“My Lexus has the feel of dependability & luxury that makes driving an enjoyable experience. I arrive after driving 300 hundred miles to see my grandchildren relaxed and ready for having a fun time with them.”
Lexus RX: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Lexus RX is a midsize luxury SUV known for quiet comfort, an upscale cabin, and easy everyday manners. Recent models span gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and higher-output performance-hybrid versions.
Across generations, the RX has put comfort, quietness, and everyday usability ahead of sharp, sporty handling. Upscale cabin materials and practical cargo space have remained central as its technology and standard safety systems evolved. Hybrid models have long given the lineup a more efficient side. F SPORT versions add a sportier look or feel without changing the RX’s calm overall character.
Strengths
- Its quiet ride and comfortable cabin make everyday driving feel relaxed.
- The interior combines upscale materials with controls and technology designed for easy daily use.
- The lineup has offered both gas and hybrid power for years, with plug-in hybrid and performance-hybrid versions joining the current generation.
- Its safety technology has steadily expanded, with a broad safety suite standard across the lineup since 2017.
- Efficiency is a real strength of the regular hybrid, which in 2026 was rated as high as 37 mpg in city driving depending on the version.
Who it's for
The RX suits commuters and families who want a premium SUV that feels relaxed and easy to live with rather than aggressively sporty. Most versions have two rows and seat five. Shoppers who need a third row should focus on the longer RX L models sold from 2018 through 2022.
Lexus RX lineup
The RX 350 is the straightforward gas model, while the RX 350h is the efficiency-focused hybrid. Premium, Premium+, and Luxury grades mainly represent steps up the equipment ladder rather than different personalities. In recent years, F SPORT Design has provided the sportier look, while F SPORT Handling adds chassis tuning for shoppers who want a more responsive feel. Since 2024, the RX 450h+ has served as the plug-in hybrid, while the RX 500h F SPORT Performance pairs hybrid power with the lineup’s strongest performance focus.
Lexus RX generations
From 2009 to 2026, the RX spans four generations. The current 5th Generation arrived for 2023, following the 4th Generation (2016–2022).
5th Generation (2023–Present)
The fifth-generation RX moved to a lighter, stiffer platform and replaced the RX 350’s V6 with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It also introduced a touchscreen-based cabin and expanded the hybrid side of the lineup.
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2026Trim changes
The RX 450h+ Premium trim joins the lineup, and wireless phone charging becomes standard across the range.
2025Trim changes
The F SPORT Design trim joins the RX 350 and RX 350h lineup. A 12.3-inch driver display becomes standard.
2024Trim changes
The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid joins the lineup. The core design and structure carry over.
2023New generation
Full redesign with a new platform, a turbo four-cylinder RX 350, new hybrid models, a touchscreen system, and an updated safety suite.
4th Generation (2016–2022)
The fourth-generation RX grew in wheelbase and gained more passenger and cargo room, bolder styling, a stiffer and quieter body, and updated gas and hybrid powertrains. Longer three-row RX L models joined later in the generation.
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2022
Carryover year for the V6-powered RX, RX hybrid, and longer RX L models.
2021Trim changes
Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert becomes standard. The F SPORT Performance Package is renamed the Handling Package.
2020Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front and rear styling, a true touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, an updated safety suite, and revised suspension and steering.
2019Trim changes
Mostly carries over, with only small option and package revisions.
2018Trim changes
The longer, three-row RX 350L and RX 450hL join the lineup.
2017
The Lexus safety suite becomes standard across the lineup. Front-wheel drive is added to the RX 350 F Sport.
2016New generation
Full redesign with a longer wheelbase, more room, bolder styling, a stiffer and quieter body, and updated V6 and hybrid powertrains.
3rd Generation (2010–2015)
The third-generation RX brought redesigned styling, a roomier cabin, a new rear suspension layout, larger brakes, and updated gas and hybrid powertrains. The hybrid became the RX 450h, replacing the RX 400h.
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2015Trim changes
The limited RX 350 F Sport Crafted Line special edition joins the lineup. A 7-inch display and backup camera become standard.
2014
Siri Eyes Free is added, and the RX 450h expands access to its optional pre-collision system.
