Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.MSRP: From $51,175Use the table of contents to jump to a sectionOverviewThe 2026 Lexus RX is a midsize SUV that’s actually a bit smaller than rivals like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, but it’s priced among premium compacts, such as the X3 and GLC, putting it in an interesting niche where it represents uncommonly good value. Other competitors include the Volvo XC60 and the Genesis GV70 and GV80. AdvertisementAdvertisementIt’s not a sporty SUV, focusing on comfort, build quality, and a smooth ride, even on rough pavement. Driving it is a calming experience, making it very attractive for people who want comfort and couldn’t be bothered with cornering dynamics. The base 2.4L turbo-four powertrain makes 275 hp, but that goes up all the way to 366 hp in the 500h performance hybrid.2026 Lexus RX PHEVLexusWhat's New for 2026The Appearance package becomes available for the F Sport Handling trim this year (seen below), adding black 21-inch alloys, orange brake callipers, and black exterior trim for a sportier look. There are no other changes whatsoever except that a wireless charging pad is now standard on all trims.2026 Lexus RX F Sport Handling in Caviar with Appearance packageLexus configuratorExteriorThe 2026 RX’s styling is sharp, modern, and elegant at the same time, making a strong visual statement with its prominent spindle grille and large (19-21-inch) wheels that fill the arches nicely. The current RX represents a cleaner interpretation of the brand’s bold styling language. The silhouette is especially distinctive with its tapering glasshouse and sculpted, upward-swept flanks, terminating in a full-width light bar connecting the taillights.2025-2026 Lexus RX in IridiumLexusView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleInteriorThe RX’s driver-focused cockpit is inspired by Lexus’ Driving Signature philosophy, presenting all the essential information and controls within the driver’s forward sightline and within easy reach. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard, and the infotainment screen grows from 9.8 inches on base trims to 14 inches higher up.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe build is solid, and premium materials include textured fabric on the doors, while higher trims get open-pore wood on the dashboard and a 14-theme, 64-color ambient lighting system. Six color schemes are available, including the usual black, along with more extroverted options such as Rioja Red. The second row is decently roomy and splits in a 40/20/40 ratio; it can also be heated and ventilated on upper trims.2026 Lexus RX 450h+ interiorJared Rosenholtz/AutoblogView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articlePrice Range and Best Value TrimTrim LevelPrice (FWD)Base trim: RX 350$51,175Top trim: RX 450h+ Luxury (PHEV)$73,310Best value trim: RX 350 Premium Plus$56,840The 2026 Lexus RX’s price advantage compared to midsize rivals means you get stellar value in the RX 350 Premium+, complete with the large 14-inch touchscreen and leather upholstery, while staying well clear of Luxury pricing. You can even add the $1,670 Convenience package (surround-view monitor, Advanced Park, traffic-jam assist) and the $1,475 Technology package (head-up display, camera-based digital rearview mirror, smartphone-based Digital Key) and still come away for less than $60K.2026 Lexus RX Specs OverviewThe RX offers various powertrains, ranging from a gas turbo-four to performance-oriented hybrids and plug-in hybrid technology.Powertrain OptionsEngineHorsepowerTorqueTransmissionDrivetrain2.4L Turbo I4 (RX 350)275 hp @ 6,000 rpm317 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm8-speed AutoFWD / AWD2.5L I4 Hybrid (RX 350h)246 hp (combined)N/ACVTAWD2.4L Turbo Hybrid (RX 500h)366 hp (combined)N/A6-speed AutoAWD2.5L PHEV (RX 450h+)304 hp (combined)N/ACVTAWDPerformance and 0-60 MPHThe base 275-hp powertrain motivates the RX to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds with FWD or 7.2 seconds with AWD, so performance is adequate rather than swift, though the meaty mid-range torque keeps the RX bowling along smartly enough. The heavier RX350h AWD