The Lexus RX has long been a defining vehicle in the luxury SUV segment, blending refined comfort, advanced technology, and legendary reliability into a package that appeals to a wide range of buyers. Since its debut in the late 1990s, the RX has set the standard for what a luxury Japanese SUV should be: quiet, smooth, and thoughtfully designed, with a focus on driver and passenger comfort. Unlike some European competitors that emphasize flashy performance or aggressive styling, the RX leans into a balanced approach, offering an interior experience that rivals higher-priced SUVs while maintaining the dependability and low-maintenance ownership that Lexus is known for.
The latest generation elevates this formula with modern hybrid powertrains, cutting-edge safety features, and a cabin that feels far more expensive than the price tag suggests. Whether it’s the hybrid efficiency of the RX 350h, the performance of the RX 500h, or the meticulously crafted interior, the 2026 Lexus RX remains a standout choice in a crowded market.
A Premium Cabin Experience That Punches Above Its Price Tag
Shot of 2025 Lexus RX interior showing front cabinCar Buzz
The Lexus RX has always been known for its impeccable cabin, but the newest generation elevates the concept of attainable luxury. Step inside, and you’re greeted by materials and craftsmanship that rival SUVs costing significantly more. Soft-touch surfaces cover most of the dashboard and doors, while available semi-aniline leather elevates the interior ambiance beyond what you’d expect in an SUV priced below many of its German rivals.
Low-angle shot of 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance interior showing front seatsLexus
The center console, ambient lighting, and real metallic accents offer a minimalist yet warm look, a refreshing contrast to the colder, tech-heavy designs seen in many European SUVs. Lexus also went to great lengths to improve seat comfort. The heated and ventilated front seats offer exceptional support for long drives, and available 14-way adjustments make it easy to tailor the perfect driving position.
Pure Cabin Serenity At Its Finest
Side shot of 2025 Lexus RX 350 Luxury interior showing front and rear seatsLexus
The sense of quiet and serenity inside the RX is one of the SUV’s most defining characteristics. Lexus engineers invested heavily in noise suppression, using acoustic glass, additional insulation, and improved door seals. The result is a cabin that remains calm and hushed even at highway speeds, outperforming many rivals in subjective quietness. This makes long-distance trips more peaceful and daily commutes significantly more relaxing.
Close-up shot of 2025 Lexus RX 350h Premium gear shifterLexus
Even the available 21-inch wheels don’t compromise comfort thanks to the RX’s supremely tuned suspension. Add in the optional Mark Levinson 21-speaker premium audio system with crisp highs and deep lows, and you have a soundstage that rivals dedicated home stereo setups.
Related
Everything Lexus Does Differently And Why Buyers Love It
Lexus proved that luxury could mean practical in a way no other brand has been able to replicate.
Lexus Hybrid Efficiency That Leaves Rivals Chasing
2022 Lexus RX engineLexus
The hybrid technology in the latest Lexus RX is industry-leading. The RX 350h delivers an EPA-estimated 36 mpg combined, making it one of the most fuel-efficient luxury SUVs in the segment. This means real-world savings that add up significantly over the life of the vehicle. While many competitors still struggle to match even 28 mpg combined, Lexus proves that you can enjoy a premium driving experience without sacrificing efficiency.
Rear 3/4 shot of 2025 Lexus RX in bronze parked on roadCar Buzz
The hybrid powertrain, powered by a 2.5-liter engine paired with electric motors, provides seamless acceleration and quiet operation when not pushed hard. It’s an effortless driving experience that makes stop-and-go traffic easier while offering enough power for highway merging and passing. For families or commuters, this blend of efficiency and refinement is tough to beat.
Those Seeking More Excitement Will Want To Check Out The 500h
Front 3/4 shot of 2025 Lexus RX in bronze parked on roadLexus
For buyers craving more performance, Lexus also offers the RX 500h, which completely redefines what a hybrid SUV can be. With 366 horsepower and a Direct4 all-wheel-drive system, it delivers surprisingly athletic acceleration and cornering confidence. It’s the quickest RX ever built, sprinting from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Yet despite this performance focus, the RX 500h still maintains impressive fuel economy for its class. Lexus worked for years to perfect hybrid technology, and in the RX lineup, it shows.
Related
The Lexus SUV That Outsold Its Entire Hybrid Lineup In Q1 2025
This SUV from Lexus is dominating sales, and its hybrid models are by far the most popular options.
Safety Tech And Reliability That Justify Every Dollar
2025 Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid safety features. Lexus
Safety has always been one of Lexus’ core strengths, and the latest RX continues that legacy with one of the most comprehensive standard safety suites in the luxury SUV market. Every model comes equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which includes:
Adaptive cruise control
Lane-centering assist
Lane departure warning
Road sign recognition
Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
Proactive driving assist
Few rivals include this level of technology without charging extra. The RX also offers optional features like a 360-degree camera, automatic parking, and Safe Exit Assist, which prevents passengers from opening the door into traffic or cyclists.
Reliability And Resale Remain Nearly Untouchable
Reliability is where the RX separates itself most clearly from its German rivals. Lexus routinely ranks at the top of J.D. Power and Consumer Reports reliability studies, and the RX is consistently one of the most dependable vehicles in the luxury segment. For buyers concerned about repair costs or long-term ownership, this is invaluable.
Front 3/4 action shot of 2025 Lexus RX in black driving on roadCarBuzz
Luxury SUVs are known for expensive maintenance and unpredictable breakdowns, but the RX is the exception. It offers the premium features and comfort of a luxury SUV with the low-maintenance ownership experience of a Toyota. In an era where many buyers keep their vehicles longer than ever, the Lexus RX stands out as a model built to last. And when reselling, owners are rewarded again, as the RX has one of the highest resale values in its class, ensuring that more of your investment returns to you.
Related
Here’s Why The Toyota Sequoia’s Rich Cousin From Lexus Is Worth The Premium
This Lexus flagship SUV is the superlative of everything that the brand stands for. Thus, we think it’s worth the premium over the Sequoia.
Why The Latest Lexus RX Is The Smartest Luxury SUV Buy Today
High-angle front 3/4 action shot of 2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD in white driving on city streetLexus
What truly makes the Lexus RX the smartest luxury SUV to buy today is how well it balances all the factors that matter to real-world drivers. It delivers a premium cabin, exceptional comfort, proven hybrid technology, and top-tier safety, all without the compromises or long-term costs often associated with other luxury SUVs. The RX 350 provides impressive power and refinement, the RX 350h offers unbeatable efficiency, and the RX 500h brings genuine performance, all while maintaining Lexus’ signature build quality and long-term dependability. It’s an SUV built to satisfy a wide range of buyers, from families upgrading to luxury for the first time to experienced owners who simply want a vehicle they can trust for a decade or more.
Low-angle front 3/4 action shot of 2025 Lexus RX in orange driving on city roadLexus
The RX also stands out as a better value proposition compared to many of its rivals. In a market where European luxury SUVs can easily top $70,000–$80,000 before options, the RX offers a more reasonable price point while still delivering similar levels of comfort and technology. And because Lexus models are known for lower maintenance costs and exceptional resale value, the total cost of ownership remains significantly lower. It’s this blend of practicality and luxury that makes the RX truly worth every penny. In a segment filled with vehicles that demand premium prices but don’t always offer premium longevity, the Lexus RX remains the SUV that delivers exactly what buyers want, and continues to prove why it’s one of the most trusted and beloved luxury vehicles on the road.
Sources: Lexus U.S., The EPA, J.D. Power, Consumer Reports
AloJapan.com