2025 Lexus RX350h AWD – Review by David Colman

Fly By Hundreds of Miles of Gas Stations Before It Needs a Refill

David Colman

Photos and Story by David Colman
Special Correspondent
THE AUTO CHANNEL

So you stroll into your local Lexus dealer, expressing an interest in their most popular mid-sized luxury SUV, the RX350. This may sound like a simple proposition, but you won't think so after learning that Lexus sells a mind boggling 16 different versions of the RX350. 12 of them are powered by gasoline-fueled engines, while only 4 combine gas and electric propulsion in a hybrid package. The all wheel drive RX350 hybrid we tested achieves a combined fuel economy rating of 36MPG. When you compare the hybrid's mileage figure to the much thirstier gas-only RX350's combined rating of 24MPG, you might think, case closed, I'll go hybrid.

Before you do so, however, you need to consider the significantly weaker power output of the hybrid when compared to the gasoline-fueled RX. The hybrid produces 246hp and 233lb.-ft. of torque versus 275hp and 317lb.-ft. for the gas model. So the hybrid suffers a shortfall of 29hp, and an even more significant drop of 84lb.-ft. of torque. But if you place a premium on MPG and driving range over any other consideration, then select the RX350h. If, however, you value zippier acceleration, or plan to tow even the most modest trailer, your choice should be the gas fueled RX350.

Back in 2007, Lexus launched their "F Sport" program. By 2010, they were selling factory-built models carrying that descriptive phrase. In those days, F Sport meant only one thing: higher performance. To achieve that goal, the company significantly upgraded the maneuverability of its sedans by stiffening the suspension, upgrading the shock absorbers and sway bars, and fitting beefier wheels and tires. All done in pursuit of superior handling. Concurrently, Lexus began to assemble a world-class IMSA sedan racing team, which currently contests both professional and amateur sports car championships across North America.

But today, the F Sport designation has been watered down from its original hardcore track-based definition. Now Lexus divides the F Sport banner into three subgroups: F Sport Handling, F Sport Performance, and F Sport Design. While Handling and Performance improvements still hew close to the original racing ideal, the "F Sport Design Features" on our test Lexus RX350h consisted of the following mostly cosmetic upgrades: "21-inch Alloy Wheels, F Sport Design Exterior Styling, Power Moonroof with Roof Rails, Nu-Luxe Trimmed Heated & Ventilated Power Front Seats with Driver Seat Memory, Wood and Leather-Trimmed Heated Steering Wheel, and Wireless Phone Charger." As you can deduce from that list, with the possible exception of upsized 21-inch Alloy Wheels (shod with 235/50R21 Bridgestone Alenza Sport A/S Enliten radials), the hybrid's F Sport Design Features enhance comfort and style rather than performance.

But that shouldn't dissuade you from enjoying the tangible upgrades provided by F Sport Design. If you're seeking sybaritic luxury rather than high performance, F Sport Design is the way to go. The Nu-Luxe trimmed front seats are perfect posture enhancers, the F Sport steering wheel is a pleasure to spin, and the F Sport aluminum flourishes throughout the cabin delight the eye and provide welcome sparkle to an otherwise somber black interior. Should you desire more than trim sparkle, Lexus offers the hybrid's interior in six different colors, as well as four unique ornamentation styles. In addition to the F Sport Design hybrid, which carries an MSRP (plus Delivery) of $57,055, you can also select from three other AWD hybrid offerings: Standard ($52,475), Premium ($54,725) and Premium Plus ($58,215).

Compared to non-hybrid RX models, all the hybrid versions include a mammoth 14-inch, high-definition multi-information touchscreen, which is 1.7 inches larger than the standard screen available on non-hybrid RX models. We found that the jumbo screen made the task of pressing the desired digital button easier to perform. However, the large ignition Start/Stop button is hidden behind the upper quadrant of the steering wheel. To confuse the issue further, the similarly sized button for the HVAC system lies in plain sight where the Start Stop button should have been located in the first place.

With just 246hp on tap, the power-to-weight ratio of the hybrid RX clocks in at a portly 17.39 pounds per horsepower. As a result, the RX has a tough time cracking the 8-second barrier on the 0-60mph run. But then again, you're not buying this SUV for its drag racing chops, nor for its handling supremacy. Rather you're investing more than 60 grand because you want an ultra well built, supremely cosseting mode of transportation for five adults and all their stuff. Moreover, you want a Lexus that will fly by hundreds of miles of gas stations before it needs a refill. To that end, the new RX350h AWD is your ideal solution.

2025 LEXUS RX350h AWD

• Engine: 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid with 216-cell battery pack
• HORSEPOWER: 246hp
• TORQUE: 233 lb.-ft.
• FUEL CONSUMPTION: 37MPG City/34MPG Highway
• PRICE AS TESTED: $60,230

HYPES: Tastefully Done Interior

GRIPES: Short on Ponies

STAR RATING: 8 Stars out of 10

©2025 David E Colman