2026 Lexus RX

2026 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance 

The uber-popular mid-size RX helped Lexus, the luxury arm of Toyota Motors, cement itself as Asia's top-selling luxury brand outpacing notable rivals including Acura, Genesis and Infiniti.  

While RX (the X suffix denotes a crossover body style) arrived a decade after the brands U.S. debut in 1989, the family-friendly transport in short order began outselling every other model.  

When debuting in 1998, RX marketed a single two-row entry, the RX 300 driven by a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE). Today, that one entry blossoms into multiple propulsion opportunities. Our 2026 tester builds upon a fifth-generation, fully-redesigned effort born in the 2023 model year. During a brief moment in time during the vehicle's fourth-generation effort, RX offered a third-row option in an extended 'L' version. With the introduction of the three-row exclusive Lexus TX in 2024 model year, RX returned to its two-row roots within the fifth-generation construct.  

In 2004, RX introduced the first gas-electric hybrid into the Lexus portfolio in the form of the self-charging RX 400h (the lower-case 'h' suffix indicates hybrid electric vehicle, or HEV) never in need of a wall socket assist. During the 2026 model year, Lexus offers two self-charging RX HEV opportunities with two distinct personalities, the 350h and 500h. Lexus and its Toyota parent enjoy one of the longest durations executing successful HEVs. No other automaker has ever outsold Toyota/Lexus within this steadily growing electrified subsegment.  

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 a 2.5-liter inline, naturally aspirated four-cylinder hybrid engine. It's available in five trim selections. The RX 500h brings performance to the fore with a traditional six-speed automatic transmission providing decisive and quicker shifts compared with the CVT. The RX 500h teams with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gas-electric hybrid design delivering fuel economy averaging 27 mpg city and 28 highway. Lexus offers one well-equipped trim F 500h level. For optimal performance, all RX hybrid incarnations require premium octane to fill the 17.1-gallon tank. All RX models include a 3,500-pound towing capacity. 

More recently during this fifth-generation redo, RX introduced a plug-in-hybrid version (PHEV) promising 32 miles of pure electric driving before the hybrid engine (based upon a 2.5-liter four cylinder) takes precedent in the form of the RX 450h+.  

Both gas-electric hybrid RXs utilize a flat, 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 ponies 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 the Toyota Prius in the late 1990s and charges up both RX HEVs. The NiMH withstands intense temperature changes (such as Chicago's frigid winters) better and costs less than other designs. It's also easier to recycle although employing a heavier weight. 

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

Changes and updates to the 2026 model year RX remain minimal although wireless Smartphone charging now arrives standard across the board and an appearance package now adorns the RX 500h F Sport Performance.  

In 2021, Lexus finer tuned (to better explain) its F branding strategy of accessories and higher-performing engines available throughout its vast product lineup with four F levels or tiers: F Sport Design, F Sport Handling, F Sport Performance and just plain, good-old 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. Several other upscale brands employ tweaked performance versions including Mercedes-Benz and its AMG designate. 

Expect a square F Sport fender badge with any upgrade as a visual reminder of added pizzaz. Also, when exiting at night, the 'F Sport' pavement art badging illuminates to the ground below from a light beam extending below front side doors (not the sideview mirrors).  

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. Brake pedals include a short foot throw with quicker reactions than many recently tested mid-size luxury models. 

A conventional 2026 RX sporting a 275-horsepower, turbocharged, four-cylinder with front-wheel drive starts around $51,172. This is the sole RX available with front-wheel drive. The 500h circa 2026 checks in as the most powerful RX to date and the priciest arriving in one trim: the RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD with a starting price of $66,200. Several option packages and a-la-carte options await scrutiny before the final purchase.  

Our tester includes just about every add-on, most notably $500 for the premium exterior red (Iridium) paint, $1,565 triple beam LED headlights, $1,230 ventilated/heated second-row seats, $575 digital rearview mirror, $2,500 appearance package (orange brake calipers, illuminated front door sills, $1,670 Convenience Package (Panoramic center view monitor, traffic jam assist) and $150 power lift rear door with kick-sensor activity. With an assortment of mostly dealer extras and a $1,450 destination charge, the bottom line reached a rather hefty $78,970. 

Dynamic rear steering comes standard welcoming improved high-speed handling and precise low-speed turns. At slower speeds, rear-wheel steer turns the two front wheel and two rear wheels in opposite directions up to four degrees. During highway travel, both front and rear wheels turn in the same direction. Also known as rear axle steering, rear wheel steering or four-wheel steering, It's technology that's been around within the automotive sector since the 1970s within select luxury segments.  

The Direct4 all-wheel drive system arrives standard within recently introduced Lexus electrified vehicles such as the 2026 RX 500h which marries a conventional internal combustion gas engine and two electric motors together in such a way that constant transitioning between the two remains refined and imperceptible; the way any luxury-branded offering should operate.  

