2027 Lexus RX Hybrid

Overview

Not everyone wants an SUV that gets their heart racing, and Lexus built a crossover for those folks when they made the soothing Lexus RX Hybrid. That’s not to say that it isn’t quick—the RX500h and plug-in hybrid RX450h+ models offer plenty of pickup. Those two models cost a lot more than the sleepier base RX350h, though.

All the variants offer a comfortable cabin crafted from upscale materials and peppered with contemporary tech features. The RX Hybrid is a two-row affair, and there’s plenty of passenger space for four adults to ride in comfort. Fuel economy is good too, especially in the RX350h, which boasts the highest fuel economy numbers of the bunch.

Expert Tip: Lexus still makes a nonhybrid RX350 for those who prefer a more traditional powertrain; we review that model separately. FYI, a lowercase “h” following the model number signifies that an RX is a hybrid.

What’s New for 2027?

Lexus spiked the base RX350h model for 2027, effectively increasing the price of entry by a couple thousand bucks. The Premium trim is now the starting point of the lineup. Elsewhere, red brake calipers have been added as an option on F Sport trims.

C/D Expert Tip:

If this year’s model is largely unchanged and you’re comfortable with a lightly used car, you may want to consider shopping previous model years. A one-to-three-year-old model will likely have a warranty and it’ll cost less than buying new.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

• Hybrid Powertrains: 2.4-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors, 246 hp combined; turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors, 366 hp combined; 2.5-liter four-cylinder and three electric motors, 304 hp combined
• Transmission: continuously variable automatic transmission
• Drivetrain: all-wheel drive

The regular RX350h’s 246-hp powertrain is the most relaxed, and it delivers the slowest acceleration of all the RX hybrid models. Stepping up to the RX500h F Sport Performance unlocks a punchier 366-hp powertrain, but while Lexus had an opportunity to recast the current-generation RX as a performer with the RX500h, its chassis engineers regrettably chose not to dial in any additional cornering prowess or sharpen the handling feel.

All models we’ve driven are just as softly sprung and focused on luxury as the previous-generation RX. That will please faithful buyers but is unlikely to attract driving enthusiasts. A plug-in hybrid model, the RX450h+—the plus sign indicates it’s a PHEV—features the same powertrain that’s offered in the Lexus NX450h+ subcompact SUV, but it makes two extra horsepower in this application, bringing the total to 304 ponies.

What’s Your Car Worth?

Car and Driver calculates your car’s value in three free and easy steps – using the same Black Book® data dealers use to appraise vehicles.

0–60-MPH Times

• C/D 60-mph Test: 5.5 seconds (RX500h), 6.0 seconds (RX450h+), 7.3 seconds (RX350h)

In Comparison: If you’re looking for a compact luxury SUV with a hybrid powertrain that’s quicker in a straight line, check out the Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV, which raced to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.

Additional Research

Towing and Payload Capacity

• Max Towing: 3500 pounds

The Lexus RX Hybrid’s max tow rating applies to all powertrains, and that figure is competitive with the rest of its classmates.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

• C/D Range Test: 30 miles
• EPA EV Range: 37 miles

The RX450h+ plug-in hybrid comes with an 18-kWh battery pack and a 6.6-kWh onboard AC charger. Lexus says it can be recharged in about two and a half hours on a 240-volt connection, and a full battery is said to offer up to 37 miles of electric-only driving, per the EPA. In our testing, the RX450h+ managed 30 miles of highway driving before the battery was depleted.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

• C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 32 mpg (RX350h), 28 mpg (RX500h), 30 mpg (RX450h+)
• EPA City Ratings: 27–37 mpg
• EPA Highway Ratings: 28–38 mpg

The EPA’s data show that the most efficient RX model is the RX350h, which carries ratings of 37 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 36 mpg combined. The RX500h has estimates of 27 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined, while the plug-in RX450h+ model is rated at 36 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 35 mpg combined.

On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, the RX350h returned 32 mpg, a bit below its EPA estimate, and the RX500h F Sport Performance returned 28 mpg, matching its EPA estimate. The RX450h+ managed 30 mpg and 64 MPGe in our real-world test. For more information about the RX’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: The RX Hybrid’s interior design is modern and attractive, with textured fabric sections on the upper door panels, rich-looking ambient lighting, and open-pore wood trim on RX350h models. The RX500h F Sport Performance features more heavily bolstered front seats, black interior trim, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and aluminum pedals.

Second Row: All RX Hybrids are two-row, five-seat affairs, with plentiful passenger space in both the front and rear seats. If you need a third row, consider the larger Lexus TX Hybrid.

Cargo Capacity: The cargo area is generously sized, and we managed to squeeze 11 carry-on suitcases behind the second row. The rear seats fold flat, and with them stowed, the RX offered space for 25 carry-ons in our testing.

Infotainment and Connectivity

• Infotainment: 9.8-inch touchscreen (standard), 14.0-inch touchscreen (optional)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, available Wi-Fi hotspot
• Audio System: 12-speaker stereo (standard), 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system (optional)

As in the smaller NX SUV, the RX’s infotainment display is angled slightly toward the driver and uses Lexus’s latest

Source: www.caranddriver.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.