Lexus RX Hybrid vs. Gas: Which RX Should You Buy?

For nearly 30 years now, the Lexus RX has gained and maintained legions of fans thanks to its easygoing road manners, luxury trimmings, and overall practicality. And by adding hybrid and plug-in hybrid options to the RX mix in recent years, Lexus has only increased the popular midsize luxury SUV’s overall value proposition by offering more choice.

The current, fifth-generation RX debuted in 2022 for the 2023 model year, and although for a time it offered a third row, the RX is once again strictly a two-row, five-seat model. If you want an extra row and you want a Lexus, you’ll need to step up to the bigger Lexus TX to get it. Thinking about the Lexus RX as your next vehicle, but are unsure whether to go hybrid or stay with a traditional gas-only powertrain? We’re here to help.

Pictured: RX350

Lexus RX Hybrid vs. Gas: Powertrain and Fuel Economy

Although the 2026 Lexus RX is optioned primarily with either gas or base hybrid powertrains, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version makes for a third option.

The gas-only RX350 comes in either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. FWD versions return 22/29/25 mpg on city/highway/combined. AWD versions suffer slightly worse fuel economy at 21/28/24 mpg.

Pictured: RX350h

The Lexus RX350h is where the hybrid power starts. Also using a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the 350h loses the turbo and gains motors at the front and rear axles, making it AWD only. Combined output comes to 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. But what it loses in power versus the gas model it makes up for it in overall efficiency. This model returns 37/24/36 mpg city/highway/combined, which is impressive for a midsize SUV.

Pictured: RX500h AWD

The most powerful RX in the lineup is the 500h AWD. Also a hybrid, it uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo to produce a combined output of 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. There’s a tradeoff for that added power as economy isn’t terrific at 27/28/27 mpg city/highway/combined.

Pictured: RX 450h+ AWD

Finally, the RX 450h+ AWD is the plug-in hybrid version. From its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine it produces a combined output of 304 hp. It has a battery-only powered range of 38 miles and returns 35 mpg combined, one mpg shy of the 350h.

Lexus RX Hybrid vs. Gas: Trims and Prices

There are quite a few RX grades to choose from, so we’ve broken them all down for you in order of most affordable to least.

Standard (available on 350 FWD/AWD, 350h)

This is your base, entry level RX. Standard equipment on the Standard SUVs includes heated front passenger seats, leather-like upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel, the smaller 9.8-inch central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch driver information display, 12-speaker sound system, and a wireless phone charger. Outside, there are LED foglamps, a powered liftgate, 19-inch wheels, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Prices presently start at $52,775.

Pictured: RX350h AWD Premium

Premium (available on 350 FWD/AWD, 350h, 450h+ AWD)

The Premium grade adds ventilated front seats, as well as a heated steering wheel and memory driver’s seat. On the outside, there’s a windshield wiper de-icer, roof rails, and moonroof. Prices start at $54,950.

F Sport Design (available on 350 FWD/AWD, 350h)

The F Sport Design gives you athletic F Sport looks but without any suspension hardware, so think of it as a more luxurious grade. Prices start at $57,280.

Premium+ (available on 350 FWD/AWD, 350h, 450h+ AWD)

Once we hit Premium+, we switch from leather-like upholstery to real leather upholstery. Another leap is from the 9.8 central display to the larger 14-inch one. On the outside, the smaller wheels are swapped for 21-inch 20-spoke alloy wheels in a dark gray metallic finish. Prices start at $58,440.

F Sport Handling (available on 350 AWD)

The F Sport Handling’s big addition over the Standard and Premium is the addition of its adaptive variable suspension, meaning it’s meant to handle a little sportier than the non-F Sport models. Here, you also get a head-up display. Prices start at $61,550.

Pictured: RX350h AWD Luxury

Luxury (available on 350 FWD/AWD, 350h, 450h+ AWD)

In the Luxury, rear outboard passengers get to take advantage of heated seats with power adjustment, while the cabin is trimmed in semi-aniline leather. Drivers get a head-up display. A panoramic glass roof lets in more light, while the triple-beam LED headlights emit more light. Prices start at $63,495.

Pictured: RX500h AWD F Sport Performance

F Sport Performance (available on 500h AWD)

As the flagship RX, the 500h AWD F Sport Performance not only sports a long name, but also basically all the high-luxe goods from the lower trims. It’s the only grade in the lineup to get matte-black wheels, as well as the adaptive variable suspension. It also has the most expensive starting price of any RX in the lineup. Prices start at $78,450.

Lexus RX Hybrid vs. Gas: Which Should You Choose?

As a matter of fiscal responsibility and convenience, we can’t really think of a reason not to get into a hybrid RX. You can go farther between fill-ups thanks to the longer range, thereby making each tank of fuel count more. The least expensive version can be had with a starting price of $55,075 for the 350h Standard. Yes, you’ll pay a little more for the hybrid technology, but it’ll eventually pay for itself in what you’ll save on gas.

But because we like a bit more comfort, and we suspect you do as well, we’d go for the RX350h in the Premium+ trim for $60,740 to start. It’s the best balance of luxury, value, and efficiency. Seeing as the RX remains the brand’s strongest seller year after year, however, you can’t go too wrong with whichever grade and powertrain combination you end up choosing.

Read Our Experts’ Full Review of the Lexus RX