Lexus may behind luxury rivals with EVs but it’s long been a pioneer with hybrids – and the RX450h+ is the latest newcomer.
But the Lexus RX450h+ adds to its fuel saving ways with a plug-in hybrid system that allows for a claimed 68km of electric range.
It allows for everyday EV driving and cheap home charging while not providing any limits when you do want to hit the open road.
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Think of it as the luxury brand’s classy response to large electric SUVs. It also competes with PHEVs from other luxury brands; the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC90 are three luxury rivals.
2025 Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury price and equipment
It’s one size fits all with the RX plug-in hybrid.
The RX450h+ only comes as a well-equipped Sports Luxury variant driving all four wheels.
Those who don’t want all the fruit can choose one of the petrol-only models or one of the regular (non-plug-in) hybrids. Prices for the RX range kick off at $93,285 (plus on-road costs) for the RS350h Luxury front-drive.
For that you get 19-inch alloy wheels, faux leather trim, power adjustable front seats, heated front seats, three-zone ventilation and a swathe of active safety gear.
Plus there’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch central touchscreen with wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
By the time you get to the RX450h+ it’s a $123,500 (plus on-road costs) proposition.
But it picks up a swag more gear, including 21-inch alloys, head-up display, surround view camera, more real leather, heating and ventilation for four seats, power folding rear seats, wireless phone charger, adaptive suspension and a panoramic sunroof.
The RX450h+ is powered by two electric motors and a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. It’s the same set-up in the Lexus NX450h+ and makes a combined 227kW of power.
The two e-motors do most of the work; the front one makes 134kW/270Nm and the rear just 40kW/121Nm.
The petrol engine chimes in with 136kW/227Nm.
2025 Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury: What we think
The Lexus RX is a large SUV but unlike its German rivals is no longer offered as a seven-seater.
There’s thoroughly generous space for five, though, and the cabin is beautifully presented, with quality finishes, meticulous attention to detail (the dials to adjust the temperature integrated into the central touchscreen are a terrific touch) and sumptuous leather.
It gives the impression it’ll give many years of trouble-free motoring, something that’s long been a Lexus hallmark.
Even the power window switches and the way the glass slides up and down feels a cut above the masses.
The nuggety 2.2-tonne body feels stout and solid on the road and it’s quiet and comfortable at speed.
The driving manner leans into pampering over excitement but there’s always a sense of confidence.
Performance is thoroughly respectable too.
Between the electric motors they make 184kW and 391Nm. Add petrol to the equation and the power jumps to 227kW.
But we found the electric mode to be plenty in everyday driving, the generous torque a great way to zip around.
And Lexus has a great EV mode that leaves the car only relying on the electric motors.
Whereas most PHEVs will automatically engage the petrol engine when you push the throttle to the floor, the RX450h+ sticks with its electric ways.
It means you can maximise the electric power on offer and more easily exploit the battery charge without reverting to petrol.
When the battery runs out it diverts to hybrid mode with the associated noise of a bland four-cylinder doing its business.
While power is boosted in hybrid mode performance doesn’t feel radically different in everyday driving. We’re guessing that’s because it’s the torque from the electric motors that has the biggest impact on how the RX accelerates – and the torque from the electric side is way higher than what’s on offer from the petrol engine.
The claimed fuel figure for the RX PHEV is 1.3 litres per 100km, but like all PHEVs that’s an unrealistic figure gleaned from a government test.
In our mix of EV driving that later transitioned to hybrid the car returned 4.9L/100km, so somewhere around 6.5-7L/100km seems realistic when purely in that hybrid mode.
The real appeal with the RX450h+, though, is its ability to be driven like an EV while still having the range of a petrol car.
There’s an 18.1kWh battery and Lexus quotes the optimistic NEDC range figure on its Aussie website, citing 85km between charges. The more realistic WLTP European figure is 68km and we found somewhere around 55-60km is likely in the rear world.
That’s plenty for most people’s daily driving duties and will work out way cheaper than petrol when charging at home.
Charging is only via an AC plug at up to 7kW, so expect a full charge in a little under three hours.
You could also trickle charge it from a standard powerpoint in about nine hours.
2025 Lexus RX450h+ Sports Luxury: Verdict
Those wanting to sample electrified driving will find plenty to like about the Lexus RX450h+.
Like other RXs it’s beautifully put together and delivers on comfort, albeit partly at the expense of driving fizz.
And it’s a great PHEV system in that it leans heavily on electricity for more of an EV driving feel. The ability to lock it in to EV mode is also a big win.
That said, there are the usual PHEV compromises, most notably the price tag. You’re paying for two drivetrains, inclusive of a decent battery pack.
For the RX to make sense you need to take advantage of its long distance touring capability while also leveraging the EV side of the equation.
Score: 4/5
2025 Lexus RX450h+ price and specifications
Price: $123,500 plus on-road costs
Basics: PHEV, 5 seats, 5 doors, SUV, AWD
EV range: 68km (WLTP)
Battery capacity: 18.1kWh
Battery warranty: 5 years/unlimited km (extendable to 10 years with an annual battery health check)
Energy consumption: 13.5kWh/100km (ADR)
Fuel consumption: 1.3L/100km (ADR)
Powertrain: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder with two electric motors; 134kW/270Nm (front) 40kW/121Nm (rear)
AC charging: 7kW, Type 2 plug
DC charging: NA
0-100km/h: 6.5 seconds
