The 2025 Lexus RX doesn’t try to be the loudest, fastest, or flashiest midsize luxury SUV on the block, and that’s exactly why it’s still a bestseller. For over two decades, the RX has been the gold standard for buyers who want a plush, reliable ride without the in-your-face attitude of a BMW X5 or the tech-heavy complexity of a Mercedes-Benz GLE. It’s the SUV your cool aunt drives to yoga class, and for 2025, it’s refined without reinventing the wheel. Here’s why the Lexus RX remains a crowd-pleaser, with just enough updates to keep it fresh.
A Subtle Glow-Up for 2025.
Lexus didn’t mess with a winning formula for 2025. The RX, fresh off its 2023 redesign, gets minor tweaks like a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and new design packages, including a sleek Black Line Special Edition for the RX 500h F Sport Performance. The spindle grille—love it or hate it—stays bold, flanked by tri-cube LED headlights that give the RX a sharp, modern edge. The interior is a masterclass in minimalism, with high-quality materials (even the synthetic NuLuxe feels premium) and a 9.8-inch touchscreen standard, upgradable to a crisp 14-inch display. It’s quiet, comfortable, and built to last, with J.D. Power giving it an 85/100 reliability score.
Powertrains for Every Taste
2025 Lexus RX offers four powertrains, catering to everyone from gas-sipping commuters to performance seekers. The base RX 350 packs a 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder with 275 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic. It’s not a speed demon—expect 0-60 mph in about 7 seconds—but it’s smooth and efficient, with EPA ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway for front-wheel-drive models. All-wheel drive is optional for $1,600, shaving a hair off acceleration but boosting traction.
For eco-conscious buyers, the RX 350h hybrid combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors for 246 hp and a stellar 34 mpg combined. The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid ups the ante with 304 hp and a 37-mile electric range, perfect for short commutes. The star of the show is the RX 500h F Sport Performance, pumping out 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque with a hybrid setup, rear-wheel steering, and adaptive suspension. It hits 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, making it the quickest RX ever, though it’s still no Porsche Macan.
Tech and Safety That Deliver
Lexus loads the 2025 Lexus RX with tech that’s easy to use, if not cutting-edge. The Lexus Interface system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an optional Mark Levinson audio system that’s a must for audiophiles. The 14-inch touchscreen is responsive, though the menu structure could be simpler. Safety is a strong suit, with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard across all trims. Features like adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking make the RX a rolling fortress. Optional Advanced Park and a surround-view camera simplify parking, though cloud-based navigation requires a subscription post-trial.
Comfort Over Cornering
Don’t expect the 2025 Lexus RX to carve canyons. Its suspension prioritizes a velvety ride over sporty handling, and even the F Sport models lean toward comfort. The RX 500h is the most engaging, with precise steering and a balanced chassis, but it’s not chasing track-day glory. Cargo space (29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats) and legroom lag behind rivals like the BMW X5, but the plush seats and whisper-quiet cabin make long drives a dream.
Why It’s Still a Bestseller
Starting at around $47,250, the RX undercuts pricier competitors while delivering luxury and reliability. It accounted for over a third of Lexus’ U.S. sales in Q1 2025, with 24,716 units sold. If you want a no-drama SUV that’s built to last, the 2025 Lexus RX is tough to beat. Test drive one, and you’ll see why it’s still the king of unassuming luxury.