2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Sports Luxury review (video)

Luxury SUVs have become increasingly obsessed with proving themselves. Some chase Nurburgring lap times, others compete through giant screens, futuristic interfaces, or enough ambient lighting to rival a nightclub. In the race to stand out, many seem to have forgotten what luxury buyers actually want.

Lexus has always taken a different approach. Rather than overwhelming occupants with complexity, it focusses on comfort, refinement and making every journey feel effortless. The RX range is perhaps the clearest expression of that philosophy. And the new RX450h+ builds on that by adding plug-in hybrid capability to one of Australia’s most popular premium SUVs.

But in a segment now flooded with sophisticated European rivals and ambitious newcomers, is Lexus’s more measured approach still compelling?

2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Sports Luxury: Specifications

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder plug-in hybrid
Electrical: 18.1kWh battery, 85km range
Output (combined): 227kW
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 21×8.0, 235/50
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2165kg
Power-to-weight: 9.53:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 1.3L/100km

Our consumption: 6.0L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 55L/95 RON
Power efficiency: 174.61kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.19 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.35 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.18 seconds*
1/4 mile: 14.61 seconds at 158.0km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.810g*
100-0km/h braking: 37.02m in 3.06s*
Max deceleration: -1.250g*
Starting price: $123,750

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Sports Luxury: How much does it cost?

The 2026 Lexus RX450h+ comes in two forms; the Luxury and the Sports Luxury. The Luxury is priced from $105,350. With feature and powertrain upgrades, it’s $12k more expensive than the cheapest front-wheel drive RX 350h Luxury, and positioned comfortably in premium SUV territory.

Competition comes from traditional rivals with PHEV capability like the BMW X5 xDrive50e (from $154,900), Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 (from $154,900) and the Volvo XC90 T8 (from $120,990). Compared to those, the RX 450h+ contrasts well. You could liken it to the cheaper Denza B5 (from $77,185), but the Denza is more off-road oriented with its ladder frame chassis. The Sports Luxury as tested here though is a bit more expensive, from $123,750. All excluding on-roads costs.

Some of those rivals offer larger cabins, greater outright performance or more extravagant technology. But the Lexus counters with its established reputation for dependability, refinement, and ownership experience. It also arrives generously equipped, even in Luxury specification. More on that in the next section.

Ownership coverage is certainly an edge for Lexus. You get a 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, and the battery system is covered for up to 10 years provided services are completed to the schedule. Servicing intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km. Their costs are excellent for a premium brand, and significantly cheaper than rivals. Via capped-price servicing, the first five services are $745. But it’s the Encore program that goes the extra mile to offer leading customer service, free loan cars, car detailing, and other lifestyle discounts and invitations.

2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Sports Luxury: Interior & packaging

It’s easy to understand why Lexus continues to attract a loyal customer base when you step inside the RX 450h+. The cabin delivers a sense of elegance that feels understated rather than flashy. Much of that ambience comes from the layered materials throughout.

Suede-like trim sections, thick-pile carpeting and beautifully integrated wraparound ambient lighting create a premium environment. It feels thoughtfully considered than simply loaded with expensive-looking materials. It’s great that you have a choice of colour schemes as well.

Importantly, everything is easy to understand. Unlike some luxury brands that seem determined to reinvent basic vehicle controls every few years, the Lexus remains largely intuitive. Functions are logically arranged, menus are straightforward, and most drivers will feel comfortable within seconds rather than requiring days of familiarisation. But the downside of that brings it similar to Toyotas that have a cheaper price tag.

Really, there are two items that have been reinvented. The first being the door e-latches. An easy thumb press and light push of the door takes away the need for any usual ‘pull-action’ latch. We got used to it very quickly. The second is the touch-sensitive directional controls on the steering wheel. The buttons themselves have no label printed on them. When your finger hovers over, their function is revealed in the digital instrument cluster. We can’t help but see it as just another reason to take your eyes off the road ahead. Not ideal.

The standard equipment list is comprehensive. Heated and ventilated front seats, eight-way power adjustment with memory for the driver, a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable steering column, head-up display, three-zone climate control and wireless smartphone connectivity all feature as standard.

Technology is equally well executed. The 14-inch touch-screen and layout is clear and doesn’t overwhelm; while the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work seamlessly. A wireless charging pad, Lexus Connected Services, a smart key card, and five USB-C ports ensure modern connectivity requirements are well covered. Going with the Sports Luxury adds a 21-speaker sound system.

Practicality is another strong point. The front centre console lid can be opened from either side, making access easier for both front occupants. There’s also a closable storage compartment beneath. Rear passengers benefit from a clever fold-up storage tray integrated into the centre armrest.

Space throughout the cabin is substantial. Rear occupants enjoy ample legroom and headroom. To give you an idea the 2850mm wheelbase is the same length as its larger LX sibling.

