It’s hard to believe that the Lexus RX has been with us for almost 30 years. From its humble beginnings when SUVs were all but a speck to becoming the best selling vehicle in the Lexus lineup, calling the RX a success is an understatement. Today, the 2025 Lexus RX 500h Black Line Special Edition is no exception, but the luxury SUV segment looks very different today than it did three decades ago. Does it still have the good to stay relevant in such a cutthroat segment?

What’s new for 2025?

The Blackline Edition is a new trim level for 2025, based on the RX 500h and positioned at the top of the lineup, above the F-Sport Performance. I wouldn’t call its exterior design stunning, but it’s a very good-looking SUV and I appreciate that Lexus toned down the “spindle grille” up front. Our tester’s primer grey-style paint called Incognito, as well as orange six-piston calipers, 21-inch wheels, and subtle aero kit are unique to the Black Line trim. It’s handsome overall, but consider a BMW X5 or a Genesis GV80 if you want more attention.

Interior design, comfort, and practicality

Since the RX is a Lexus after all, expect high-quality materials and rock-solid build quality throughout. Unlike some newer Mercedes-Benz models, you won’t find any squeaks or rattles; the leather seats are extremely comfortable, but the bolstering might be too tight for some people; and Lexus uses suede-like accents on the dash and doors to great effect.The 14-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system looks great and works well; although the climate controls are on-screen, at least they’re accessible all the time, and Lexus still includes physical knobs for temperature adjustments. Our top-of-the-line tester also had the impressive 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, as well as a digital rear-view mirror.

As a two-row SUV—the RX L was replaced by the TX last year—the RX 500h has more than enough space to seat five adults comfortably. Cargo space behind the rear seats measures 838 litres; drop them and that grows to 1,308 L.

Powertrain, performance, and driving impressions

The 2025 Lexus RX 500h Black Line Edition is the most powerful RX. It starts with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired to two electric motors to put out 367 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This combo is good enough for a zero-to-100 km/h run in a respectable 5.5 seconds, but Lexus prioritizes comfort and smoothness. Here, the hybrid powertrain is silky smooth paired to the six-speed automatic, building power steadily and hiding the transitions between gas-and-electric very well. All-wheel-drive is standard across the lineup. If you prefer to save a few bucks, Lexus offers gas-only, a less powerful hybrid, and even plug-in hybrid version.

Regardless of the version you pick, any RX delivers on the promise of comfort and luxury. Even with the RX 500h positioned as the performance version, its steering, suspension tuning, and ride quality are certainly softer than a comparable X5, or even the Acura MDX Type-S. The RX’s rear-wheel steering makes turn-in at speed a bit more eager, but it’s barely noticeable. Even in its sportiest drive mode, the RX 500h is comfort-first.

Lexus has been at the hybrid game for a very long time, and it shows with the RX 500h. Fuel economy is officially rated at 8.7 L/100 kilometres in the city, 8.4 highway, and 8.6 combined. We averaged 9.8 L/100 km in the real-world, albeit in bitterly cold temperatures and with much time spent in Sport mode, because I just couldn’t resist. You’ll more than likely see better fuel economy with a lighter right foot. If you value fuel economy over performance, you’ll also be better-served by the RX 350h or RX 450h+ PHEV.

Is the 2025 Lexus RX 500h worth it?

You can get into a base, gas-only RX 350 for as little as $60,130 before taxes, destination, and any other fees, and $62,290 for a base RX 350h hybrid—both of which are very reasonable. However, jumping up to a RX 500h will run you an extra $20,000 at least; opt for the 2025 Lexus RX 500h Black Line Special Edition  and that comes out to an eye-watering $90,574 as-tested.

It’s easy to see why the RX has remained popular for so long. The 2025 Lexus RX 500h Black Line Special Edition looks good, it’s powerful, and you can’t argue with Lexus’ reputation for quality, reliability, and resale value. However, $90,000 for an RX is a hard sell; if you value sportiness in addition to luxury, comfort, and fuel economy, you could get into BMW X5 plug-in hybrid for not that much more.