The Car Connection Expert Review
Likes
- Good looks inside and out
- Many powertrain choices
- Frugal hybrids
- Good tech
- Comfy cabin
Dislikes
- Too many versions?
- 350h’s CVT isn’t great
- Drives bigger than it is
- Top versions are $75,000
Buying tip
The luxurious and refined 2025 Lexus RX crossover can be quick, frugal, or some combination of the two.
What kind of vehicle is the 2025 Lexus RX? What does it compare to?
The 2025 Lexus RX is a two-row luxury crossover SUV. It competes with the BMW X5 and Infiniti QX60.
Is the 2025 Lexus RX a good SUV?
The 2025 RX comes in several configurations, making it appealing to a wide variety of shoppers looking for a luxurious, sporty, and frugal SUV—or at least some combination of the three. It’s a 6.7 on the TCC scale. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
What's new for the 2025 Lexus RX?
The previously optional 12.3-inch instrument cluster display is now standard across the range, while the F Sport Design appearance package is available on a wider range of trims. Additionally, there’s a new Black Line Special Edition for the top RX 500h F Sport, which has (you guessed it) black exterior accents plus orange brake calipers.
The RX has angular, sporty styling across the board, starting with a gaping version of the brand’s signature spindle grille that continues to flared fenders and culminates in a tapered, elegant tail. It’s calm and cohesive inside, with a big touchscreen and a large digital instrument cluster. Lexus offers a host of interior colors and trims, though availability varies by what’s underhood.
Base RX 350 models use a 275-hp 2.4-liter turbo-4 linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission, while F Sport versions somewhat live up to their name with adaptive dampers and bigger wheels. The RX 350h uses a different, nonturbo 2.5-liter inline-4 and a hybrid powertrain good for 246 hp, which offers up to 36 mpg combined. Its standard CVT struggles, though, as it complains its way up the rev range. The top RX 500h adds to the 2.4-liter turbo-4 two electric motors for standard all-wheel drive and a system output of 366 hp, which delivers brisk acceleration.
RX 450+ models are plug-in hybrids with a bigger battery pack than what’s in the RX 350h and an impressive 37 miles of range on a full charge.
RX models don’t have great steering, but they are reasonably confident and have a balanced feel in harder cornering. Only versions with the biggest wheels have a choppy ride; most are comfortable and composed.
They’re comfy inside, too, with an attractive interior and good room for four or five passengers. Cargo space is just so-so, though. Look for a mere 46.2 cubic feet of maximum hauling utility. If you need a three-row model, Lexus’ larger TX takes the place of the RX L.
The RX has generally good crash-test ratings all around. All models include automatic emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitors, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control, while a useful surround-view camera is widely available.
How much does the 2025 Lexus RX cost?
Look for the 2025 Lexus RX to start at around $52,000 including destination, while the RX 350h is around $2,200 more. The lineup can top $75,000 for a well-outfitted plug-in hybrid, though.
Standard fare includes a 9.8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a power liftgate, and synthetic leather upholstery.
Where is the 2025 Lexus RX made?
Most configurations come from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, though select versions are built in Japan.
2025 Lexus RX Styling
The 2025 Lexus RX makes a strong styling statement.
Is the Lexus RX a good-looking SUV?
It’s not the most balanced design overall, but the 2025 Lexus RX does stand out. It’s a 7 here with points above average for its unique exterior and its calm and collected cabin.
The blunt front end has its own version of the brand’s signature spindle grille, which cascades outward and downward and is flanked by enormous faux air intakes. Overstyled headlights carve into its front fenders, where they intersect with gigantic wheel openings. The side profile has a coupe-like appearance due to the rearmost pillars’ complex treatment. It’s best at the rear, where a thin strip of lighting is emblazoned with elegant Lexus lettering.
The interior has a wall of curved screens, including a newly standard instrument cluster and a choice between 9.8- and 14.0-inch touchscreens. That's offset by softer, warmer synthetic leather for a luxurious look. It’s not a dramatic cabin, but it works well.
2025 Lexus RX Performance
Lexus RX offers your prescription for power no matter the need.
The 2025 Lexus RX is offered in four basic configurations, though some versions can be paired with one of two suspension setups. Overall, the range scores a 7 here thanks to quick scoot in most versions and a good ride quality.
Is the Lexus RX 4WD?
Generally, yes, though the base RX 350 can be had with front-wheel drive.
The RX 500h stands apart for its dual motors, which can send about 80% of power rearward for a more balanced feel when cornering. It’s also equipped with rear-wheel steering, which helps give this version a sharp, sporty feel at lower speeds not seen in other trims.
RX models are definitely pavement-pounders, though their 8.1 or 8.2 inches of ground clearance do make them suitable for driving thorough fields or on dirt roads.
How fast is the Lexus RX?
That depends on which one you’re driving. The base RX 350 can run to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds with its 2.4-liter turbo-4 that churns out 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Its 8-speed automatic transmission does a pretty good job of quelling the small amount of turbo lag you might experience at initial throttle tip-in.
The RX 350h may have a similar name, but it’s a different vehicle. Its non-turbocharged 2.5-liter turbo-4 is paired with electric motors and a battery pack for a total system output of 246 hp. It’s not that low on power compared to the RX 350, but this engine is saddled with a CVT that keeps engine revs too high to feel like a luxury model. It’s loud and gruff, which stands in marked contrast to the rest of the vehicle.