hybrids have less power and more weight, but the low-down electric punch produces a good figure of 7.4 seconds for the benchmark sprint. The 304-hp RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid does the job in 6.2 seconds, and the 366-hp RX 500h performance hybrid cuts it down to 5.9 seconds. The performance versions of rival midsizers are far quicker, but none of them use so little fuel.2026 Lexus RX 450h+ engineJared Rosenholtz/AutoblogFuel Economy (MPG)ModelCombinedCityHighwayRX 350h AWD (Hybrid)36 mpg37 mpg34 mpgRX 500h AWD (Performance Hybrid)27 mpg27 mpg28 mpgRX 350 FWD25 mpg22 mpg29 mpgRX 350 AWD24 mpg21 mpg28 mpgRX 450h+ AWDN/AN/A83 MPGe / 35 mpg, 37-mile EV rangeAWD System OverviewAWD is standard on all trims except the gas RX 350, which can also be had in FWD. AWD provides better launch grip and a quicker 0-60 in base trims, and is handy for confidently traversing slippery conditions and snowy winter roads. The RX 500h F Sport Performance uses a rear-mounted electric motor to drive the rear wheels, and it’s capable of torque vectoring for better handling dynamics.DimensionsDimensionMeasurementLength192.52 inWidth75.59 inHeight67.32 inWheelbase112.2 inFront Track65.16 inRear Track66.54 inInterior Space (Front and Rear)MeasurementFront RowRear RowHeadroom37.60-39.53 in37.04-38.56 inLegroom44.06 in37.36 inShoulder Room58.06 in56.48 inCargo SpaceThe RX has a middling 29.56 cu-ft of cargo space behind its rear seats, which is beaten by a number of midsize rivals. Fold down the 40/20/40-split rear seats, and a maximum of 46.19 cu-ft becomes available. The liftover height is conveniently low, and all trims have a power liftgate, which is kick-operated on higher trims.2025-2026 Lexus RX 350 F Sport Handling trunkLexusGround ClearanceGround clearance doesn’t vary much according to the various trims, and ranges from 8.07 to 8.19 inches. These numbers are decent enough to provide the elevated step-in height that SUV drivers like, and for sufficient clearance on rough roads.WarrantyCoverage TypeDurationBasic Warranty4 years / 50,000 milesPowertrain Warranty6 years / 70,000 milesCorrosion Warranty6 years / Unlimited milesRoadside Assistance4 years / Unlimited milesComplimentary Maintenance1 year / 10,000 milesPros and ConsPros:AdvertisementAdvertisementExceptional build quality and interior craftsmanshipSmooth, comfortable ride that insulates occupants from road imperfectionsComprehensive standard safety features, including adaptive cruise controlStrong hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for improved efficiencyCons:Sedate driving dynamics lack the engagement offered by German rivalsBase turbocharged engine feels lazy compared to competitorsHigher trims become expensive quicklyComplimentary maintenance is limited to just one yearVerdictLexus sold more than 113,000 RXs in the US in 2025, which is double the number that the runner-up TX managed, so it’s still America’s favorite Lexus SUV, no doubt because it’s stayed true to what Lexus loyalists expect: prioritizing impeccable build quality, refined luxury, and serene comportation over raw speed or handling sharpness. It excels at creating a relaxed environment for commuting or long journeys alike, at the expense of the Germans’ engaging handling.AdvertisementAdvertisementThough far from quick, the decently torquey and more affordable RX 350 represents the sweet spot in Premium+ guise, offering all the expected comforts, leather trim, and the big infotainment screen for under $57K. The RX 350h offers much-improved fuel economy and AWD in the same Premium+ trim for only $2,300 more, and is worth it if you cover many miles. The sportier flagship hybrids are quicker, but rivals offer better sporty SUVs, if that’s what you’re after. The RX is the one for buyers who want Toyota reliability and a plush, quiet cabin, not raw performance and handling.2025-2026 Lexus RX 350h Luxury in IridiumLexusCompetitorsBMW X3/X5Mercedes-Benz GLC/GLEGenesis GV70/GV80Cadillac XT5Volvo XC60Shop the Car MarketplaceThis story was originally published by Autoblog on May 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Cars section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
+74 others
