2027 Lexus RXMotorTrend - MotorTrendComfortable and quietExcellent valueGood hybrid fuel economyTech could use upgradesHybrid engines slightly unrefinedNot much fun to driveThe RX has been a staple of Lexus’ lineup for decades. Originally introduced for 1999, it was one of the first luxury crossovers. The RX is now in its fifth generation, which arrived for 2023. This midsize SUV highlights Lexus’ approach to design, luxury, and technology, with several hybrid powertrain options available. Rivals include the Lincoln Nautilus, Volvo XC60, and Genesis GV80.What’s NewLexus gave the RX a slight update for 2026, making a wireless charging pad standard and expanding available trim, powertrain, and package combinations. The 2027 model is likely to be mostly unchanged. Given that this generation of RX was introduced for 2024, it might be another year before the SUV sees substantial changes.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis page will be updated with more insights and photos as information becomes available.What We ThinkIn a packed midsize luxury SUV field, the Lexus RX still deserves consideration. Its exterior presents well with elegant bodywork and several standout paint options. Inside, the cabin feels comfortable and well finished, and it has a generous standard equipment list. However, space is somewhat lacking, and the base touchscreen looks undersized in today’s high-tech market.The standard turbocharged I-4 isn’t especially smooth or strong, making the hybrids more appealing thanks to their ready power delivery and great fuel economy, even if their engines can sound coarse. The plug-in hybrid adds usefulelectric driving range, and the performance-focused top trim brings sharper handling than other RX models.Choice matters, and the RX delivers it with a broad spread of trims and powertrains. This steadfast crossover isn’t the most exciting, capable, or high-tech vehicle in the midsize luxury SUV segment, but it’s clearly the best version of the RX yet.Top-Ranked Competitors:Lincoln NautilusCadillac LyriqGenesis GV80Volvo XC60MotorTrend TestedLexus builds the RX with four powertrain options, three of which are hybrids.Lexus RX350Drivetrain: FWD or AWD, eight-speed automaticEngine: 2.5-liter turbocharged I-4Horsepower/Torque: 275 hp/317 lb-ftFuel Economy (city/highway): 21–22/28–29 mpgAcceleration (0–60 mph): 7.3 seconds (AWD)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 secondsSafety Ratings and FeaturesThe 2026 RX received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, the highest possible score. However, in IIHS testing, it got the top Good score in the side crash and small front overlap test, but the lowest Poor score in the updated moderate front overlap test.Standard FeaturesLexus includes the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of driver assist and active safety features on all its vehicles. Standard on the RX are: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 FeaturesHigher-end RX models offer Traffic Jam Assist, a subscription-based technology that allows for hands-free driving in certain low-speed traffic situations.Cargo Space and Interior RoomWith measurements on the smaller side of the midsize SUV segment, the RX isn’t as spacious inside as some of its rivals.TechnologyInfotainmentAll RX models have a 12.3-inch digital gauge display. Lower models have a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and higher-end versions gain a 14.0-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard regardless. In addition to USB ports, there’s a wireless charging pad in the front row.Sound SystemAbove the standard 12-speaker audio system, a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium arrangement is available.Available UpgradesTech options on the RX include a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, 360-degree camera, semi-automated parking assistance, and phone-as-key functionality.ValueStandard FeaturesPricing for the 2027 Lexus RX is expected to start at about $53,000 for the RX350 model with FWD. Standard exterior features include 19-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, a powered cargo door, and auto-dimming driver’s-side mirror.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe cabin is equipped with leatherette upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, heated power-adjustable front seats, a 9.8-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a 12-speaker audio system.Recommended TrimThe roughly $61,000 RX350h Premium+ is our pick in the range for its improved fuel economy and upscale features. Additions include 21-inch wheels, perforated leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, color-adjustable ambient lighting, a heated wood-trimmed steering wheel, and open-pore wood trim. The 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen looks much more impressive than the basic 9.8-inch unit.RX500h: Actually Sporty?The range-topping RX500h F Sport Performance has a hybrid powertrain that makes more power than any other RX. It also gets handling upgrades such as sport-tuned suspension, all-wheel steering, and bigger brakes. Inside, there are aluminum pedals and seats with extended bolstering.Although it is the sportiest version of the RX, the RX500h isn’t as sporty as many others in the midsize SUV segment.