2025 Lexus RX Plug-in Hybrid

How does the RX drive? Our test vehicle was a RX 350 in the F Sport Handling trim. While that doesn't add any power, it does come with all-wheel drive, which enabled the RX to hit 60 mph in an uneventful 7.8 seconds. That's slower than the four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and more than 2 seconds slower than the six-cylinder-powered Genesis GV80. Lexus does offer the RX 500h should you be desiring quicker performance than the RX 350 can provide.

The F Sport version comes with a sport-tuned suspension. It's stable when going around turns, but the tires aren't grippy enough for you to really have fun when driving with some enthusiasm. On the upside, the RX's firm and easy-to-control brake pedal makes it a breeze to stop with full confidence in a variety of situations on the street.

How comfortable is the RX? Our test vehicle was the F Sport Handling trim, which includes a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and 21-inch wheels. Some buyers might find the ride quality a bit stiff. If so, avoid getting this version. The F Sport also comes with special seats that have more bolstering but are just as soft and comfortable as the ones in a standard RX. The seat heating and ventilation in our test RX were fast-acting, and the rear seats offered better than average sculpting and support.

Most of the climate control features are readily accessible and easy to use. The three-zone climate system did a good job of maintaining a set temperature, though we thought the center vents were too low to be particularly effective on a warm day. Interior noise levels are relatively low, and while we noticed little to no wind noise, we did hear more tire hum than we expected.

How’s the interior? The interior of the RX is a mix of Lexus' superb attention to detail as well as some puzzling and sometimes frustrating design choices. The sharp-looking 14-inch touchscreen display is a highlight thanks to its clean graphics and quick responses. Despite the stunning new interior design, the RX does not have a steep learning curve, and most of its controls will become immediately familiar. Another benefit of the large center display is the crystal-clear backup camera and, if so equipped, surround-view camera system. It makes maneuvering the RX in tight confines a snap.

But the shift lever adopts the unconventional shift pattern used in the Toyota Prius, which had us occasionally selecting neutral when we thought we had drive. Another frustration: the unmarked buttons on the steering wheel. Lexus has cleverly made them multifunctional, but their functions are only shown in the head-up display and require too much focus to perform simple tasks.

The driving position in the RX is easy to tailor to suit a wide variety of body types, and while the rear seating area lacks the generous legroom found in the Acura MDX, there's enough space for most adults to be reasonably comfortable. Headroom is a bit on the limited side, especially for taller rear passengers.

How’s the storage? Being a midsize SUV, the RX offers adequate cargo capacity. The liftover is a bit high, but the cargo area is clear of weird shapes and awkward cubbies. That said, at 29.6 cubic feet with the seats up, the RX trails competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLE (33.3 cubes) and the Acura MDX (39.1 cubes behind the second row of seats). With all the seats down, it's more of the same, with the RX offering far less on outright capacity than its competition.

Inside, the center console opens from either side, and there's a thoughtful storage bin with a wireless phone charger to keep your phone safely tucked away while you're on the road. The door pockets, front and rear, are fairly large but aren't lined with felt, so smaller items might rattle around. Loading a car seat into the RX's second row shouldn't be too much trouble thanks to easily reachable anchor points and individually reclining rear seatbacks.

Towing, not an expressly common activity in the RX, is less impressive. When properly equipped, the RX can only muster a 3,500-pound tow rating. Competitors like the GLE, MDX and Genesis GV80 can all tow far more.

Is the RX a good value? With exemplary build quality and a host of standard features, the Lexus RX, even in our test model's F Sport specification, represents appealing value in this competitive segment. The RX's pricing is reasonable, and when compared feature for feature against vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the Lexus' value really shines. 

Warranties are on par for the class, with the Lexus offering four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper and six-year/70,000-mile powertrain coverage.