Behind The Wheel Of The 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Luxury AWD

For a few years, Lexus has been adding plug-in hybrid technology across its range. Sitting at the top of their lineups, these engines return more than 30 miles of fully electric range, Lexus’s usually luxuriously appointed interiors, and are almost fully optioned. Case in point is this 2026 Lexus RX 450h+. When it came out two years ago, this plug-in hybrid started at over $70,000, making it the most expensive RX to date. For 2026, a Premium trim level cuts the entry point for the RX 450h+ to under $67,000 before options. Although this test of the RX 450h+ was the top-spec Luxury trim, which now starts at $73,000, the question remained whether this is worth the extra $6,000 over the Premium.

Lexus RX 450h+ Styling

At the front, the Lexus RX 450h+ sports a large waterfall grille with L-shaped LED DRLs and LED headlights. This RX wore $500 Iridium paint and large 21-inch wheels. Since this is a plug-in hybrid, there is a charging port on one side of the vehicle and a fuel-filler cap on the other. The rear glass still tapers down abruptly, giving the rear a coupe-styling motif. At the rear, Lexus is spelled out on the electric tailgate along with RX 450h+ badging. For $150, the electronic tailgate can receive a kick sensor. A large LED blade taillamp gives the RX a bit more sophistication. Comparing the Luxury to the Premium trim levels, while the Luxury receives a panoramic roof, the Premium comes with a standard sunroof. A few years in, the RX still looks good, and the interior is still quite luxurious.

Inside, Ash Bamboo interior trim mixed with Macadamia semi-aniline leather is the biggest difference between the Luxury and Premium trims. The Premium trim comes with NuLuxe instead of real leather. Otherwise, the interior is luxurious with many soft-touch materials and is laid out. Both the passenger and driver get heated and ventilated seats, which are quite supportive and comfortable. In front of the driver is a heated leather and wood steering wheel with controls for the media, head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and paddle shifters. Luxury models come with a head-up display, and both the 12.3-inch digital driver display and the head-up display are clear and offer plenty of information. Next to the driver is a 14-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are a multitude of displays, including PHEV-specific screens and the ability to fold the rear seats through the touchscreen. This vehicle came with a $1,420 Convenience Pack, which includes a 360-degree camera and traffic-jam assist. This is useful, but it feels like it should be standard for this trim level. Although the climate controls are on the screen, they’re static underneath with physical dials for the temperature.

A wireless charging pad and a few USB-C chargers are also in front. As a PHEV, there are buttons to transition between EV and hybrid, along with being able to hold the EV charge or charge the battery with the engine. Rear passengers in the Luxury trim level receive heated and ventilated outboard seats, while those in the Premium trim level receive only heated outboard seats. There’s plenty of support, and these are quite comfortable. Every Lexus should come with the optional Mark Levinson sound systems. This one was $1,160 and sounded excellent. Finally, a $575 Technology Package swapped the standard rearview mirror with a digital rearview mirror and a digital key. It’s a luxurious and comfortable cabin with a great amount of technology.

Lexus RX: Power & Performance

Under the hood is a 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four plus three electric motors. Total output is 304 horsepower and up to around 288 pound-feet of torque. With an eCVT and all-wheel drive, the Lexus RX 450h+ accelerates from 0-60 MPH in around 6 seconds. It is plenty quick, but the powertrain defaults to EV mode. Thankfully, a quick press of a button alternates between EV and hybrid mode. Suspension is smooth and irons out bumps. This isn’t a sports car, so there is a little bit of lean, attributed by the higher weight of the plug-in hybrid system. There is a 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger that can charge the 18.1-kWh battery pack in under three hours. With a full charge, the EV-only range is around 38 miles. Hybrid mode returns around 85 MPGe, or more than 400 miles of combined range. Four drive modes include eco, normal, sport, and a custom mode. When the battery goes flat, the engine can return more than 30 MPG. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, pre-collision avoidance, and cross-traffic alert.

Pricing for the 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ starts at around $67,000 for the Premium and $73,000 for the Luxury. This model with the $1,420 Convenience Pack, $1,160 Mark Levinson sound system, $500 premium paint, and a few other small options came to $77,600. That is a lot of money for a Lexus RX and brings us back to the Premium. It has fewer standard features but offers similar options at a price comparable to the Luxury’s starting price. That said, if charging isn’t convenient, the regular Lexus RX 350h is slower but costs significantly less. Powertrains aside, the Lexus RX retains its luxurious interior and comfortable ride.

Photos Courtesy of Lexus