Update: Design, Interior & Specifications, and Price sections updated.
In a segment dominated by large European luxury SUVs, the Lexus RX Hybrid has carved out its space with bold styling, a five-seat-only cabin, refined manners, and a full-hybrid powertrain.
We recently spent time with the BMW X5 rival in a global-specification vehicle to evaluate its design, quality, comfort, and other key attributes, and here’s what stood out.
Design
Three and a half years after its debut, we can confidently state that the fifth-generation RX Hybrid has aged well, though Lexus now appears to be preparing a subtle mid-life update for the SUV.
Recent spy shots of the facelifted RX suggest that Lexus is planning only minor exterior revisions. The prototype appears to feature a lightly revised front bumper and grille detailing, while the rear section looks almost unchanged.
Back to the current RX, it seems easier to place on the road than most European rivals, and does not come across as excessively long or wide. Unlike its German competitors, it is more manageable on narrow UK roads and in everyday driving, and the proportions feel well judged rather than oversized.
We also like the RX Hybrid’s more dynamic, crossover-like silhouette, though it trades some boot space. The sloping roofline and clean side surfacing are easy on the eyes. The design feels lighter than most of its rather boxy rivals, a trait that is becoming increasingly rare in the E-segment.
The slim headlamps and broad design lend the RX Hybrid a confident fascia without appearing aggressive, while the flush detailing and wide rear light bar help accentuate the body width. From most angles, the RX Hybrid comes across as elegant, which we feel suits its electrified positioning well.
Interior
Stepping inside, the cockpit is clearly driver-focused, with the central touchscreen angled towards the driver, and the steering wheel featuring a proper circular design and push buttons. Controls for air-conditioning, defogging, and audio volume remain quickly accessible via dedicated dials and switches on the dashboard.
For a luxury SUV priced as high as the mid-GBP 85,000s, we were surprised to see the absence of massage seats. Lexus does offer 10-way electric adjustment, 4-way power lumbar support, memory, heating, and ventilation in the front seats, though. The rear seat also features electric adjustment, heating, and ventilation.
As for the facelift, spy photos suggest Lexus will significantly rework the RX’s cabin by taking inspiration from newer models such as the next-generation ES saloon and the upcoming TZ electric SUV. That may bring a more symmetrical dashboard layout, an updated digital instrument cluster, and a redesigned infotainment setup.
More importantly, Lexus could replace several of the RX’s physical controls with touch-capacitive switchgear, though a physical volume dial is expected to remain.
Our observations in the Lexus RX Hybrid
Even as a six-footer, getting into and out of the Lexus RX feels easy because it is a higher-riding crossover with large doors. Once inside, the cabin layout feels current, and the central screen is large and clear. Closing the doors noticeably reduces outside noise, and the cabin feels well insulated.
Material quality across the dashboard and trim surfaces feels consistent, and the switchgear feels solid. Outward visibility feels fine in normal driving posture.
In the front, the driver and front passenger seats are power-adjustable. Headroom and legroom feel sufficient. Under-thigh support and lumbar support feel good, and the seat provides support from the sides.
In the rear, the RX uses a bench seat. Rear passengers have two USB charging ports. The rear seats are heated, and the panoramic sunroof brings extra light into the cabin. Headroom feels generous, and legroom feels good. Back support and under-thigh support feel adequate, and the seating position does not feel crouched.
Specifications
Lexus offers the RX Hybrid in two variants: 350h and 500h, both with an all-wheel drive layout.
Lexus RX 350h
The 350h, which is featured in our review, is targeted at customers with a laid-back driving style and an efficiency focus. It comes with the same 2.5-litre petrol engine and two electric motors as the NX Hybrid and features an eCVT.
The petrol engine develops 140 kW (188 bhp) and 239 Nm (176 lb.-ft.) of torque, the front motor produces 134 kW (180 bhp) and 270 Nm (199 lb.-ft.) of torque, and the rear motor generates 40 kW (54 bhp) and 121 Nm (89 lb.-ft.) of torque.
While their individual outputs are the same as in the NX Hybrid, their combined power is slightly higher at 184 kW (247 bhp). The RX 350h accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 124 mph.
Lexus RX 500h
The RX 500h upgrades to a 2.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that produces 200 kW (268 bhp) and 460 Nm (339 lb.-ft.) of torque, a front motor rated at 64 kW (86 bhp) and 292 Nm (215 lb.-ft.) of torque, and a rear motor tuned to deliver 76 kW (102 bhp) and 169 Nm (125 lb.-ft.) of torque.
This setup leads to 273 kW (366 bhp) of total power. The top variant also swaps the eCVT with a six-speed automatic transmission and adds the Direct4 all-wheel drive torque control system.
The RX 500h reaches 62 mph in 6.2 seconds and goes up to 130 mph. The 350h delivers a fuel economy of up to 44.8 MPG, while the 500h can do 35.3 MPG at best.
Price
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Positioned above the NX Hybrid, the Lexus RX Hybrid’s prices start at GBP 63,445 and go up to GBP 85,995. We should receive an update on the new RX’s UK launch timeline sometime later this year.
Trained as an automobile engineer, I’ve been following the global car market since 2005. Over the past 17 years, I’ve been involved in online automotive analysis and publishing, traveling the world to drive, evaluate, and experience new cars and technologies.
