The 2025 Lexus RX 350 – MASTERCLASS IN LUXURY

The 2025 Lexus RX 350

MASTERCLASS IN LUXURY

O’FARRELL, Texas—The 2025 Lexus RX 350 continues its reign as a benchmark in the midsize luxury SUV segment, delivering a compelling blend of comfort, quality and advanced technology.

“This is such a nice car” is a thought that kept floating in my mind as I maneuvered East Texas backroads and byways in the RX. It satisfies on every level, bathing occupants in a serene and secure environment. 

For a quarter-century, the Lexus RX and its Toyota Highlander sibling have defined the crossover SUV market, offering car-like road manners, legendary durability, and pioneering hybrid technology. The RX has consistently been the best-selling luxury SUV in the U.S. for over a decade, a testament to its successful formula.

Now in its fifth generation, which debuted with a significant redesign in 2023, the 2025 model sees minimal changes beyond a new Black Line Special Edition package. Selling in the $50,000 to $70,000 range, the lineup remains impressively diverse, catering to a wide range of buyers with the standard gasoline-powered RX 350, the efficient RX 350h hybrid, the performance-focused RX 500h F Sport Performance, and the eco-conscious RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

The shift toward electrification is a central theme for Lexus and its parent company, Toyota. While battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) gain headlines, the American market has shown a voracious appetite for hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). These powertrains offer substantial fuel economy gains without the range anxiety or charging infrastructure challenges of pure EVs. 

A standard RX 350 achieves an EPA-estimated 24 mpg combined, while the RX 350h hybrid jumps to 36 mpg. The RX 450h+ PHEV boasts an impressive 83 MPGe, with 37 miles of all-electric range. 

This strategy resonates with buyers; nearly half of new Toyota or Lexus products were electrified last year. Toyota anticipates that by 2027, nearly 70% of its U.S. sales will be electrified in some form, proving that for many, the transition from gas stations is gradual but steady. U.S. gasoline production peaked in 2018, and daily consumption peaked in 2020.

Signature Design

The 2025 RX 350 carries the bold and sophisticated exterior from its 2023 redesign. The signature Lexus spindle grille is now more seamlessly integrated into the front fascia, creating a less aggressive yet commanding presence. The vehicle’s silhouette emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency through clean, sculpted surfaces, conveying motion and elegance. F Sport trims add a dose of athleticism with unique mesh grilles, blacked-out accents, and larger wheels for a more contemporary appeal.

Compared to rivals, the RX projects a more reserved and sleek profile. Competitors like the Genesis GV80 ($58,000 – $86,000) and Mercedes-Benz GLE ($62,000 – $85,000) often employ taller stances and more ornate bodywork to signal their luxury status. In contrast, the RX’s wider track and flowing lines create a less imposing but equally premium aesthetic. The redesigned 2025 Lincoln Nautilus ($51,000 – $78,000) is a closer philosophical match, emphasizing an aerodynamic, tech-forward exterior with its prominent LED lighting signatures.

Edmunds notes jewel-like headlamps flank the RX’s “expressive grille. Its body is elegantly shaped to evoke power and grace.” At the same time, a distinctive rear LED Blade Taillamp ensures it “leaves an indelible impression.” Lexus’s design evolution is deliberate, maintaining brand consistency rather than chasing the extroverted styling of its German counterparts.

Performance and Driving

Lexus offers a powertrain that fits nearly every preference. The standard RX 350 has a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, channeled through a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. 

Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive available. Acceleration is adequate, with 0–60 mph times ranging from 7.3 to 7.6 seconds. Reviewers consistently praise its quiet operation and responsive feel in daily driving.

The RX 350h hybrid represents the lineup’s sweet spot. It combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total system output of 246 horsepower. While its 0–60 mph time of 7.4 seconds is similar to the base model, its character is distinct. The instant torque from the electric motors provides smoother, more linear acceleration in city traffic, and the continuously variable transmission (CVT) operates discreetly.

