Should You Buy a Lexus RX in 2025? A Mechanic's Review

Lexus RX 2025 Review Summary

Powertrain Choices

The RX offers several powertrains, though all use four-cylinder engines:

• RX 350: 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
• RX 350h: 2.5-liter naturally aspirated hybrid.
• RX 450h+: Plug-in hybrid, reviewed here, with an 18.1-kWh battery.
• RX 500h: Turbocharged 2.4-liter performance-oriented hybrid.

The reviewer notes that, unlike the NX, the RX does not offer a non-hybrid, non-turbo four-cylinder option. The RX also no longer has a V6.

Powertrain, Range, and Reliability

• The RX 450h+ is advertised with 37 miles of electric range. In very cold, single-digit weather, the reviewer achieved about 30 miles, which he considered good.
• Its hybrid system is shared with the RAV4 Prime and uses an e-CVT. The reviewer stresses that this is not a conventional belt-and-pulley CVT and considers the transmission robust.
• The plug-in hybrid uses a heat-pump system for cabin heating and cooling. Below about 14°F, the engine is forced to run for heat. The battery is cooled with refrigerant and heated with an electric heater.
• The 450h+ uses Toyota’s fourth-generation hybrid system. The reviewer says it works smoothly and well, though newer fifth-generation systems are already appearing in some Toyota models.
• The 2.5-liter A25A engine gets a positive assessment: early issues were mostly addressed, and the reviewer has not seen major problems. The turbo engines have also been doing well so far, but they are newer, so their long-term durability is not yet established. He advises careful maintenance and allowing the turbo to cool after hard driving.

Build and Underbody Observations

• Overall visible quality is solid, without obvious signs of cheap construction, though the engine bay is busy.
• The front has two-piston brakes, an aluminum knuckle, a steel lower control arm with a separate ball joint, and MacPherson struts. The reviewer would prefer steel sway-bar links to the aluminum ones fitted here.
• The exhaust appears well made, but its flanges have become smaller than on older models, which concerns him.
• The rear has an aluminum knuckle, a single-piston brake caliper, and an electronic parking brake.
• The rear electric-drive cable has been redesigned with drainage openings to reduce water accumulation and corrosion.
• The reviewer criticizes exposed areas underneath the vehicle that lack protective covers, especially compared with the RAV4.

Exterior and Practicality

• The grille is less prominent and more integrated than before; the reviewer likes the updated look. He also likes the rear styling and restrained badging.
• Cold-climate versions have a heated radar sensor to help keep adaptive cruise control working in snow.
• The RX can look smaller than its predecessor, and the small rear side window limits visibility.
• Some lower exterior trim remains black plastic, which the reviewer feels is less appropriate for a luxury vehicle.
• The electronic door-release system has a safety rationale, but the reviewer considers it overcomplicated. A mechanical emergency release is available, though accessing it involves extra steps.
• The cargo area is reasonably wide and usable, but the sloping rear limits space for tall items. There is no spare tire, and the cargo light is weak.
• The power-folding second-row seats are slow; the reviewer would prefer manual folding. The tested trim also has a power-adjustable rear seat.

Interior and Driving Experience

• The cabin is a major strength: the materials and execution are appealing, and the RX is exceptionally quiet and comfortable in ordinary driving. The reviewer particularly likes the tested model’s leather color and wood trim, though the light leather can get dirty easily.
• The infotainment system is a significant improvement over older Lexus systems, but it can be glitchy. Many climate controls have moved to the touchscreen, reducing the convenience of physical buttons.
• The steering-wheel controls use touch-sensitive surfaces and the head-up display. The reviewer finds them unnecessarily complicated and difficult to see in bright sunlight, especially with sunglasses.
• The instrument display is only a small screen rather than a full digital panel. The shifter is simple and relatively unobtrusive.
• Rear-seat space is good for the reviewer, who is 5‘7”, including with the panoramic roof. The rear seats are comfortable, and the tested trim has heated and ventilated rear seats.

Main Drawback: Powertrain Refinement

The reviewer’s central criticism is that the four-cylinder powertrains can buzz and become noisy under acceleration. He says the RX is not underpowered, but the noise detracts from the luxury experience—particularly after the cabin has impressed with its quietness. Even the faster RX 500h does not solve that refinement issue for him.

Comparisons

• Lexus TX: The TX is similarly priced, and its 450h+ has a V6. The reviewer questions why the RX cannot offer a more refined V6 option, at least in higher trims.
• Toyota Highlander: The RX is positioned as a more luxurious step up, but the reviewer says the RX’s engine noise is more noticeable in a luxury vehicle than it would be in an everyday Highlander.
• Previous-generation RX: Its physical steering-wheel controls were simpler and, in the reviewer’s view, worked better.
• RAV4 Prime: The RX 450h+ shares its basic plug-in hybrid system and similar battery-management approach.
• Other Toyota hybrids: The RX still uses a fourth-generation hybrid system while some newer Toyota models have moved to the fifth generation.

Verdict

The RX remains a comfortable, functional luxury SUV with an especially well-executed, quiet interior. The reviewer’s reservations are its noisy four-cylinder powertrains and technology-heavy controls and door handles, which he feels conflict with the RX’s traditionally simple, low-drama character. It may suit buyers who prioritize cabin comfort and features, but those seeking the smoothest, quietest powertrain or straightforward controls should weigh those drawbacks carefully.

Ratings: No numerical rating or score was given.

Speaker perspective: One mechanic/reviewer provides the assessment; no other speakers offer separate views.