2025 Lexus RX Hybrid

Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota Motors North America, initiated a mini revolution when the mid-size RX (the X suffix indicates a crossover body style) burst into the scene as a 1999 model year entry. The RX ushered aboard what we in the mid 2020’s commonly reference as the modern mid-size luxury crossover.  

Prior to its arrival, most luxury crossovers built from a truck-like body-on-frame design. While great when traversing off-road trails, the added weight and bounce factor did little to soothe the ride for those living within the flat acreage underpinning Chicago or its sprawling number of outlying (and just as flat) satellite communities.  

Instead, the two-row RX chose a smoother-riding unibody platform popular with sedans and coupes resulting in a luxurious experience dialed up with a lower-standing exterior with a convenient hatchback for stowing life’s necessities. Over the decades, RX expanded its under-hood choices to include a variety of electrified opportunities. In addition to a conventional 2.4-liter turbo engine in 2025, RX also boasts a pair of fuel-extending, self-charging gas-electric hybrids (HEVs) and a Plug-in Hybrid Electric (PHEV) introduced in the 2024 model year.  

The mid-size RX slots nicely between the compact Lexus NX and relatively new three-row TX within the Lexus lineup. 

The fifth-generation RX debuted in the 2023 model year boasting a new lighter-weight GA-K platform with a lower center of gravity. Changes in 2025 remain minimal with a now standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a Black Line Special Edition available with the self-charging RX 500h gas-electric hybrid adding such perks as black wheels, orange brake calipers and unique incognito exterior paint.  

The traditional RX 350 includes s 2.5-liter inline internal combustion engine (ICE) and the choice of front-wheel or all-wheel drive. It’s the sole 2025 RX with available front-wheel drive and offers the widest trim level array. The all-wheel drive RX 450h+ (the + signifies a plug-in hybrid) includes an impressive 38 miles of pure electric travel before the hybrid-electric engine kicks into gear and offers one well equipped trim. The plug-free, all-wheel drive gas electric RX includes two versions: RX 350h and RX 500h both with distinct personalities. 

The higher-volume RX 350h prioritizes impressive fuel economy numbers at 37 miles per gallon city and 34 mpg highway with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) pairing with the 2.5-liter inline, naturally aspirated four-cylinder hybrid engine. It’s available in five trim selections. Our tester this week, the RX 500h welcomes performance to the fore with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission providing decisive and quicker, more decisive shifts than the CVT choice and teamed a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas-electric hybrid with fuel economy averaging 27 mpg city and 28 highway. Lexus offers one well-equipped trim F 500h level. For optimal performance, all RX incarnations recommends premium octane fuel.  

The RX 500h marries the gas engine and electric motors together in such a way that constant transitioning between the two remains refined and imperceptible; the way a luxury crossover should operate. Multiple layers of sound insulation keep the interior whisper quiet while Direct-4 all-wheel drive optimizes traction at each individual wheel keeping drivers in total control. 

Both hybrid RXs utilize a Nickel Metal Hydride Direct Current (DC) Battery Pack for energy storage with the RX 350h employing 216 battery cells generating 259 volts while RX 500h ups battery cell count to 240 generating 288 volts. Both include a pair of electric motors. The RX350h generates a combined horsepower of 246 while our RX 500h tester bumped up the horses to an impressive 366.  

The Nickel Metal Hydride battery design (NiMH) has been the go-to choice for most of Toyota and Lexus gas-electric hybrids since the debut of Prius in the late 1990s and charges up both RX HEVs. The NiMH withstands intense temperature changes better and costs less than its closest rival. It’s also easier to recycle although employing a heavier weighted design. 

A lithium-ion designed battery pack utilized in a majority of Electric Vehicles (and the RX 450h+) offers a lighter design with greater energy density and weighs less than the NiMH choice. Lithium-ion packs also charge and discharge faster than NiMH packs.  

In 2021, Lexus finer tuned (to better explain) its F branding strategy of accessories and higher-performing engines creating four F levels or tiers: F Sport Design, F Sport Handling, F Sport Performance and just plain F. Think of just plain F as the highest performing of the quad adorning track-ready brakes, advanced aerodynamics and lighter weight building materials straight from the factory. The capital “F” references Japan’s Fuji Speedway where Lexus incubates and tests these concepts before release to the masses.  

Expect a square F Sport fender badge with any upgrade as a visual reminder of added pizzaz. Several other uplevel brands employ tweaked performance versions including Mercedes-Benz and its AMG designate. The 2025 RX offers F Sport Design, F Sport Handling and F Sport Performance.  

