2027 Lexus RX HybridMotorTrend - MotorTrendStrong valueLuxurious road mannersMultiple hybrid powertrainsEngine can get loudFussy digital controlsLittle excitementElectrification is a priority for the 2027 Lexus RX—the well-known luxury midsize SUV is available with just one gas-only engine, but three hybrid powertrain choices. With those, the RX Hybrid can be configured for strong fuel economy, performance, or useful all-electric range.Key rivals to the 2027 Lexus RX Hybrid include the Volvo XC60, Cadillac Lyriq, and Lincoln Nautilus.What’s NewFor 2026, the RX Hybrid got an update that added a wireless charging pad and increased the trim, package, and powertrain combinations. The 2027 RX Hybrid is likely to be quite similar to last year’s model, with a more substantial refresh potentially arriving for 2028.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.What We ThinkHybrid is the way to go with the Lexus RX. The gas-only RX350 and RX350h are priced closely enough that the hybrid’s fuel savings could negate the difference over time. When accelerating hard, its engine can get a little noisy, but in the context of the RX’s otherwise quiet, smooth demeanor, that’s minor. Instant torque from the electric motor also improves responsiveness.The RX450h+ plug-in hybrid adds worthwhile EV range and strong acceleration, but its steep price undercuts its value. The RX500h F Sport Performance, meanwhile, doesn’t deliver enough driver engagement to justify its enthusiastic mission—sure, it’sthe sportiest RX, but it’s not so sporty overall.In any configuration, the RX Hybrid comes well equipped with useful driver assist features and a reconfigurable digital gauge cluster. Lexus’ infotainment system is generally easy to use, though the unlabeled steering-wheel controls are less intuitive than they should be.AdvertisementAdvertisementEven so, the RX Hybrid functions admirably as an easygoing, efficient luxury SUV.Top-Ranked Competitors:Lincoln NautilusVolvo XC60Cadillac LyriqMercedes-BenzGLC-ClassMotorTrend TestedThe RX Hybrid is available with one of three electrified powertrains, each offering its own performance benefits.Lexus RX350hDrivetrain: AWD, CVT automaticEngine: 2.5-liter I-4 and electric motorsHorsepower/Torque: 246 hp/233 lb-ftFuel Economy (city/highway): 37/34 mpgAcceleration (0–60 mph): 7.4 secondsLexus RX450h+Drivetrain: AWD, CVT automaticEngine: 2.5-liter I-4 and plug-in electric motorsHorsepower/Torque: 304 hp/168 lb-ftFuel Economy (combined): 83 mpg-e; 37 miles EV rangeAcceleration (0–60 mph): 5.8 secondsLexus RX500hDrivetrain: AWD, six-speed automaticEngine: 2.4-liter turbocharged I-4 and electric motorsHorsepower/Torque: 366 hp/406 lb-ftFuel Economy (city/highway): 27/28 mpgAcceleration (0–60 mph): 5.9 secondsIs the RX450h+ Worth It?The RX450h+ is a plug-in hybrid, with its key benefit being the all-electric driving range it can provide—up to 37 miles. As an added bonus, it’s also the quickest RX model, even quicker than the sporty RX500h.However, with a starting price of about $68,000, it’s quite a bit more expensive than other RX Hybrid versions. The EV driving potential is useful, but even owners who are diligent about plugging it in will need a long time to recoup the cost increase from an RX350h.Safety Ratings and FeaturesThe 2026 RX earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, its highest score. IIHS results were mixed: The SUV received top Good scores in the side crash and small overlap front tests, but the updated moderate overlap front test resulted in the lowest rating, Poor.Standard FeaturesThe Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of driver assist and active safety tech is standard on the RX Hybrid. Features include:AdvertisementAdvertisementfront automatic emergency brakingside and rear cross-traffic alertlow-speed parking collision preventionintersection collision avoidanceblind-spot monitoringlane keep assistadaptive cruise controlrain-sensing wipersautomatic high-beamsAvailable FeaturesTraffic Jam Assist is available on a subscription basis to provide hands-free driving in certain traffic conditions.Cargo Space and Interior RoomAmong luxury midsize SUVs, the RX Hybrid is on the smaller side, so it doesn’t have as much interior capacity as some of its rivals.TechnologyInfotainmentEvery RX Hybrid has a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. Higher-end models swap the standard 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen for a 14.0-inch touchscreen. Both screens have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A wireless charging pad and USB ports are standard.Sound SystemThe standard 12-speaker audio system can be replaced by a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium setup.Available UpgradesOptional tech enhancements for the RX Hybrid include a head-up display, digital rearview mirror, 360-degree camera, semi-automated parking assistance, and phone-as-key functionality.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 Lexus RX Hybrid should start at about $55,500 in RX350h spec, or $2,300 more than a base non-hybrid RX350. Outside, features include 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, auto-dimming side mirror, and power-operated cargo door. Inside, the cabin has leatherette upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 12-speaker audio system.Recommended TrimAt about $61,000, the RX350h Premium+ is our choice in the RX Hybrid lineup. It’s more convincingly luxurious with features including 21-inch wheels, perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, adjustable ambient lighting, a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel, and open-pore wood trim. The larger 14.0-inch touchscreen it gains also looks a lot more modern than the standard 9.8-inch display.