2025 Lexus RX 450h+: Is the Plug-In Hybrid Your Best Option?
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The Lexus RX, a.k.a. the original luxury crossover, today boasts an extensive lineup comprising four different powertrains and no fewer than 16 trim levels. At the top of the range is the only plug-in hybrid available, namely the 2025 RX 450h+.
This model competes with similar offerings from the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Volvo XC90. How does it stack up against these rivals? We put one to the test twice over the past few months to find out.
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(Almost) Fully Loaded
Apart from the badge on the liftgate, there's nothing to visually distinguish this particular RX from the others. It also comes standard with the Executive Package, making it almost fully equipped: 21-inch wheels, panoramic roof, headlamp washers, automatic reverse-tilt mirrors, and so on. Even the Lexus logo on the front is heated, so it remains visible at all times. The Nori Green body colour pictured here doesn’t really do the vehicle justice, but you should know that there are more attractive or original options on the menu, such as Matador Red and Copper Crest.
The real beauty of the RX 450h+ can be found in the interior, which is easy to access thanks to the E-Latch electronic door handle system. The cabin’s design is less extravagant than the exterior, and premium materials abound including wood trim on the steering wheel and console or semi-aniline leather covering the ultra-comfortable seats. The Macadamia-coloured (light beige) surfaces in our tester brought a freshness to the ambience, but some had already started to fade or show signs of wear. Consider yourself warned.
Lexus' plug-in hybrid SUV isn't the most impressive in terms of technology, even taking into account the various connected services available, but it certainly is ergonomic and user-friendly. The new-for-2025 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is joined by a head-up display, a 14-inch driver-oriented touchscreen and an excellent 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The infotainment system, while relatively bland, is pleasant to use with clear menus and shortcuts on the left, not to mention the HVAC controls always accessible at the bottom.
We also appreciated the amount of space in both rows, as well as the sun shades and power-folding seats in the rear. On the other hand, cargo capacity ranges from 838 to 1,308 litres, placing the RX 450h+ below average. Although the trunk floor is relatively high due to the 18.1kWh battery, there's still a compartment underneath for a charging cable or other items.
Slightly Underpowered
Under the hood, a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine teams up with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission. It's the same 304-horsepower system you can find in the smaller NX 450h+, but due to the increased weight, the RX 450h+ is slower (0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds instead of 6.1 seconds). That's nothing to sneeze at, of course, especially considering the type of drivers Lexus is usually after, but the fact is that all of the aforementioned rivals offer significantly more power and better performance as a result.
By the way, the non-plug-in RX 500h featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine is also more spirited with 366 horsepower.
Surely, the vehicle must emphasize fuel efficiency, right? Well, yes and no. Pure electric range is officially rated at 60 km, which is very good on paper, but no more than average in the segment. During our test drive in mid-April, still using winter tires, we managed to cover just over 50 km without burning any fuel in fairly favourable weather conditions.
Once the high-voltage battery runs empty, the RX 450h+ impresses by achieving under 7 L/100 km according to Natural Resources Canada (too bad that premium gasoline is still required). No competitor is close to that number. In any case, there's no reason to skip charging sessions, especially since a full charge can be done in as little as 2.5 hours via a 240V power source at home or at work.
How’s the Drive?
Similar to other RX models, this one prioritizes a relaxed, quiet ride. The only exception is when the gasoline engine has to step in forcefully, like on a steep hill or during rapid acceleration. We'd forgive that kind of noise with a Toyota but not a Lexus. Having to touch the screen a few times to change drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Custom) is not ideal. The buttons on the console will simply allow you to preserve battery charge, activate auto EV/HV operation or adapt the vehicle to off-road driving.
We would have preferred a thicker steering wheel with better steering feel. Furthermore, the multi-function, configurable touch-sensitive controls on it are sometimes distracting. On a positive note, the 11.8-metre turning circle makes this midsize SUV slightly more maneuverable in parking lots than most of its rivals, even without the RX 500h's four-wheel steering system.
Braking performance is mostly satisfying, while the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 brings together a host of advanced safety and driver assistance features to ensure confident driving at all times. Front cross-traffic alert is a particular highlight.
Our Verdict
Build quality, reliability and customer service excellence also define the Lexus RX family, which is why our team at The Car Guide considers it as the Best Buy in the midsize luxury SUV segment for 2025. Resale value is high, too, but so is the vehicle’s popularity with thieves, alas.
It's a bit of a shame that the RX 450h+ only comes in one fully-equipped trim level—priced at $90,775 including freight, PDI and other fees—especially given its relatively modest power output. Then again, the price is reasonable compared to the competition.
By the way, unlike the other RX models, which are assembled in Ontario, this one comes from Japan, and availability is more limited. And if it's the EV aspect that appeals to you most, be sure to compare it with the 2026 Lexus RZ, which will arrive in a few months' time with several major improvements.