The F Sport Performance umbrella, standard within our RX 500h tester, included such niceties as adaptive variable suspension, black brake calipers, snappy 21-inch alloy wheels, heads-up windshield projection, leather-trimmed F-Sport heated and ventilated front seats, large 14-inch touchscreen display and panoramic glass roof with roof rails.  

No matter what F-Sport package accepted, the feeling behind the wheel and ride tilt towards ‘comfortable and cushy’, not necessarily dynamic with an interior design speaking language of luxury without an overbearing/ostentatious glam. 

Our all-wheel drive RX 500h tester included a $64,800 starting price ending at $74,795 after a cadre of add-ons and $1,350 destination fee. Factory extras included a $1,670 Panoramic View Monitor, $550 120-volt AC outlet, $1,230 headed and ventilated outboard second-row seats, $1,565 tri-beam LED headlights, $1,160 upgraded sound system and $150 power rear hatch door with kick-motion sensor. The $500 hit for premium Iridium exterior paint (a subtle grey) is worth the expense and far less than other premium brands (looking at you BMW, Mercedes-Benz) who sometimes charge up to $5,000 for upgraded paint privilege.  

With eight inches of ground clearance and lower design unibody construction, it’s an easy maneuver when entering and exiting the vehicle. All four interior side doors include small, rectangular, electronic tactile push pads rather than a pull-type bar or tab when exiting. The same touch-sensitive electronics adorn the bottom of exterior, strap-like handles when entering.  

Up front, the prominent spindle grille with its hourglass outline and black, spring-like diamond-studded, meshy filling includes the circular Lexus logo high atop. It’s flanked by three jewel-like headlights supported by daytime running lights underneath in the shape of a bold white checkmark. When summoning the turn signal stalk, these LEDs boast an amber hue. The hood features a pair of creases with beginnings at the base of the windshield’s A pillars and gently bow out and curve towards the outside edges of the spindle grille front. In back, a long, narrow, blade light extends from end to end illuminating at night in red. Consider the exterior handsome, yet a bit conservative.  

The power hatchback, hinged at the top, opens up high with gobs of head clearance. Peak under the flat floorboard and a temporary spare tire and jack awaits. These pair, once ubiquitous with any vehicle purchase, are no longer a given. With second-row seats prone, 30.0 cubic feet of room awaits, usable, but less than many mid-size luxury rivals. All RX cargo areas include a retracting black privacy cover. The RX 500h includes 60/40-split second row bench with power backrests providing greater levels of adjustable comfort. These power second row seatbacks fold flat onto cushions via push buttons located on the left frame of the cargo region.  

Our RX 500h included an upgraded, 14-inch multi-function touchscreen (replacing the standard 9.8-inch version). It’s rectangular, landscape shape includes a vertical menu selection along the screen’s far left side. A push/twist knob along the bottom operates on/off/volume but, sadly, no convenient tunning knob so the touch screens icons need employment. All HVAC settings run through the screen with two digital dials flanking the volume dial with interior animation monitoring dual front zone temperatures.  

A wireless, flat, rectangular phone charger comes standard in all trims, sans the RX 350 Standard where it’s optional and situates lower within the center console with a sliding privacy cover. The handy storage bin between front buckets includes a dual hinge, helping the top flip from both the left and right sides.  

The steering wheel face includes secondary audio functions and cruise control operations, but utilizing the radar-enhanced cruise involves a second selection step via the wheel’s push pad that takes time to master and familiarize.  

In front of the storage bin resides inline dual beverage holders and the vertically arranged electronic transmission shifter with easy grab knob summoning reverse and drive gears with an easy tug forward or back. Engaging ‘park’ requires the push of a well-marked “P” button near the knob. The electronic parking brake resides in this area too. Power buttons unlocking the driver’s side fuel door and power rear hatch reside left of the steering column conveniently on the dash (rather than the floor).  

With 118,636 units sold throughout the U.S. in the 2024 calendar year, RX once again held the title of best-selling Lexus product, an increase from 3.4 percent from the previous year. Overall, Lexus sold 345,669 units in 2024, a 7.2 percent increase from 2023.  

When purchasing a self-charging gas-electric hybrid, it’s hard to argue against any offering from Lexus or Toyota. Toyota’s legendary Prius hatchback wrote the how-to manual detailing successful HEV design. The RX 350h and RX 500h are dependable, solid, well-tested selections despite rather steep pricing. 

2025 Lexus RX 500h
Price as tested: $74,795
Engine: 2.4-liter inline turbo hybrid
Horsepower: 366
Wheelbase: 112.20 inches
Length: 192.52 inches
Width: 75.59 inches
Height: 67.32 inches  
Curb Weight: 4,750 pounds
City/Highway Fuel Economy: 27 city/28 highway
Assembly: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada