The sport utility vehicle market has grown substantially since Toyota’s upscale variant debuted as the industry pioneer in 1999. In its mid-20s, the Lexus RX lineup includes six hybrid options, all versatile SUVs combining luxury, versatility and fuel efficiency.
The hybrid RX350h has two electric motors with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 246 horsepower. It’s driven with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive.
Fuel efficiency, as rated by the EPA, is 37 miles per gallon in city driving, 34 mpg on the highway.
The RX options, including the 2025 350h in its F Sport trim, maintain their long-standing reputation. Consumers get what they pay for. It’s never a bargain but its $55,705 starting MSRP is the lowest among the top offerings in the class.
Twenty-one inch wheels, sport-oriented power steering, a limited-slip differential and a few additional sport-orient features more for show than major performance advantages, differentiate the F-Sport trim.
Driving the RX 350h is a quick study. The push-button ignition is positioned high on the dashboard; Shifting requires finesse not aggression. A quiet, confident ride is a Lexus trait and the SUV helps the brand’s reputation in that regard.
Lexus is also known for its soft suspension, which also holds up in the hybrid. Braking is also soft, resulting in a heavy foot application required.
The hybrid system has a slight starting lag. But the overall experience keeps the Lexus in line with strong hybrid competition from the Lincoln Corsair ($55,860), Volvo XC60 ($59,345) and Mercedes-Benz GLC ($61,050).
Interior space in mid-size SUVs greatly varies. The RX lineup has it good. There’s spacious seating for four adults, although the vehicle is rated as a five-passenger. Front seat occupants have substantial headroom and legroom. Adults in the back ride in equal comfort. But if the driver or front seat passenger has their respective seat fully extended the back seats are snug for taller occupants.
With the back seats folded, cargo space is impressive; there’s plenty of room for a family’s haul of suitcases and a set of golf clubs or an ice chest or two.
Safety is a Lexus strength and its carmaker-speak is called Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. The RX 350h features three key features: an automated emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection) and a lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist. Adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature is also standard.
Additionally, LED exterior lighting, automatic high beams, keyless entry and start, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats and a power liftgate are included.
Technology inclusions feature a 12.3-inch multi-information display — now standard on all trims — and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are also a head-up display and a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound system.
The 350h offers 29.6 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats. The area expands to 46.2 cubic feet when the seats are folded flat. Rear passengers can charge their mobile devices on two USB Type-C outlets or an AC power socket. Power-folding rear seat capabilities and heating and cool functions are available.
Options include the Convenience Package ($1,420) which includes a panoramic view monitor and an upgraded 14-inch touchscreen display, drive connect and cloud navigation adds $1,105. Taxes and destination fees push the SUV slightly past $60,000. It represents the carmaker at its best, with one exception.
The RX 350h also retains the brand’s one exterior downfall, its pouting, upside-down front grille. If only the carmakers’ innovators had an epiphany all would be right with Lexus.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications. E-mail: [email protected].