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VERDICT

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.

For 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.

• Hybrid Powertrains: 2.4-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors, 246 hp combined; turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, 366 hp combined; 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors, 304 hp combined
• Transmission: continuously variable automatic transmission
• Drivetrain: all-wheel drive

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 ponies.

• C/D 60-mph Test: 5.5 seconds (RX500h F Sport), 6.0 seconds (RX450h+ Luxury), 7.3 seconds (RX350h)

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.

• Max Towing: 3500 pounds

The Lexus RX Hybrid's max tow rating applies to all powertrains, and that figure is competitive with the rest of its classmates.

• C/D Range Test: 30 miles
• EPA EV Range: 37 miles

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.

• C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 32 mpg (RX350h), 28 mpg (RX500h), 30 mpg (RX450h+)
• EPA City Ratings: 27–37 mpg
• EPA Highway Ratings: 28–38 mpg

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.

On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the RX350h returned 32 mpg, a bit below its EPA estimate, and the RX500h F Sport Performance returned 28 mpg, matching its EPA estimate. The RX450h+ managed 30 mpg and 64 MPGe in our real-world test. For more information about the RX's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

In Comparison: The RX PHEV's real-world highway result is identical or very close to plug-in versions of the XC60 (30 mpg) and the Lincoln Corsair (31 mpg).

First Row: The RX Hybrid's interior design is modern and attractive, with textured fabric sections on the upper door panels, rich-looking ambient lighting, and open-pore wood trim on RX350h models. The RX500h F Sport Performance features more heavily bolstered front seats, black interior trim, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and aluminum pedals.

Second Row: All RX Hybrids are two-row, five-seat affairs, with plentiful passenger space in both the front and rear seats. If you need a third row, consider the larger TX Hybrid.

Cargo Capacity: The cargo area is generously sized, too, and we managed to squeeze 11 carry-on suitcases behind the second row. The rear seats fold flat, and with them stowed, the RX offered space for 25 carry-ons in our testing.

• Infotainment: 9.8-inch touchscreen (standard), 14.0-inch touchscreen (optional)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available Wi-Fi hotspot
• Audio System: 12-speaker stereo (standard), 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system (optional)

As in the smaller NX SUV, the RX's infotainment display is angled slightly toward the driver and uses Lexus's latest software interface. Wireless phone charging is standard, but features such as navigation, a head-up display, and a Mark Levinson stereo system are optional.

Lexus offers many standard driver-assistance features on its new cars and SUVs, and the RX Hybrid is no different.

• Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with lane centering

For information about the RX Hybrid's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Lexus's limited warranty matches most of its rivals in this segment. Its powertrain warranty surpasses many, and its hybrid components get longer coverage. However, complimentary scheduled maintenance lasts only one year, whereas the BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60 both offer lengthier terms.

• Limited Warranty: four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: six years or 70,000 miles
• Complimentary Maintenance: one year or 10,00 miles

Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that's because this vehicle hasn't changed from when we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate.

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