I drove the Lexus RX 450h+ for a week — it’s a solid blend of gas and all-electric power

Gas prices have been on a seesaw pattern of late, and their instability is exactly what makes the best electric cars so attractive. Yet, many people aren’t quite ready to pull the trigger despite the bigger long-term saving s —which is exactly why they should look at PHEVs (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles).

The 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ is a luxury midsize crossover SUV that starts at $66,680. It features an 18.1 kWh battery estimated for 38 miles of range, meaning you can choose to drive with 100% all-electric power or fall back on gas-hybrid power when needed. This versatility can ultimately help offset surging gas prices.

I drove the Luxury AWD trim specifically for a week, with added amenities like a panoramic glass roof, triple-beam LED headlamps, heated power rear seats, and leather trim seats. The as-tested price came to $77,820 with all of this, but it’s a solid performer that strikes a balance for those who are still hesitant to commit fully to an EV. Here's why.

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2026 Lexus RX 450h+: Specifications

2026 Lexus RX 450h+: Testing summary

I drove the 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Luxury AWD a total of 31.8 miles during my week of testing, achieving an average fuel economy of 31.8 mpg in hybrid mode. That’s slightly under its 35 mpg rating, though it still outperformed the 2026 Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid Wagon I recently tested.

For a vehicle of this size and power, the 2.5L Inline-4 plug-in hybrid powertrain performs exactly as expected. It's particularly efficient on short, low-speed trips, as I recorded 46.9 mpg during a 4.4-mile trek in Auto EV/HV Mode. In this setting, the car intelligently switches between all-electric and hybrid-gas power. I also appreciated the dedicated button near the shifter that allows you to "hold" or preserve your electric range for later use.

Charging the 18.1 kWh battery overnight via a standard 120V outlet with Level 1 charging at home, I recorded a charging rate of 2.75 miles of range per hour. While that’s slower than some other EVs I’ve tested — which often approach 4 miles per hour — it still provides a meaningful amount of range for a typical overnight charge.

2026 Lexus RX 450h+: What I Like

Tapping into 38-mile all-electric range

I can’t stop talking about the current state of gas prices, which now easily eclipse the $4.00 mark at most local stations — and that's for regular. If you’re filling up with the premium unleaded this Lexus requires, you’re looking at prices closer to $4.80 per gallon, which adds up fast.

This is exactly why PHEVs like the 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ are such a smart "bridge" for those who aren't quite ready to go fully electric. Not only does it provide a healthy 38 miles of EV range for daily commutes, but it also gives you the flexibility to save that charge for later. Unlike some other PHEVs, such as the Mazda CX-90 which can sometimes force the gas engine to engage under heavy acceleration, the Lexus allows you to lock in EV mode. By prioritizing electric power for your local trips, you can significantly cut down on those expensive trips to the pump.

Outstanding adaptive cruise control

For long road trips, I highly recommend activating the Lexus RX 450h+’s adaptive cruise control. It works reliably to adapt to changing highway conditions by managing steering, braking, and acceleration to maintain a safe following distance.

What makes this system particularly impressive is its responsiveness to traffic merging in and out of your lane. Rather than reacting with jarring, heavy braking, the system adjusts the vehicle’s speed and distance smoothly and gently. You never want to feel uneasy when using driver-assist features, and the RX 450h+ performs admirably in monitoring surroundings and maintaining a sense of safety.

Way more fun to drive on EV mode

If you want the best driving performance, switch to EV mode. It transforms the experience to feel practically like a pure electric car, delivering zippy acceleration off the line.

The reason it’s more engaging in this mode is the instant torque. Without the engine needing to rev or the powertrain to coordinate between gas and electric, you get a seamless acceleration that is far more responsive than standard hybrid driving.

Spindle body front grille

The front-end styling of the Lexus RX 450h+ infuses this luxury vehicle with a distinct sense of character. It avoids looking as ostentatious as some competitors from Mercedes-Benz.

Instead, the signature "spindle body" design provides a seamless transition between the grille and the rest of the hood. Paired with the striking triple-beam LED headlamps, the design achieves a modern, aerodynamic profile that's very easy on the eyes.

Touch-sensitive steering wheel pads

Rather than opting for traditional physical buttons, the 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ Luxury AWD features multi-functional touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel, which are visualized through the driver and head-up displays.

For example, the left touchpad provides quick access to music playback, while the right pad allows you to toggle between adaptive cruise control settings and adjustments for the head-up display.

Panoramic glass roof makes interior more inviting

A premium vehicle often feels incomplete without a glass roof, but the RX 450h+ goes a step further with a panoramic panel that stretches across nearly the entire roofline.

This oversized glass doesn’t just offer clear views of the sky, it allows the cabin to be bathed in natural light — which beautifully accentuates the premium leather-trimmed interior. For those extra warm days, I appreciate that the power-retractable sunshade offers instant relief when you want to stay cool and avoid the direct glare of the sun.

2026 Lexus RX 450h+: What I Don't Like

More engine noise in hybrid mode

The RX 450h+ is by no means a slouch in HV (Hybrid Vehicle) mode, especially with its 304-hp output, but the cabin experience definitely becomes noisier.

While it's common for hybrids to exhibit a bit of a effort under heavy acceleration, the sound is much more noticeable here because the EV mode is so exceptionally quiet. The contrast simply highlights how well the vehicle is insulated — when the gas engine is off — the soundproofing does an outstanding job of drowning out the outside world.

Software in need of an overhaul

Just like many of Toyota’s latest vehicles, the Lexus RX 450h+ feels overdue for a significant software upgrade. While the 14-inch main touchscreen is physically impressive and dominates the dashboard, the interface itself feels dated.

When compared to the clean, modern aesthetic found in the Polestar 4 or Volvo EX30, the software here in the RX 450h+ lacks that same level of minimalist sophistication and fluid responsiveness. Well, at least you get support for Android Auto and CarPlay.

2026 Lexus RX 450h+: Verdict

You could certainly opt for a PHEV for much less than this — models like the Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid or Kia Sportage PHEV come to mind — but the 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ offers a level of sophistication they simply can’t match. While you're paying a significant premium, you're rewarded with top-tier cabin materials and a whisper-quiet ride that mainstream rivals can't replicate. This is bolstered by premium tech like the head-up display, panoramic glass roof, and digital rearview mirror.

As a midsize crossover, it provides the utility of a spacious interior, allowing you to transport passengers in style and accommodate larger cargo that would overwhelm a compact SUV or sedan. Best of all, its 38 miles of all-electric range is more than enough for most daily commutes. The ability to manually preserve that charge for later use gives it a strategic advantage over traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles.

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