First Impressions: Familiar Face, Fresh Details
The Lexus RX has long been the goldilocks of the midsize luxury SUV crowd never too bold, rarely too bland, and almost always just right for its legion of loyal owners. For 2025, Lexus continues to refine rather than revolutionize the RX formula. There’s no dramatic redesign this year, but subtle updates to tech and trim keep it in step with a segment that’s more crowded (and competitive) than ever. Sitting behind the wheel on a drizzly Michigan morning, I was reminded why this model, now in its fifth generation, is a mainstay in American driveways.
Engines and Specs: Power by Choice
The 2025 RX lineup offers a wide spectrum of powertrains. Lexus sticks with its familiar 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 as the base engine in the RX 350, producing a healthy 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The RX 350h hybrid returns, pairing a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder with electric motors for a combined 246 horsepower modest on paper but surprisingly peppy around town thanks to instant electric torque. For those craving more thrust, the RX 500h F Sport Performance blends turbo power with electrification for a combined 366 horsepower and standard all-wheel drive.
No V6 remains a shift that might irk traditionalists but keeps the RX aligned with emissions trends and direct rivals like the BMW X5 (now offered with an inline-six or plug-in hybrid) and Mercedes GLE. Acceleration is brisk in the RX 500h (0–60 mph in about 5.7 seconds), while the hybrids deliver notably better fuel economy: EPA estimates hover around 36 mpg city for the RX 350h, handily beating most gas-only competitors.
On the Road: Serenity Over Sport
Pulling away from my Detroit driveway, I immediately noticed what makes the RX such a perennial favorite: silence. The cabin isolates road noise better than most quieter at highway speeds than a Silverado or even some rivals from Germany. The steering feels light and precise if not exactly brimming with feedback; it’s tuned for ease rather than enthusiasm. The ride quality is tuned toward comfort above all else, soaking up potholes and expansion joints with little drama.
The RX won’t thrill canyon carvers the F Sport Performance model tightens things up but still prioritizes composure over sharpness. I found myself surprised by how well the chassis copes with sudden lane changes or rough pavement; it’s never floaty or detached, just calmly competent. Brake pedal feel is progressive and reassuring across all variants.
Inside the Cabin: Where Buttons Meet Big Screens
Lexus interiors have always leaned toward understated luxury rather than showy opulence. In the RX, soft-touch materials cover nearly every surface you’re likely to touch. The new-for-2023 design language carries forward: wide horizontal lines, minimal clutter, and a center touchscreen that dominates attention (offered in either 9.8-inch or an optional expansive 14-inch version). Buttons are reduced but not eliminated thankfully, climate controls remain physical and click satisfyingly under your fingertips.
Seats are plushly padded and supportive on long drives. Rear legroom is generous more so than what you’ll find in an Audi Q5 or Genesis GV70 and cargo space behind the second row lands at a competitive ~29 cubic feet (official numbers for 2025 are expected to remain unchanged). I appreciated details like thick carpeting in storage bins and real metal trim on F Sport models; nothing squeaked or rattled during my time behind the wheel.
Infotainment & Tech: Mostly Modern, Occasionally Maddening
The new Lexus Interface infotainment system is crisp and quick to respond, especially on the larger screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard a welcome move. Voice commands work well enough but sometimes stumble over nuanced requests (asking for “nearest coffee” got me directions to a gas station more than once). I did find myself missing some hard buttons for frequently used functions; adjusting fan speed through sub-menus isn’t as intuitive as it could be.
The Mark Levinson premium audio system remains one of my favorites at this price point clear highs, punchy bass, zero distortion even at higher volumes. Safety-wise, every RX comes loaded: adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, blind spot monitoring all standard equipment now.
Ownership Costs: Hybrid Savings Versus Luxury Premiums
Lexus builds its reputation on reliability and reasonable running costs compared to German competition. Oil changes are less frequent than turbocharged BMWs; brake pads tend to last longer due to regenerative braking on hybrids. Resale values are strong often outpacing Acura or Infiniti rivals after three years.
Insurance rates are mid-pack for the class. Real-world fuel economy impressed me most in hybrid models; my test week saw an average of nearly 35 mpg in mixed driving miles ahead of anything without an electrified badge from Mercedes or Audi.
How Does It Stack Up? Rivals Old and New
The midsize luxury SUV segment is fiercely contested. The BMW X5 offers more power (especially in M50i guise) and sharper handling but at a steeper price and without hybrid economy unless you step up to pricey plug-ins. The Mercedes GLE feels airier inside but can’t match Lexus’ bulletproof reliability record. Genesis GV80 brings stunning style and value but lacks hybrid options entirely for now.
The Acura MDX comes closest in spirit a comfortable family hauler with strong resale value but its infotainment system can be frustratingly complex compared to Lexus’ more approachable setup. If you prioritize silky-smooth ride quality and real-world fuel savings over outright sportiness or badge cachet, the RX remains tough to beat.
Daily Life With an RX: Real Owner Insights
I spoke with several current-gen RX owners during my evaluation period many of whom were repeat buyers upgrading from previous models. Common threads emerged: appreciation for quiet comfort on long trips ("I can talk hands-free at 80 mph without raising my voice," one owner told me); satisfaction with dealership service experiences; frustration over subscription-based features creeping into previously standard tech offerings.
One mild annoyance mentioned was rear visibility the rising beltline means smaller rear windows than older generations but most found blind spot monitoring mitigated real-world concerns. Families praised rear seat comfort and ease of child seat installation; dog owners noted low load floors made it easy for pets to hop in after hikes or vet visits.
The Bottom Line: Still Setting Standards With Caveats
If Lexus set out to build a crossover that offends no one while quietly impressing almost everyone who steps inside, they’ve succeeded yet again with the 2025 RX. It won’t raise your pulse like a Cayenne or wow you with gadgetry like some new EV crossovers but as an everyday luxury SUV that consistently delivers comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind ownership, it continues to hit its mark.
Would I recommend it? For buyers looking for understated luxury blended with proven dependability and who can accept some digital quirks the answer is yes. The RX doesn’t chase fads; it just refines what works year after year.
