Our tester arrived in classic Iridium, Lexus’ elegant silver hue that seems tailor-made for the RX’s flowing body lines. The RX has always been one of those vehicles that has quietly defined a segment. For years, it has been the gold standard of midsize luxury crossovers, and with the plug-in hybrid 450h+, Lexus has added a new layer of sophistication and efficiency.

A familiar face, sharpened

The current-generation RX was already turning heads when it debuted with a more sculpted look and a refined version of Lexus’ signature spindle grille. In Iridium, the 450h+ looked both athletic and upscale parked in our driveway in Springville. The blacked-out grille mesh and slim LED headlights gave it a focused, almost determined expression.

From the side, the RX struck a balanced profile — long enough to look substantial, yet sleek enough to avoid the bulky feel that some midsize SUVs can’t escape. The gently sloping roofline added a hint of sportiness without sacrificing rear-seat headroom.

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Electric first, gas when you need it

Under the hood, the RX 450h+ pairs a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors and a sizable lithium-ion battery pack. Unlike a traditional hybrid, this plug-in system allows for meaningful all-electric driving before the gasoline engine even needs to wake up.

For our daily commute around Utah Valley — from Springville to Provo and back, with the usual stops for errands — we found ourselves driving in EV mode most of the time. With a full charge overnight in the garage, the RX handled school runs, grocery stops and trips to the office without sipping a drop of fuel.

There’s something quietly satisfying about gliding down University Avenue in near silence. The electric torque was immediate, smooth and perfectly suited to stop-and-go traffic. Even merging onto I-15 felt effortless, as the electric motors delivered power seamlessly.

When the battery charge eventually dipped, the transition to hybrid operation was nearly imperceptible. Lexus has mastered this handoff. The gas engine joined in smoothly, and the total system output provides brisk acceleration that felt more than adequate for a family crossover.

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Over the course of our week, we averaged 39 miles per gallon. Not bad for an SUV of its size.

Luxury that encourages you to linger

While the exterior really drew us in, the interior sealed the deal. Lexus interiors have always been known for their craftsmanship, and the RX 450h+ was no exception.

Our tester featured beautifully stitched leather seating surfaces that were both supportive and plush. The front seats quickly became our favorite spot during chilly mornings, thanks to the heated seat and steering wheel functions. As the afternoons warmed up unexpectedly, ventilated seats kept things comfortable.

The large central touchscreen — intuitive and responsive — anchored the dash. Wireless Apple CarPlay made it easy to cue up directions or music without fumbling for cords. The digital gauge cluster was crisp and customizable, allowing us to monitor energy flow, EV range and efficiency with a quick glance.

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Rear-seat passengers/grandkids were treated to generous legroom and a quiet cabin. Even at freeway speeds, road and wind noise were minimal, reinforcing that this was, at its heart, a Lexus — calm, composed and confidence-inspiring.

Errands, workdays, and everything between

Most of our week with the RX was spent doing exactly what anyone would do with it: real life.

Daily drives to work in Utah Valley, quick stops at the grocery store, hardware runs and a dinner out in Spanish Fork — the RX handled it all with understated competence. The power rear liftgate made loading and unloading simple, and there was ample cargo space for the needs of a small family.

The all-wheel-drive system added another layer of reassurance. While February can bring snow and slush, this particular week surprised us with sunshine and dry pavement. Still, knowing the RX could seamlessly distribute power between the front and rear wheels provided peace of mind for when the weather turns.

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Heading west to Little Moab

Saturday brought that rare, warm February day — the kind that begs for an adventure. We pointed the RX west toward Elberta, heading out to the Little Moab area, known for its desert terrain, rock formations and OHV trails.

While the RX 450h+ is no hardcore rock crawler, we were curious to see how it would handle Utah’s desert dirt roads. The drive out included stretches of washboard gravel, sandy patches and a few rutted sections carved out by recent moisture.

Switching to a drive mode suited for looser surfaces and relying on the electronic all-wheel-drive system, the RX performed admirably. Ground clearance is respectable for a crossover, and the suspension soaked up smaller bumps with ease.

We took it slow over deeper ruts, mindful of its luxury roots, but at no point did the RX feel out of its element. The electric motors’ precise torque delivery proved helpful on uneven terrain, allowing smooth progress without excessive wheel spin.

After navigating a few miles of dirt road, we parked and set out on foot for an afternoon hike. The desert air was warm, the sky a brilliant blue and the rock formations near Little Moab provided a stunning backdrop.

Returning to the RX after a few hours on the trail, dusty boots and all, we appreciated the durable floor mats and easy-clean surfaces. A quick brush-off and everything looked nearly as pristine as when we left home.

Ride and handling

On pavement, the RX 450h+ shone brightly. The suspension tuning struck a near-perfect balance between comfort and control. Around town, it absorbed broken pavement and expansion joints without harshness. On the freeway, it tracked straight and true.

Steering was light but accurate, making parking-lot maneuvers effortless. Despite its size, the RX never felt unwieldy. The plug-in hybrid battery placement is well integrated, and the vehicle maintained a low center of gravity that enhances stability through curves.

Safety and peace of mind

As expected, Lexus included its comprehensive suite of safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert all worked seamlessly during our week.

On longer stretches of highway, the adaptive cruise and lane-centering system reduced fatigue, making drives between Utah County communities feel almost effortless.

At the end of the week

After a week with the 2026 Lexus RX 450h+, we came away impressed by how well it blends luxury, efficiency and everyday practicality.

It handled daily work commutes and errands in Utah Valley with whisper-quiet electric smoothness. It ventured confidently onto dusty desert roads west of Elberta. It provided a serene cabin after a warm February hike near Little Moab.

Base price: $71,860

Destination charge: $1,450

Price as driven: $77,869