distance settings. You have no choice but to use the infuriating steering wheel controls to execute these functions. At least the tech is active as a safety net while you goof off with them.

In crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the RX earns an overall safety rating of five stars out of five. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is not as optimistic about the RX model’s safety. In an updated version of the organization’s moderate overlap, frontal-impact test, the SUV receives a Poor rating for occupant protection.

Considering the midsize two-row luxury SUVs available today, there is only one direct alternative to a Lexus RX 350h: a Lincoln Nautilus equipped with its optional hybrid powertrain. The BMW X5 xDrive 50e (a PHEV) isn’t much more expensive than the Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV.

Since a Nautilus Hybrid isn’t anywhere near as fuel-efficient as an RX Hybrid, and Lincoln doesn’t offer as many variations of its SUV to appeal to the broadest cross-section of potential customers, you could say Lexus has cornered this particular market. Not only that, but the Lexus RX enjoys a long-standing reputation for reliability that its rival from Lincoln simply can’t match. You also get the reassurance of a four-year/50,000-mile new-car warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile hybrid system warranty.

Of course, you could expand your search to include smaller models like the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e or Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid, but they’re not really a better deal unless you compare them directly to the well-equipped RX 450h+. In light of that, a 2025 RX Hybrid appears to be a cost-effective choice, especially if you get the Lexus RX 350h for its lower price and higher maximum fuel economy. It might not be the fastest version of the RX Hybrid, but if you wanted to feed a need for speed, you wouldn’t be shopping for a Lexus RX in the first place.