Here’s Why The RX Plug-In Hybrid Stands Out In Lexus’ Electrified Lineup

Lexus produces several hybrid models that provide great value for the money. Toyota’s luxury division makes several hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles that capitalize on the practicality and reliability of their Toyota predecessors. These models are classier and more refined, incorporating elements exclusive to Lexus’ design language.

One Lexus plug-in hybrid SUV in particular, the RX PHEV, stands out because of its performance, quality, and unique capability. It can potentially be one of the best plug-in hybrid models of 2025, and here’s why it shines in an already exceptional lineup.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Lexus and other authoritative sources.

The RX Plug-In Hybrid: A Perfect Balance Of Power And Efficiency

The Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid’s powertrain provides a combination of exhilarating power and admirable efficiency. The PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) powertrain features a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine and electric motors that increase its net horsepower and gas mileage thanks to electrical power. This unique setup gives the RX Plug-In Hybrid the giddy-up of a midsize family SUV matched with the fuel economy of a much smaller SUV, resulting in lower annual refueling costs and lower carbon emissions.

The 2025 Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid produces a whopping 304 horsepower. Typically, vehicles with that much power and all-wheel drive aren’t very efficient. The RX Plug-In Hybrid is an exception, achieving an incredible 83 miles per gallon equivalent, making it one of the most efficient midsize luxury family SUVs that money can buy. The PHEV is also quick for its size, accelerating from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 5.8 seconds.

Premium Interior With A Sustainable Twist

One of the best elements of the RX Plug-In Hybrid is its premium interior. The RX PHEV’s cabin is both spacious and opulent. It can comfortably accommodate up to five occupants and has plenty of tech and luxurious standard features to enjoy.

Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid Interior Features

• Thematic ambient illumination
• Perforated semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior
• Heated wood and leather-trimmed steering wheel
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Heated and ventilated rear outboard seats
• Black open-pore wood interior trim
• Ash bamboo interior trim
• Ultrasuede interior door trim

Lexus’ midsize plug-in hybrid SUV includes plenty of premium high-quality materials in its cabin. Furthermore, the SUV oozes opulence and class from its steering wheel to its seats. Lexus utilizes recycled and eco-conscious materials, making the entire vehicle’s design language eco-friendly, not just its powertrain. The RX Plug-In Hybrid features a massive 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system.

Advanced Safety Features and Electrification Benefits

The 2025 Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid midsize family SUV includes many standard safety features. These safety features make driving easier and ensure passengers are secure during travel.

Safety features are extremely important if you’re interested in long-term vehicle ownership. Lexus’ PHEV SUV features standard safety technology that can help you avoid accidents and mitigate them. Regarding the vehicle’s many benefits, safety features are just the tip of the iceberg. Its electrification benefits are where this family SUV truly shines.

Electrification Benefits

The inclusion of electric motors in the 2025 Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid’s powertrain setup has several extreme implications for the vehicle’s performance. These motors assist the 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine in driving power to the wheels, making the entire setup more efficient and powerful. This benefits you as a driver on two fronts. Increased power output equates to a more exhilarating driving experience and access to instant torque when in EV mode. It also helps the vehicle burn less fuel and increases its driving range.

The RX Plug-In Hybrid uses an 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery that can be recharged via an electric vehicle charger and its regenerative braking feature. Regenerative braking transforms kinetic energy into electrical energy. The PHEV has an estimated 37 miles of electric-only driving range via the battery and two motors. This means that the Plug-In Hybrid can replicate the driving experience of a fully-electric vehicle for 37 miles before reverting to relying on gas. Many drivers neglect charging their PHEVs, but if you want the best possible ownership experience, charging the RX Plug-In Hybrid is highly recommended.

Finally, one of the best electrification benefits that RX PHEV drivers reap is the family SUV’s fuel economy. Its 35 miles per gallon combined and 83 MPGe are spectacular for such a large vehicle. Fuel costs are one of the most harrowing aspects of midsize family SUV ownership. Lexus has found a way to combat those fuel costs and drastically reduce carbon emissions while providing enough cabin space for passengers and cargo space (29.6 cubic feet) for belongings.

Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid: A Leader In The Electrified Luxury SUV Market

Ultimately, the 2024 Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid checks several boxes if you’re looking for a midsize family SUV with incredible fuel economy and a long list of standard features. It blends luxury, performance, and efficiency in a way few rivals could. The Lexus midsize plug-in hybrid SUV benefits greatly from the progress Toyota Motor Company has made in the hybrid and electrification face. It has a legendary ancestor in the Highlander Hybrid, which is widely considered one of the most reliable SUVs on the market.

Essentially, the RX Plug-In Hybrid is a luxury family SUV for those who find the Highlander Hybrid to be too barebones. It builds upon the Highlander Hybrid’s practical, dependable, and efficient design language and elevates it with Lexus luxury touches. That said, the Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid isn’t without its faults.

Its starting price is incredibly high and can deter you if you have a strict budget. On the other hand, the RX Plug-In Hybrid is an excellent option for those who can afford to look past its sticker price and enjoy its quick acceleration, opulent cabin, and stellar driving range (551 miles). The 2025 Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid is a fine example of Lexus Japanese engineering, proving that plug-in hybrids do have a place in the industry, regardless of how small their current target audience may be.

2025 Lexus RX Plug-In Hybrid Potential Rivals

Though the RX Plug-In Hybrid has much to offer, it’s far from the only game in town. Several competitive plug-in hybrid SUVs are worth your consideration.

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport P460e is the most expensive of all the plug-in hybrid models listed and has the furthest electrical driving range. BMW’s plug-in hybrid SUV is the quickest and most powerful, producing a mind-boggling 483 horses. The RX Plug-In Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient and among the most affordable of the four PHEV SUVs above. Volvo’s XC90 Recharge is the most affordable of the four plug-in hybrid SUVs listed and produces more horses than the RX Plug-In Hybrid.

Ultimately, there are several competitive models in the RX Plug-In Hybrid’s unique segment, but it stands out among the Lexus portfolio and the pack of new plug-in hybrid SUVs. Is the RX Plug-In Hybrid the best new PHEV SUV of the year?