Is Lexus still the king of the luxury crossover space? After 27 years, the RX proves it knows exactly what buyers want — and what they don’t.
Let’s be clear: The 2025 Lexus RX doesn’t chase trends. It refines them. In a world of three-row SUVs and horsepower wars, Lexus doubles down on what’s always made the RX a best-seller: quiet comfort, premium finishes, bulletproof reliability, and now — fuel-sipping hybrid options across the board.
Solidly Between Segments, but Roomier Than You Think
Though technically smaller than a midsize SUV, the RX delivers real-world comfort that punches above its dimensions. Passengers get generous head- and legroom in both rows, premium trim finishes (leather, gloss black, real wood accents), and a minimalist but upscale design that makes every drive feel first class.
Gone is the three-row RX L from the previous generation. For 2025, the RX is strictly a five-passenger luxury SUV — and it’s better for it. Less compromise, more comfort.
Powertrains for Every Kind of Buyer
Whether you want turbocharged punch, hybrid efficiency, or plug-in power, the RX has a setup for you:
- RX 350: 275-hp turbo-four with FWD or optional AWD
- RX 350h: 246-hp hybrid with standard AWD and up to 36 mpg
- RX 500h F Sport Performance: 366-hp turbo hybrid with rear steering and serious grip
- RX 450h+: Plug-in hybrid offering 35 miles of electric range
Quick Take: The RX 350h delivers the best efficiency, the RX 500h offers the most power, and the 450h+ gives you EV range without the range anxiety.
0–60 MPH:
- RX 350: 7.2–7.6 seconds
- RX 350h: 7.4 seconds
- RX 500h: 5.9 seconds
- RX 450h+: 6.2 seconds
Ride and Handling: More Comfort Than Curve-Carver
Let’s not pretend the RX is gunning for the BMW X5 or Alfa Romeo Stelvio. It’s not built for thrills. Lexus engineers have tuned this SUV for peace and polish — the kind of ride that makes you exhale after a long day. Even the performance-minded 500h F Sport is more composed than aggressive.
Interior: Clean, Comfortable, and Loaded With Tech
You’ll find luxury-grade materials throughout: supple upholstery, soft-touch surfaces, and an elegantly simple dash. Tech is seamlessly integrated, too:
- Standard: 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster + 9.8-inch touchscreen
- Available: Massive 14-inch screen, wireless charging, panoramic view monitor
- Audio: Standard 12-speaker system or optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson upgrade
Storage is smart, rear seats recline, and there’s up to 46.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the back seats folded. That’s not class-leading, but it’s more than enough for road trips or Costco runs.
Fuel Economy: Lexus Still Leads
Here’s where the RX flexes hardest:
- RX 350: Up to 25 mpg combined
- RX 350h: 36 mpg combined (segment-best)
- RX 500h: 27 mpg combined
- RX 450h+: 35 mpg + 35 miles of electric-only driving
Compare that to the BMW X5 (23/27 mpg) or Genesis GV80 (21/25 mpg), and the RX hybrid options blow them away on efficiency.
Trims and Pricing: Something for Every Luxury Budget
From value-packed to high-end hybrid, the RX lineup is comprehensive. Here are the trims that matter most:
| Trim | MSRP (incl. dest.) | Highlights |
| RX 350 Premium | $52,575 | Ventilated seats, moonroof, wireless charging — best value in the lineup |
| RX 350h Premium | $54,725 | Hybrid efficiency, AWD standard, same lux touches as 350 Premium |
| RX 500h F Sport Performance | $66,150 | Fastest RX, sport-tuned suspension, AWD with rear steering |
Pro tip: The RX 350h Premium hits the sweet spot between luxury, fuel economy, and price.
Safety: Top Ratings, Tech That Works
The RX continues to rack up top safety scores — 5 stars from NHTSA, and a likely repeat Top Safety Pick from IIHS. Every model includes Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 with:
- Pre-collision warning with pedestrian & motorcycle detection
- Lane tracing assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Intersection assist
- Available automated parking and surround-view monitoring
You don’t need to spend extra to get peace of mind — it’s built in.
Verdict: Still the Smart Luxury SUV Buy
The 2025 Lexus RX may not be the most exciting SUV out there, but it’s one of the smartest. It delivers the perfect mix of reliability, comfort, tech, efficiency, and brand prestige — all without pushing you into the $70K range unless you opt for the plug-in hybrid.
Why It Works:
Hybrid fuel economy that leads the segment Quiet, luxurious cabin with modern tech Proven resale value and long-term reliability
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