Grand Styling in a Premium Plug-in Hybrid SUV
Lexus provides a hybrid within the RX 350, 450 or 500, with every being distinctly totally different in dimension, efficiency and value. Clear Fleet Report not too long ago spent per week within the 2025 RX 450h+ Luxurious AWD plug-in hybrid, which lived as much as the Lexus premium popularity whereas delivering spectacular hybrid gas economic system.
Energy and Effectivity
The 2025 RX 450h+ Luxurious AWD is a plug-in hybrid electrical automobile or PHEV. Powered by a 2.5-liter non-turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine and two electrical motors (entrance and rear), the entire system places out 304 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. Working on 91 octane, the gas economic system is rated at 35 mpg on gasoline alone in metropolis and freeway assessments with 37 all-electric miles when totally charged. The mixed score is 83 MPGe. MPGe is a measurement of how environment friendly a automotive powered by electrical energy is, utilizing the identical quantity of power as is contained in a single gallon of gasoline.
The Lexus hybrid system is among the many finest we’ve examined with easy and seamless transitions between gasoline-only, electrical solely or gasoline and electrical operations. Persistently, this method supplied ample energy and delivered gas economic system over our 255 miles of 36.2 miles per gallon. Gas economic system numbers reported by Clear Fleet Report are non-scientific and characterize the reviewer’s driving expertise utilizing the sprint gauge laptop. Your numbers might differ.
Energy is distributed to all 4 wheels by way of a constantly variable transmission (CVT), with 0-60 mph runs at about 6.2 seconds. A CVT is just not the standard selection for efficiency, however Lexus has designed its CVT to be splendid for on a regular basis driving, together with simply scooting the RX 450h+ into freeway visitors with none hesitation. One word is that underneath exhausting acceleration from a cease, the 4-cylinder works exhausting and produces a low, coarse roar. Since pedal-to-the-metal isn’t how most individuals drive, it is a minor concern because it wasn’t obnoxious or abrasive.
Dealing with
Lexus has designed a superb dealing with SUV that can also be comfy on the freeway. The MacPherson strut entrance and multi-link rear suspension dealt with flat with little physique roll or shifting for the 4,810-pound automobile.
The digital energy steering had good street really feel for the 235/50 all-season tires, on beefy 10-spoke, 21-inch alloy wheels, for good cornering grip whereas additionally being quiet on the street. Slowing and stopping was even and stable.
Exterior Refinement
The fifth era RX 450h+ design was all-new in 2023, when it went by way of refined however essential adjustments that proceed on to the 2025 mannequin. It weighs 198 kilos lower than the earlier era from utilizing extra aluminum and high-strength metal for security and rigidity.
The Lexus spindle grille has developed to be smaller and fewer pointy, mixing naturally into the nostril and hood. Lexus says the vents on the decrease entrance fascia regulate the airflow across the tires, offering glorious straight line stability.
Redesigned Inside
The longer wheelbase and wider physique enable for a bigger inside, leading to extra rear leg room and cargo area.
The sprint is easy with all controls inside straightforward attain, together with these for the 14-inch shade multimedia touchscreen, residence for navigation and the back-up digital camera, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and AM/FM/HD and the superb sounding Mark Levinson encompass sound audio system with 1,800 watts and 21 audio system. Connectivity consists of Bluetooth streaming audio, hands-free phone and messaging. Voice instructions are made by utilizing the steering wheel-mounted button and clearly saying “Hey Lexus.”
Along with the voice command, different expertise and comfort options embody a head-up show, wi-fi cellphone charging, six USB shops, an A/C energy outlet, energy rear seats that fold and spilt 40:40:20, entrance and rear heated seats, panoramic glass roof, energy rear carry gate with a kick sensor, and ambient lightning that gives a palette of colours and themes to sooth the cabin passengers.
The inside, within the Luxurious trim, options seats coated in semi-aniline leather-based with a mix of wooden, brushed aluminum, smooth supplies, accent prime stitching, a digital clock and Lexus monogram carpets, giving the RX 450h+ cabin a really upscale feel and appear.
Security
The RX is supplied with a full suite of superior driver help methods (ADAS) with the centerpiece being the Lexus Security System+ 3.0 that features a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise management with lane tracing help and several other different warning options. Extra lively and passive security options are air baggage, a tire strain monitoring system, collapsible steering column, anti-theft alarm and engine immobilizer.
Pricing
The 2025 RX 450h+ Luxurious AWD plug-in hybrid has a base value of $73,960 that features the $1,250 supply, processing and dealing with charge. The Comfort, Know-how, Chilly Space and Kick Sensor with Tow Packages are additional, as are particular person equipment.
Observations: 2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Luxurious AWD Plug-In Hybrid
Lexus is aware of a superb factor once they see one, particularly with the RX at about 55-percent of all of the model’s SUV gross sales. Additionally they know greater than half of RX homeowners return to purchase one other Lexus. To maintain these loyal clients, there was no method the corporate was going to take too huge a swing when the RX was redone in 2023.
The plan meant there was no RX 450 for 2023 as Lexus took a spot yr earlier than introducing the 450h+ AWD in 2024. Now in 2025 there are hybrid and plug-in hybrid variations that ship efficiency and gas economic system in a premium five-seat SUV.
Be sure that to opt-in to the Clear Fleet Report e-newsletter (prime proper of web page) to be notified of all tales and automobile opinions.
Story by John Faulkner. Images by John Faulkner and Lexus.
Disclosure
Clear Fleet Report is loaned free take a look at automobiles from automakers to guage, usually for per week at a time. Our street assessments are primarily based on this one-week drive of a brand new automobile. Due to this we don’t deal with points corresponding to long-term reliability or complete value of possession. As well as, we are sometimes invited to producer occasions highlighting new automobiles or expertise. As a part of these occasions we could also be provided free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our greatest to current our unvarnished evaluations of automobiles and information irrespective of those inducements.
Our focus is on automobiles that supply the most effective gas economic system of their class, which leads us to emphasise electrical automobiles, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and different environment friendly powertrains. We additionally characteristic these environment friendly gas-powered automobiles which can be among the many prime mpg automobiles of their class. As well as, we intention to supply opinions and information on superior expertise and the choice gas automobile market. We welcome any suggestions from automobile homeowners and are devoted to offering a discussion board for various viewpoints. Please tell us your views at writer@ cleanfleetreport.com.
