Lexus has been among my favourite brands for a long time. It dates all the way back to the original LS 400, the first luxury car I ever sat in, and newer products like the gorgeous LC 500 and even the older LS 460 I recently drove kept me a fan. Heck, I used to own an IS F, and still pine for a second-gen GS 400. With that being said, with a few very notable exceptions, much of Lexus’ lineup feels like it’s become complacent, with competitors offering more luxury, more tech, more performance, and damn well more of everything.

One thing that hasn’t changed all that much for Lexus is build quality. You can harp on them for skimping on performance and ignoring some of the latest trends, but most Lexus models still feel impeccably well-built. The latest 2026 Lexus RX450h+ PHEV wasn’t something I expected to like as much as I did, but despite feeling somewhat outdated, it won me over by staying true to the Lexus I’m so fond of.

First impressions

First impressions are everything. This RX tester made a good one, finished in Lexus’ lovely Nori Green Pearl paint against a caramel leather interior. Maybe not Lexus classic, but green-on-tan is oh-so-perfect and reminds me of old money British luxury in all the best ways. The RX is styled aggressively, with Lexus’ large spindle grille and razor sharp headlights dominating the front end. Sharp character lines along the side remind me of origami, and the 21-inch gunmetal wheels look sharp. The rear end has a sloping, almost coupe-SUV-like profile with a small spoiler sitting atop, and a light bar connecting the tail lights. There are no exhaust tips to speak of; Lexus finishes off the RX’s rear end with a satin silver lower bumper applique for some added visual drama. It looks athletic, premium, and unmistakably modern Lexus. I’m (still) a fan.

Inside the Lexus RX

The interior is equally impressive in my book. It doesn’t come across as modern and tech-forward as some other competitors, but there’s a modern yet simple vibe to the RX that feels more timeless. Yes, there’s a very modern-looking 14-inch touchscreen featuring Lexus’ latest infotainment software. There’s also a digital gauge cluster, but neither of these overwhelm the cabin. The rest of the layout is clean and unobstructed, with a good mix of textures for contrast. Lexus hasn’t sworn off physical buttons, either, and the tactile experience is balanced well against the digital. Space is plentiful front and rear, and the trunk can swallow a respectable 838 litres of cargo space with the seats up — on par for the segment.

I do have a couple of gripes. Like all Toyota and Lexus products, the ambient lighting is far too subtle, so it feels a little plain at night. Another gripe is the wood trim on the steering wheel and centre console. Lexus says it’s all real, but the steering wheel feels more authentic than the centre console, which feels plasticky and has a reddish tint to it that doesn’t quite match the steering wheel. Odd, especially for Lexus.

Ultra-everything

Our tester was the Ultra Premium trim. As much as that sounds like to top of the food chain, the Executive trim sits above it. This Ultra Premium trim is well-equipped anyway, with the aforementioned digital displays, a decent sound system, wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play, heated and vented front seats, and  the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite of assists. It includes proactive driving assist, which makes for a smoother adaptive cruise control input, and even assists with braking and steering even without adaptive cruise enabled. Sounds intrusive, but in practice, it’s calibrated very well and you get used to it rather quickly.

Stepping up to the Executive package adds a 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, softer semi-aniline leather seats, vented rear seats and a couple other items for a lofty $8,890. At $78,495 as-tested, this Ultra Premium tester is the better value, despite how much I enjoy Mark Levinson audio.

Powertrain and driving impressions

Lexus has been at the forefront of hybrid adoption in the two-row luxury segment for a long time. The 2026 RX 450h+ PHEV continues carrying the torch. Powered by a now-ubiquitous 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine mated to three electric motors. The front wheels are powered by the electric motors and gas engine, whereas the rears are exclusively driven by electrons. The 18.1 kWh battery pack allows for a maximum EV-only range of about 53 kilometres. Total system output is rated at 304 horsepower, and torque figures are not available. The RX 450h+ is far from quick, but there’s enough grunt in hybrid mode to not feel anemic. EV-only mode makes the RX feel sluggish above 60 km/h, and when the four cylinder is being taxed, it can sound coarse. Driving around in mostly EV mode is where the luxury feel really comes through; just watch your speed.

Handling and steering is typical Lexus — detached and devoid of any feel, but successful in providing an isolated and comfortable ride. The in cabin experience is serene, with excellent sound deadening making having conversations or listening to music an effortless experience.

Final thoughts

Lexus was a hybrid pioneer in the premium space, but competition has become fierce and the field is crowded. The BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 PHEVs are both truly excellent choices, and there are still options from Mercedes-Benz, Range Rover, and even Jeep. If size isn’t a big concern, the smaller NX 450h+ gives up some interior space but provides just as much luxury, and even a bit more performance because it’s lighter. Even if the 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV may be down on power, it’s high on efficiency and at priced at under $80,000, undercuts some of the competition. If the Lexus hallmarks of efficiency and solid build quality are near the top of your list, the RX plug-in hybrid is an easy pick in this surprisingly crowded segment.