Good choice among luxury midsize SUVs
Roseville, Calif.- When the topic turns to luxury midsize SUVs, the Lexus RX is always prominent in the conversation.
We recently drove the 2025 Lexus RX 350h, one of the three hybrid offerings in a lineup that also includes the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ and the performance-oriented RX 500h. There’s also an RX gas-powered SUV. The majority of this review will focus on the RX 350h.
The SUV’s longtime popularity got us thinking about the RX brand and how successful it’s been since debuting in 1998 as the first-ever luxury crossover sport utility vehicle. In the Lexus SUV lineup, it resides between the compact NX and the TX, a large three-row model.
The RX model is the top-selling luxury crossover in the U.S. and the company’s best-selling vehicle overall. The ground-breaking vehicle was the first to combine the best features of a luxury sedan and an SUV, which in the 1990s were typically large, boxy, with truck platforms and little sophistication.
In the past 20 years, U.S. sales of the RX brand have been extremely consistent, never lower than 82,595 (2011) with a high of 118,636 in 2024. RX sales have exceeded 100,000 or more in 12 of the past 13 years.
Secret sauce
So, what is the secret sauce of this Lexus SUV? The RX has always featured an appealing exterior, a spacious, comfortable, technological interior, good combination of performance, handling and fuel efficiency, and is offered at a cost-efficient price.
The last redesign came in 2023, the fifth generation for the RX. This year’s 350h has virtually no changes except for the new Black Line Special Edition styling package. The starting price for the standard RX 350h is $51,500. The gas-powered RX has a starting price of $48,600.
Despite its appeal, there are some criticisms of the 350 hybrid. The primary one is performance – it doesn’t measure up to other midsize SUVs. Its detractors certainly have a valid point.
The lone powertrain for the RX 350h features two electric motors that combine with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder to produce 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. Although it seemed quicker to us, the hybrid travels 0-60 mph in a mediocre 7.4 seconds. Fuel economy is a plus at 34-37 mpg. All-wheel drive is standard in all models.
The RX 350 is a pleasing SUV to drive. Sure, there’s no exhilarating moments behind the wheel. However, it does handle with ease, corners well, absorbs annoying bumps in the road, and can maneuver well in tight spaces.
2025 LEXUS RX 350 HYBRID
- Performance: two electric motors, 2.5-liter, four-cylinder, 246 horsepower
- Mileage estimate: 34-37 mpg
- Price estimate: $51,500 to $64,900
- Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles; drivetrain: 6 years/70,000 miles; roadside assistance: 4 years/unlimited; corrosion: 6 years/unlimited
Inside
Standard driver safety features include pre-collision system, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane keeping assist, automated emergency braking, lane centering, and adaptive cruise control.
Seating is comfortable for five passengers, although three adults in the rear is a bit cramped. At 29 cubic feet behind the rear seating, the cargo area lacks the space of some rivals. The space expands to 46.2 cubes with the back seats folded to the floor.
There’s a sharp-looking 9.8-inch touchscreen display, highlighting the interior’s modern and attractive design. However, mastering the touchscreen takes some patience. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The 2025 RX 350h remains a good choice among luxury midsize SUVs. Inside and out, the hybrid has many strong qualities that make it popular year after year.