The RX 350h gives way to the RX 450h+, which is basically the same thing but with more battery that gives it 37 miles of range on a full charge before it reverts to being a conventional gasoline-electric hybrid. It’s also a bit quicker thanks to its higher system output of 302 hp. This plug-in hybrid is a commuter’s dream, though it’s downright expensive.
Topping the lineup is the RX 500h, which pairs the base model’s turbo-4 with electric motors and a battery pack for a total output of 366 hp. This is a quick Lexus at around 5.9 seconds to 60 mph, though the 6-speed automatic transmission can be reluctant to shift out of first gear.
F Sport versions have adaptive dampers to help reduce the tire patter inherent to their larger wheels, but that’s not to say that the RX is an inherently fun SUV. It can be quick and fairly balanced in RX 500h form, though it lacks the precision of the BMW X3 and X5. Nearly every version has a comfortable, composed ride and just enough isolation from the road below to live up to Lexus standards.
2025 Lexus RX Comfort & Quality
The 2025 Lexus RX boasts a comfortable interior.
The 2025 Lexus RX is beautifully outfitted inside, and it’s comfortable for up to five passengers and their cargo. It’s a 9 on the TCC scale.
The standard power-adjustable front seats are comfortable, and they can be optionally heated and cooled. Row two is great for two and adequate for three average adults, and they can move the front passenger seat forward at the tap of a button for more legroom. Note that the available panoramic sunroof slices about 1.5 inches of headroom from the front seat, so consider just how badly you want to see the sky.
While the RX score high here, it is low on overall cargo space for an SUV. The 60:40 rear bench folds to open up 46.2 cubic feet of space, which is the same regardless of powertrain. That’s not great, but it’s fine for anyone not looking to regularly haul large loads.
Lexus includes soft synthetic leather as standard, though real hides are optional. Top-end models are exceptionally dressy inside, with beautiful bamboo wood trim and extra-plush leather.
2025 Lexus RX Safety
The 2025 Lexus RX has good crash-avoidance tech.
How safe is the Lexus RX?
Based on last year’s model, the Lexus RX scores fairly well for safety. It was a Top Safety Pick per the IIHS and the NHTSA rated it at five stars overall in most configurations, but there are some blemishes to its record. Still, we give it an 8 here thanks to good standard crash-avoidance features in addition to those scores.
In the IIHS’s updated moderate overlap front test, the RX scored a lousy “Poor” rating, while front-wheel-drive versions of the base RX 350 actually scored just four out of five stars from the NHTSA.
All models come with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitors, active lane control, automatic high-beam headlights, and adaptive cruise control. An available limited hands-off driving system lets drivers go hands-free at lower speeds. A surround-view camera is optional and recommended since over-the-shoulder vision is poor.
2025 Lexus RX Features
The 2025 Lexus RX is a luxurious choice.
The 2025 Lexus RX is a bit pricey to start, but it’s well-equipped from the getgo. We rate it at 8 out of 10 overall thanks to good standard equipment, a big touchscreen with decent tech, and plentiful options.
The RX is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty with two free service visits included. That's pretty good but just shy of adding a point.
Base models come with 19-inch alloy wheels, synthetic leather upholstery, a power liftgate, heated and power-adjustable front seats, and a 9.8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Which Lexus RX should I buy?
That depends on which powertrain you want, though most RXs are built in RX 350 or hybrid RX 350h configurations. Those versions are available in the widest range of trim levels, too.
We suggest stepping up to the Premium trim that runs about $53,000 (or another $1,800 or so for the RX 350h), which has a sunroof, cooled front seats, a wireless device charging pad, and driver-seat memory. You can also add the 14.0-inch touchscreen and the hands-off driving system, plus a surround-view camera.
The Premium+ includes some of those optional features plus leather upholstery, and it’ll set you back around $55,000. All in, figure not much more than $60,000 for a well-equipped RX 350 or 350h with all-wheel drive.
We’re less enamored with the F Sport package that can easily top $60,000. Its styling is unique and its adaptive dampers are appealing, but it’s a costly options that doesn’t really transform the way the RX drives.
How much is a fully loaded Lexus RX?
The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid can run $72,000 or more with options, though it may qualify for state or local incentives for some shoppers.
2025 Lexus RX Fuel Economy
While the base RX 350 is just so-so, myriad hybrid configurations stand by ready to bypass gas stations.
Is the Lexus RX good on gas?
It’s just fine in RX 350 trim, where the front-wheel-drive model is estimated at 22 mpg city, 29 highway, 25 combined and the slightly more popular all-wheel-drive version is rated at 21/28/24 mpg. Our 2 out of 10 rating here is based on the all-wheel-drive model.
The RX 350h may not be as quick, but its fuel economy is so much better. It’d rate 5 if scored independently thanks to its 37/34/36 mpg rating, and even the RX 500h’s 27/28/27 mpg rating is pretty good.
The RX 450h+ delivers about 37 miles on a full charge, or the equivalent of 83 mpg with both gas and electric power. Once the battery is depleted, it’s estimated at 35 mpg combined.
