The Lexus RX large SUV line-up takes a cue from the smaller NX range by adding an entry-level Luxury-spec plug-in hybrid.
The 2026 Lexus RX450h+ plug-in hybrid will add a second model with the introduction of a cheaper RX450h+ Luxury trim level.
Slotting in below the existing RX450h+ Sports Luxury, the Luxury grade adds an entry-level alternative to the previously hybrid-only Luxury grade.
Priced from $105,350 plus on-road costs, the RX450h+ Luxury commands an $11,800 premium over the cheapest two-wheel-drive RX350h hybrid, but is priced $18,300 less than the RX450h+ Sports Luxury.
The new entry-level plug-in hybrid variant retains the same dual-motor drivetrain and 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine as the Sports Luxury, with a combined 227kW output.
The 18.1kWh battery enables a claimed electric-only driving range of 85 kilometres, matching that of the RX450h Sports Luxury.
Compared to the RX350h Luxury, the plug-in hybrid version picks up additional features, including adaptive variable suspension, a fully digital instrument cluster, and leather-accented upholstery.
The regular hybrid RX350h Luxury’s optional enhancement pack, with leather trim, driver’s seat memory and easy-access mode, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, and touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, is included as standard equipment on the RX450h+ Luxury
Other standard equipment shared across the RX range includes a 14-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, three-zone climate control, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, a powered tailgate, and a power-adjustable steering column.
The RX450h+ Luxury comes equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, a reverse camera (but not 360-degree cameras), a 12-speaker Panasonic audio system, and single-projector bi-LED headlights – all of which get upgraded on other RX trim levels.
Lexus attributes the new model to a surge in demand for PHEVs, and claims that 85 per cent of RX and 80 per cent of NX sales are electrified models (hybrid and plug-in hybrid).
The addition of the RX450h+ Luxury brings the total line-up of PHEV models in the Lexus range to four, alongside the NX450+ Luxury, NX450+ F Sport, and RX450+ Sports Luxury.
Kez Casey migrated from behind spare parts counters to writing about cars over ten years ago. Raised by a family of automotive workers, Kez grew up in workshops and panel shops before making the switch to reviews and road tests for The Motor Report, Drive and CarAdvice.
