For those who prefer cruising over sprinting, the 2025 Lexus RX 350h presents a thoughtful blend of comfort and efficiency. This hybrid SUV excels in low-stress environments, where smooth acceleration and excellent fuel economy take precedence over fast getaways. Ideal for urban routes and longer daily drives, it’s engineered to make serenity a standard feature rather than a luxury.
Falling neatly into the midsize luxury SUV class, the RX 350h sticks to a two-row configuration that emphasizes simplicity and spaciousness. While contenders like the BMW X5 and Infiniti QX60 highlight performance or tech, Lexus leans into its hybrid roots and polished ride quality to carve out its own niche.
DESIGN
Eye-catching and assertive, the 2025 RX 350h F SPORT stands out with a design that’s more daring than traditional. Finished in Cloudburst Gray and rolling on 21-inch alloy wheels, this trim flaunts sporty flourishes that hint at its dynamic edge. A power moonroof and roof rails, bundled with the F SPORT Design package, offer real-world perks—whether it’s loading up luggage or flooding the cabin with sunlight on a weekday drive.
A widened, bolder interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille sets the tone up front, framed by aggressively styled LED headlights and dramatic faux intakes. Sculpted fenders and pronounced arches underscore its athletic stance, while the sloping roofline and intricately shaped rear pillar add coupe-inspired flair. In back, a slender LED light bar stretches cleanly across, bringing a modern finish to the RX’s bold profile.
Step inside, and the F SPORT cabin combines digital polish with Lexus’ signature comfort. Our tester featured the $1,195 Lexus Interface Package, which adds a vivid 14-inch touchscreen, cloud-based navigation, and a capable voice assistant that’s useful in real time. The $1,420 Convenience Package proved worthwhile for daily errands—offering a Panoramic View Monitor to ease tricky parking and Traffic Jam Assist to lighten the load during gridlock.
PERFORMANCE
Despite carrying the RX badge, the 350h carves out a personality of its own. A 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-4 works in tandem with electric motors to produce a combined 246 horsepower. While acceleration is adequate for daily tasks, the CVT tends to keep engine revs high under load, making the powertrain sound coarser than the rest of the SUV’s otherwise polished demeanor.
F SPORT variants like ours benefit from adaptive dampers, helping cushion the effect of those 21-inch wheels. Even so, this isn’t a vehicle aimed at backroad carving. Steering feels confident, and body control is respectable, but it stops short of feeling truly athletic. Where the RX 350h shines is in its composure—delivering a serene, well-insulated ride that holds true to Lexus’ comfort-first ethos.
VERDICT
Our week-long test of the 2025 Lexus RX 350h AWD showed a starting MSRP of $55,705. With added features, delivery, and processing fees, the final cost climbs to $60,230. These extra touches enhance the driving experience, bringing more luxury and performance to the table.
Competition
Positioned smartly in the luxury SUV field, the 2025 Lexus RX 350h F SPORT offers a compelling mix of size, comfort, and efficiency. It slots above compact options in terms of space, yet remains more accessible than larger three-row SUVs. Acura’s MDX brings a livelier driving experience, but the RX leans into daily usability with its smooth ride and refined hybrid system.
Infiniti’s QX60 delivers generous passenger space, though its thirstier powertrain and less premium execution leave room for improvement. Lincoln’s Nautilus showcases elegant design and a well-appointed interior, but it can’t match the RX’s fuel-sipping capability—especially for those who prioritize efficiency over outright power.
Downsizing doesn’t mean downgrading, as the Volvo XC60 delivers Scandinavian charm, a range of trims, and plug-in hybrid flexibility in a slightly smaller package. Meanwhile, the Genesis GV70 may offer less interior room, but makes up for it with eye-catching aesthetics and athletic road manners, making it a stylish alternative for those who value design and performance.