Further back, the boot is impressive. It feels enormous, easily swallowing family luggage, sporting equipment or bulky shopping loads, with 612L/1678L on offer. However, they did cheat with space by not providing a spare wheel. Only a tyre repair kit is offered. Lexus has also made life easier by incorporating electric rear seat folding controls within the cargo area, allowing the rear seats to be lowered or raised with minimal labour.

It goes without saying that safety equipment is comprehensive, contributing to the RX achieving a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. As part of what the brand labels ‘Lexus Safety System+’, features include adaptive cruise, lane tracing assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, traffic sign recognition, autonomous emergency braking, driver monitoring and a surround-view camera system.

In general, Lexus continues to calibrate its safety systems well, allowing them to assist without constantly reminding occupants of their presence. Though, we found the lane tracing assist slowed the vehicle down a little too much around bends when the cruise control was in use. And the low-speed acceleration suppression activated twice when we did not want it to, resulting in a heavily delayed take-off at the traffic lights.

Externally, the RX maintains its sophisticated appearance. The latest spindle-inspired front fascia, sharp LED lighting signatures and flowing body surfaces create a modern yet restrained design. The way the outer edges of the front grille integrate seamlessly into the vehicle’s body looks eye-catching. It avoids the aggressive styling trends some competitors pursue, instead presenting as a mature and elegant luxury SUV.

2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Sports Luxury: Powertrain & handling

To make all of this work, the RX 450h+ is fitted with a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine that works alongside front and rear electric motors. Combined, they all deliver 227kW through Lexus’s eFour all-wheel drive system. On the tarmac, that translates to a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.5 seconds. Our timing clocked it in 6.35 seconds.

Performance is strong without ever feeling aggressive. One of the immediate benefits of the plug-in hybrid system is the instant electric torque available from standstill. The RX steps away from traffic lights with reassuring urgency, avoiding the slight hesitation often associated with naturally aspirated petrol engines.

What’s particularly interesting is how Toyota and Lexus consistently program their batteries to ensure there is always enough of that electric assistance available. Even when the battery appears depleted, the system maintains a reserve charge rather than fully exhausting itself. As a result, that instant response remains accessible during everyday driving, always.

Yet despite the healthy power output, the RX never feels particularly sporty. There’s no dramatic exhaust note, aggressive gearshifts or performance theatrics. Instead, Lexus prioritises smoothness and refinement above excitement. If your inner performance streak is stronger than your appreciation for refinement, efficiency and ease-of-use, the RX might have you wanting.

And speaking of efficiency, that may be the RX 450h+’s biggest achievement. Being a plug-in hybrid with an 18.1kWh/51.0Ah battery and an 85km all-electric range (NEDC test), you can effectively have a nil fuel consumption if you charge it at least every 85km. Official fuel consumption is rated at just 1.3L/100km when regularly charged and tested under laboratory conditions (20 minute test with a full charge).

However, perhaps more relevant for many buyers is how the vehicle performs once the battery charge has largely been depleted. We averaged 6.0L/100km. That’s remarkable for a large all-wheel drive luxury SUV weighing over two tonnes. It demonstrates how effectively Lexus has developed its hybrid technology over time.

Charging is achieved via an AC Type 2 charger up to 7kW. On a depleted battery charging will take about 7.5 hours on an AC Type 2 10A charger or 2.5 hours on public charging outlet from its maximum charging current of 32A.

When the wheels are rolling the ride feels focussed on passenger comfort. The suspension does an excellent job isolating occupants from rough road surfaces. Body control is mostly solid so it doesn’t feel too sloppy when handled wildly. But with that comfort bias, heavy cornering has its limitations given its size and weight.

In true form to making the Lexus feel so familiar behind the wheel, the steering is light and predictable. Urban manoeuvring is easy, and highway touring feels relaxed and centred. Grip feels strong and on-demand four-wheel drive offers assurance in slippery conditions. But heavy-duty callings are not the RX’s specialty. A low 188mm ground clearance, limited mechanical gear, and no spare wheel gives limitations for off road use. Additionally, a 1500kg towing capacity is not compelling.

2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Sports Luxury: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Elegant and beautifully executed interior: The combination of strategically placed ambient lighting, suede trim and high-quality materials creates a premium atmosphere.
• Plug-in hybrid efficiency: Even with minimal charging, fuel consumption remains impressively low for a large luxury SUV.
• Easy to use: Everything operates intuitively, avoiding the learning curve often associated with modern luxury vehicles; huge boot space, clever storage solutions and electrically folding rear seats make family life easier.
• Refined and comfortable driving experience: Smooth power delivery, excellent ride quality and low cabin stress suit long-distance touring perfectly.

2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Sports Luxury: Key considerations before you buy

• Performance lacks excitement in its delivery: There’s plenty of acceleration available, but little of the engagement or character offered by some European rivals.
• Third-row seating unavailable: Buyers needing seven seats will need to look elsewhere in this segment. That will instantly cut off a portion of potential buyers.
• Is the RX’s close relation too obvious? While the Lexus RX is exceptionally intuitive and easy to use compared to some complex luxury competitors, its straightforward controls can echo cheaper Toyota models.

2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Sports Luxury: Video