As with all Lexus vehicles, RX exudes a sand hourglass-like 'Spindle' grill with a widening bottom region. Headlight housing comes into play, cinching the narrowest potion of the vertical-style grille (close to the top with this incarnation) with the L logo displayed along the center top. Illumination housing includes triple beam (three) bejeweled LED headlights with white daytime running frosting-like bulbs forming a check-mark design within the synch. Black inside fill takes the form of a continuing 'L' pattern mimicking a honeycomb style. In back, a narrow red light bar stretches from one end of the taillight housing to the other wrapping around to side fenders. 

Black framing surrounds side windows, carrying over towards sideview mirror housing. A black rectangular swath connects the C pillar and rear hatch region interspersing with body-color paint forms a gentle downhill ski slope scape. The tall-standing hood includes crease lines starting from the windshield's A pillar low posts, with lines streaking towards the spindle grille top frame.  

Multiple layers of sound insulation keep the interior whisper quiet while the Direct-4 all-wheel drive optimizes traction at each individual wheel keeping drivers planted and in total control. The 500h remains the sportiest of the RX bunch in 2026. The 8.07 inches of ground clearance remains manageable when entering and exiting compared to higher-standing, truck-like body-on-frame sport utilities that require extra stretches of hamstring muscles.  

Once entering row two, the shallow vertical floor hump provides minimal intrusion permitting three adults to situate together for short jaunts. Split backrests fold down with a power assist via buttons found within the cargo area walls in a 60/40 split format or the driver may work with the center info screen by choosing the 'vehicle' icon from the vertical screen menu, than seat comfort and finally 'fold all'. Seats also power fold up via screen pushes reversing the process.  

A nice inside design cue includes a bi-hinged center arm rest opening either from the left or right side, allowing both front travelers easier access to the same storage location. Two inline beverage holders reside ahead with adjustable depth lengths helping constrain multiple-sized vessels. Supportive seats include red inserts contrasting with the interior's black theme along with brushed aluminum accents.  

The vertically arranged electronic transmission shifter nearby features an easy grab stubby knob summoning reverse and drive gears with an easy tug forward or back or to the left. Engaging 'park' requires the push of a well-marked "P" button adjacent to the knob. The electronic parking brake resides in this area too. Push buttons operating the power rear lift gate and fuel door release reside up from the floor, left of the power-operated adjustable steering column.  

Below the center info window and stylish manually adjusting black air vents; a cubie hole containing the single wireless charger benefitting participating Smartphones and two plug ports (both Type A and Type C versions) with a privacy cover sliding back and forth when desired.  

The center, 14-inch flat screen extends up beyond the dashboard top in sporting a flat (not inboard) design with a 'landscape' tilt. A small, lower center twist button doubles as the on/off function. At the far top end of the left side, Lexus locates the electronic push start/stop button, a convenient location when compared to lower down and right of the steering column where too many rivals place the push port. The multi-function, touch-sensitive center screens remains separate from the digital instrument panel with a deeper inboard design.  

Climate controls build into the screen bottom with two artful dials monitoring dual temperature zones with centered digital temp readouts. Front/rear defroster icons constantly display for easier use. Fan direction and speed return in a touch sensitive/slide format.  

All four side doors include pressure-sensitive tactile thump-operated brushed aluminum toggle pads when exiting the vehicle rather than a traditional mechanical pull lever. New muscle memory to learn as a gentler touch gets the job done with these electronically gifted openers. Exterior strap-like door handles also include inside squeeze sensors activating the electronic easements.  

The optional digital rearview mirror feed magically erases pesky head and shoulders that block rear perception when humans overload the second row. Thanks to tiny, well-placed cameras, those human noggins disappear creating a clear visual to outside activity. A simple manual flip of a lower frame toggle switch frame changes viewership. It's a nice option, but best suited for three-row vehicles.  

This Lexus product arrives as a 'full' hybrid electric vehicle (sometimes referred to as a FHEV) providing optimal benefits while allowing two electric motors to drive the vehicle for short durations. Ask questions when shopping as some 'hybrid' badged vehicles qualify as 'Mild' hybrids (MHEVs) designed with an electric motor assisting the engine and transmission but delivering less mpg benefits. All hybrids, whether mild or full, benefit from regenerative braking, an ongoing, self-contained recycling process where mechanical energy created during the braking process recaptures and restores inside the DC battery pack for later use as electricity and extending mileage.  

The weight of the NiMH DC battery pack adds drag to the equation, limiting performance but extending fuel economy with a planted footprint. Four drive modes select via the touch screen through the 'vehicle' icon or through the screen's short cut menu along the bottom.  

With sales of 113,256 units in 2025, The RX outsold the second place finisher at Lexus, the compact NX crossover, by more than 35,000 units. If it's safety in numbers one desires, RX leads the mid-size luxury crossover pack. Total Lexus 2025 U.S. sales reached 370,260, its best year ever here in the States. 

At A Glance: 2026 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance 
Price as tested: $78,970 
Engine: 2.4-liter inline turbo hybrid 
Engine Horsepower: 271  
Total Horsepower: 366 
Wheelbase: 112.20 inches 
Length: 192.52 inches 
Width: 75.59 inches 
Height: 67.32 inches  
Curb Weight: 2,568 pounds 
City/Highway Fuel Economy: 27 city/28 highway 
Assembly: Cambridge, Ontario, Canada