For those seeking more power, the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid elevates output to 304 horsepower, enabling a swift 0–60 mph time of around 6.2 seconds and offering about 37 miles of silent, all-electric driving.

While the F Sport trims promise a more engaging drive with adaptive dampers, critics agree the RX remains fundamentally comfort-focused. Car and Driver says that “the RX 350 is focused on luxury rather than dynamic handling,” a sentiment echoed by Motor Trend, which finds the steering and grip trail more performance-oriented competitors. 

Our tester was a gas-powered RX 350 with the F Sport package ($54,905), which is more style than substance. For less money, one could get more features and better handling with the premium AWD hybrid version ($54,275). Lexus’s stability control system vectors torque to all four wheels as needed. With a drive battery placed low in the middle of the vehicle, the center of gravity is almost ideal.

The RX excels as a supremely comfortable and quiet cruiser, not a canyon carver. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds across all models, sufficient for light duties but falls short of the 5,000–6,000-pound ratings offered by the Acura MDX and Genesis GV80.

Cabin, Technology, and Space

Inside, the RX cabin is a sanctuary of modern, restrained luxury. High-quality materials, including soft-touch surfaces, open-pore wood or aluminum trim, and optional semi-aniline leather, create an upscale environment. The driver-centric cockpit is ergonomically sound, with a clean horizontal dashboard and a large center console placing key controls within easy reach. Standard features include heated, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with available ventilation, rear seat heating, and a panoramic glass roof on higher trims.

Passenger space is competitive for a two-row SUV, with 41.1 inches of front legroom and 37.4 inches in the rear. Unlike the Acura MDX, the RX does not offer a third row, prioritizing generous space and comfort for five adults. However, cargo capacity is a notable compromise. With 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded, it trails key competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLE and Genesis GV80, which offer significantly more volume.

The Lexus Interface system plays on a standard 9.8-inch or an optional, expansive 14-inch touchscreen. The system features crisp graphics, quick responses, and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While an improvement over past Lexus systems, some reviewers note that particular climate and drive mode functions are buried in sub-menus.

The standard 12-speaker audio system is excellent, but the optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson system is truly immersive. Cloud-based navigation and an advanced voice assistant are available but require a subscription after an initial trial period, a point of criticism regarding long-term value.

Safety First

Lexus prioritizes safety, equipping every 2025 RX with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite. This comprehensive package of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) includes:

• Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Intersection Support
• Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
• All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management
• Road Sign Assist
• Proactive Driving Assist
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Safe Exit Assist

The RX consistently performs well in crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the AWD models a five-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) named the 2024 RX a Top Safety Pick+, its highest honor, with “Good” ratings in most categories.

Cost Considerations and Ownership Value

Long-term value is a cornerstone of the Lexus brand promise. The RX consistently earns top ratings from Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds for its low cost of ownership and high resale value. This is a critical advantage over competitors from Genesis, Lincoln, and some European brands, which often experience steeper depreciation.

Reliability is another key strength. J.D. Power and Consumer Reports give the RX high marks, with scores of 85/100, indicating “Great” predicted reliability. Owners frequently cite the outstanding fit and finish, quiet cabin, and trouble-free ownership experience as primary reasons for their satisfaction. Though carrying a higher initial price, the hybrid models offer significant long-term fuel savings, making them an especially prudent choice for high-mileage drivers.

Conclusion

The 2025 Lexus RX 350 masterfully continues its legacy of providing serene comfort, unimpeachable quality, and user-friendly technology. It remains an ideal choice for buyers prioritizing a plush, quiet ride and long-term dependability over athletic handling or maximum cargo utility. Its diverse powertrain lineup, particularly the highly efficient RX 350h hybrid and RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid, makes it one of the smartest and most practical choices in the luxury crossover segment.

While competitors may offer more dynamic driving experiences or greater carrying capacity, the RX excels in the areas that matter most to its loyal customer base. It is a polished, modernized and profoundly sensible vehicle that perfectly balances luxury aspirations with real-world practicality.