2025 Lexus RX 450h+ Review: A Plug-In Hybrid That Redefines the Luxury SUV

We put the latest RX 450h+ through its paces in the harsh Canadian winter—while also taking a nostalgic drive in a second-gen RX. Has Lexus truly mastered the art of luxury SUVs, or does its latest plug-in hybrid still have room to grow?

Introduction: A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Innovation

The Lexus RX is more than just a luxury SUV; it’s a pioneer. Back in the late ‘90s, when SUVs were still boxy, truck-based machines, Lexus did something radical: it created a comfortable, car-like SUV with premium touches and rock-solid reliability. That first-gen RX (launched in 1999) was a game-changer, defining the luxury crossover as we know it today.

Fast forward to 2025, and the RX lineup has evolved into a technological powerhouse. The RX 450h+, the first-ever plug-in hybrid RX, aims to blend efficiency, power, and luxury into a single package. It’s got an electric range for city commuting, hybrid power for long road trips, and the latest Lexus tech for a seamless experience.

But how far has Lexus really come? To find out, we did something a little unconventional: we took the brand-new RX 450h+ to Quebec in the dead of winter, where we tested it back-to-back with a legendary second-gen Lexus RX 300 (2003 model year)—the first RX to be built in North America at Lexus’s Ontario plant.

The result? A fascinating look at where Lexus started, how far it’s come, and where it’s headed next.

Lexus Through the Years: A Nostalgic Drive in the 2003 RX 300

To truly appreciate how far Lexus has come, we brought along a 2003 Lexus RX 300—a second-generation RX that was the first Lexus SUV built in North America. Surprisingly? It still drives beautifully. Driving these two RX models back-to-back was a stark reminder of Lexus’s commitment to reliability and refinement. While the 2025 RX 450h+ is packed with tech and efficiency upgrades, the core DNA of comfort, durability, and thoughtful engineering remains the same—and that’s what makes Lexus, well, Lexus.

Exterior Design: Sleek Evolution, Not Revolution

Lexus has always played it safe with RX styling—refining rather than reinventing. The 2025 RX 450h+ follows this philosophy, but that’s not a bad thing.

At first glance, it’s still unmistakably an RX, with a bold spindle grille (now frameless for a cleaner look), sharply sculpted body lines, and a more aggressive stance. But compared to previous RX models, the 450h+ looks sleeker and more modern, thanks to:

✔ New LED headlight design with an edgier DRL signature

✔ More aerodynamic bodywork for improved efficiency

✔ Larger, more defined rear taillight bar, similar to the LX 600

✔ 19-inch and optional 21-inch wheels, adding to its presence

Size-wise, it’s similar to the previous RX, but the longer wheelbase and wider stance give it a more planted, confident feel on the road.

Winter-Ready Design

During our Quebec winter test, we noticed how well the heated side mirrors and windshield de-icer handled extreme temperatures. Unlike some luxury SUVs that struggle with ice buildup, the RX’s smart heating elements kept visibility crystal clear. Lexus knows its audience—this is an SUV built for real-world conditions, not just showroom appeal.

Interior & Tech: Lexus Craftsmanship, Electrified Convenience

Stepping inside the 2025 RX 450h+, you’re immediately greeted by a cabin that feels both familiar and futuristic.

Updated Technology

The biggest upgrade? The infotainment system. Gone is the old trackpad interface, replaced by a fully touch-based 14-inch Lexus Interface system. It’s responsive, easy to use, and integrates seamlessly with:

✔ Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

✔ Cloud-based navigation with real-time traffic updates

✔ Voice-activated commands (that actually work this time!)

The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also a nice touch, offering crisp graphics and customizable displays for hybrid power usage, navigation, and driver assistance features.

Luxury Meets Practicality

Lexus has long been known for quiet, well-crafted interiors, and the RX 450h+ doesn’t disappoint. The materials feel premium, with semi-aniline leather, open-pore wood, and ambient lighting that adjusts based on the time of day.

The seats? Comfortable, supportive, and heated/ventilated even in the base trim. The rear seats are particularly spacious, making this an ideal luxury SUV for families or long-distance road trips.

Cargo space remains generous, though the plug-in hybrid battery does eat into some of the underfloor storagecompared to non-hybrid RX models.

Powertrain & Performance: Electric Efficiency Meets Hybrid Reliability

Plug-In Hybrid System

The RX 450h+ shares its plug-in hybrid powertrain with the NX 450h+, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, producing a total of 302 horsepower.

✔ 0-60 mph in around 6.2 seconds – Quick, but not blistering

✔ 37-mile electric-only range – Perfect for daily commutes

✔ Fast-charging capability (Level 2 charging in ~2.5 hours)

During our winter test in Quebec’s subzero temperatures, the RX 450h+ handled electric operation impressively well. Even in -15°F conditions, it still managed over 30 miles of EV range, proving that Lexus’s battery management system is well-optimized for cold climates.

Driving Dynamics: Smooth, Comfortable, and Predictable

The RX has never been a performance SUV, and the 450h+ is no exception. What it does best is effortless cruising—whether in hybrid or EV mode, the ride is serene, well-damped, and isolated from road imperfections.

The all-wheel-drive system proved its worth in Quebec’s icy backroads, maintaining stability even in deep snow. It may not have the sportiness of a BMW X5 PHEV, but it offers a far more relaxing drive, which is exactly what Lexus buyers want.

Pricing & Final Verdict

The 2025 RX 450h+ starts at $65,000, placing it at the premium end of the luxury plug-in hybrid market. While pricier than a standard RX hybrid, the EV range, improved efficiency, and federal tax incentives make it a compelling option.

✔ Pros: Quiet and refined ride, impressive efficiency, top-notch luxury and tech, Lexus reliability

❌ Cons: Not as sporty as some rivals, premium price tag

If you want a plug-in hybrid luxury SUV that blends efficiency, comfort, and legendary Lexus durability, the RX 450h+ is one of the best choices on the market today. And if our Quebec winter test proved anything, it’s that Lexus’s formula for success hasn’t just endured—it’s evolved into something even better.