2013Mid-cycle update
Refreshed front styling, revised lighting and cabin controls, added USB integration, and the first RX 350 F Sport.
2012
The RX 350 is approved to run on regular 87-octane fuel. The rest of the lineup largely carries over.
2011
A brake-override system becomes standard. No broader redesign or powertrain update arrives.
2010New generation
Full redesign with a roomier cabin, revised rear suspension, larger brakes, a stronger RX 350, and the new RX 450h hybrid.
2nd Generation (2004–2009)
This generation reached its final model year in 2009. The RX carried over that year before the third-generation redesign arrived for 2010.
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2009
Carryover year with no major powertrain, safety, technology, or structural changes.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Lexus RX.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of SUV is the Lexus RX?
The Lexus RX is a midsize luxury SUV built mainly for quiet, comfortable everyday driving. Recent models seat five in two rows and combine an upscale cabin, useful cargo space, modern safety features, and a calmer feel than more aggressively tuned luxury SUVs.
Does the Lexus RX come as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid?
Yes. In the fifth-generation lineup, the RX 350h is the efficiency-focused hybrid, the RX 500h is the higher-output performance hybrid, and the RX 450h+ is the plug-in hybrid with an EPA-estimated 38 miles of electric driving range.
Does the Lexus RX have a third row?
Most Lexus RX models have two rows. The longer RX 350L and RX 450hL sold from 2018 through 2022 added a power-folding third row. The fifth-generation RX that arrived for 2023 returned to a five-seat, two-row layout.
Is the Lexus RX more comfortable or sporty?
The Lexus RX is comfort-focused first. Its main strengths are a quiet ride, an upscale cabin, and easy daily use. F SPORT versions add bolder styling, and certain Handling or Performance models add sharper suspension and braking hardware, but the RX remains a luxury SUV at heart.
Who is the Lexus RX a good fit for?
The Lexus RX suits shoppers who value quietness, comfort, safety technology, and simple everyday usability more than aggressive handling. It also fits buyers comparing gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid luxury SUVs without needing a large three-row vehicle.
Do newer Lexus RX 350 models still have a V6?
No. The fifth-generation RX 350 introduced for 2023 replaced the previous 295-hp V6 with a 275-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Earlier third- and fourth-generation RX 350 models used V6 engines, so the driving feel depends heavily on the generation.
Which used Lexus RX models have a touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The 2020 refresh is the key starting point. RX models from 2020 through 2022 gained a true touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The redesigned 2023-and-newer RX uses a newer touchscreen-based system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Lexus RX Reviews
What owners are saying about the Lexus RX.
4.3
Lexus RX
(4,128 reviews)
“Key reasons: 1. Luxury comfort in ride and seat. 2. Space for people/family and cargo. 3. Reliability 4. SUV/Crossover with higher sight views”
“The LEXUS RX 350 has been great. Very smooth ride and the seats are so comfortable. I needed something that would be reliable for many years to come, and this particular make/model has the best reputation out there.”
“It's extremely quiet, comfortable, love how it drives and the features. I call it my pretty car!”
“My vehicle is comfortable rides very nice. It also is quite and handles very well.”
“Lexus is a reliable brand anyone should trust this vehicle. Everything is perfect interior and exterior wise.”
Sources
- pressroom.lexus.com — 2026 Lexus Rx Extending The Range
- pressroom.lexus.com — Lexus Best Seller Returns For 2025 With A Black Line Special Edition
- lexus.com — Models / 2023 / MY23 Lexus RX PreBrochure
- lexus.com — Models / 2025 / MY25 Lexus RX Brochure
- pressroom.lexus.com — Electrifying An Icon The 2024 Lexus Rx 450H
- pressroom.lexus.com — Whats New 2024 Lexus Rx
- pressroom.lexus.com — Redefining The Luxury Crossover That Launched A Segment The All New 2023 Lexus Rx
- pressroom.lexus.com — Vehicle / 2025 Lexus Rx
- pressroom.lexus.com — Vehicle / 2025 Lexus Rx Hybrid
- pressroom.lexus.com — Vehicle / 2025 Lexus Rx Phev
- pressroom.lexus.com — Vehicle / 2024 Lexus Rx 450H
- lexus.com — Models / 2024 / MY24 Lexus RX Brochure