What are the prices for the Lexus RX350h range?

Lexus RX350h

Luxury FWD: $87,500

Luxury AWD: $92,000

Luxury FWD + Enhancement Pack: $92,600

Luxury AWD + Enhancement Pack: $97,500

Sports Luxury AWD: $111,900

Sports Luxury AWD + Enhancement Pack 1: $114,900

Sports Luxury AWD + Enhancement Pack 2: $115,800

Lexus RX350

F Sport AWD: $99,900

F Sport AWD + Enhancement Pack 1: $102,900

F Sport AWD + Enhancement Pack 2: $104,000

Sports Luxury AWD: $105,900

Sports Luxury AWD + Enhancement Pack 1: $108,900

Sports Luxury AWD + Enhancement Pack 2: $109,800

Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance AWD: $126,000

All prices exclude on-road costs

What’s under the bonnet? 

The 2023 Lexus RX350h boasts a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain with four cylinders, generating 184kW of power. Buyers can opt for either front- or all-wheel drive, paired with an eCVT transmission. Despite the trend towards lightweight, high-energy lithium-ion units, this model remains committed to an older nickel-metal hydride battery.

The Lexus RX350h offers a claimed fuel economy of 5.0 litres per 100km on a combined cycle, and we observed 5.9 litres per 100km over a week of varied driving. It utilizes 95 RON premium unleaded fuel and comes with a 65-litre fuel tank.

How does the Lexus RX350h drive? 

All RX 350h versions are powered by the same engine, but there's a noticeable contrast in ride comfort and quietness between the Luxury and Sports Luxury trims due to a change in wheel and tire dimensions.

The Luxury model – with or without the enhancement pack – is equipped with relatively substantial tires and 19-inch alloy wheels. In our assessment, these wheels narrowly avoid appearing too small, and the ample insulation provided by the thicker tires makes this configuration perfect for smoothing out rough roads.

In contrast, the Sports Luxury variant isn't uncomfortable, but it exhibits more road feel (and a tad more noise) due to its more aggressive 21-inch wheels and low-profile tires. If you're primarily an urban driver, this shouldn't be an issue, but those frequently traversing country roads will appreciate the robustness of a bulkier tire.

The 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine nestled under the hood delivers a combined output of 184kW (both electric and petrol engines) to all four wheels. In real-world driving, the hybrid powertrain responds energetically and reacts promptly under throttle load. The motors might not deliver a breathtaking punch, but they offer enough speed for daily driving without feeling strained.

Unlike its turbocharged RX350 sibling, the RX350h offers fuel economy benefits, though at the expense of the refinement found in a turbocharged engine. The engine hums under acceleration, and it can even sound slightly rough immediately after startup, as the engine revs high to recharge the hybrid battery.

From the RX 350h, one could upgrade to a turbo non-hybrid RX 350, which is powerful but considerably less fuel-efficient than the hybrid. Alternatively, one could opt for the RX powertrain pinnacle, the intensely torquey yet reasonably efficient RX 500h F Sport Performance.

However, the transition between petrol and electric power is flawlessly smooth. Lexus, as an experienced player in the field, delivers a nearly imperceptible experience where some competitors stumble.

Despite the unexpectedly high pre-orders for the RX 500h in Australia (a testament to its impressive powertrain), we believe that most buyers will ultimately choose the RX 350h for its overall performance. Conveniently, it is also the most cost-effective option.

The significant decision is whether front-wheel drive (FWD) suffices or if all-wheel drive (AWD) is necessary, a pricier option at an additional $5100. If you rarely tackle unsealed gravel roads or snowy conditions, FWD, being less expensive and more fuel-efficient, should suffice.

The engine lineup might be entirely revamped, but it's arguably in ride and handling where Lexus has made the most substantial strides with the RX.

For the fifth-generation RX, Lexus transitioned the model to a stiffer, more contemporary transverse-engine platform called GA-K, shared with the ES and NX models.

This shift has transformed the handling from the competent-but-uninspiring facelifted fourth-gen RX to genuinely agile in the new car. For those not seeking sporty handling in a family SUV – like most – you'll find the handling responsive and intuitive: all positive traits.

We particularly appreciate the steering, and the body control is reasonably good as well. Furthermore, the ride quality is more insulated and consistent, transmitting fewer jolts into the cabin than any previous RX, even on the Luxury grade's single-mode passive dampers.

What is the Lexus RX350h like on the inside?

The interior of the new-generation Lexus RX is visually striking, particularly in our car’s unique color scheme. It features a dark brown leather upholstery that perfectly matches with the black trim and woodgrain inlays.

The interior exudes a sleek and modern vibe, and the tech aspects are well covered with a series of displays all within immediate vision of the driver. There’s a comfortable amount of space for the driver in the front row, and seating positions can be adjusted using a variety of electric controls.

The climate controls, displayed within the dials themselves, are a nice touch. Although the system runs colder than expected, it’s quick to warm up and cool the cabin down on hotter days.

Previous Lexus models were often criticized for their outdated and poorly integrated infotainment systems. However, this is no longer the case with Lexus’s newer products, which include a simple and effective touchscreen packed with features.

The main infotainment display spans 14.0 inches, and it comes with voice command capability, eliminating the need to interact with the screen. There’s also embedded navigation and a digital radio feed.

The maps and graphics are sharp, making for pleasant viewing, and the user experience has improved significantly thanks to simple shortcuts you can press on screen. The entire screen can run wireless or wired Apple CarPlay or wired Android Auto if preferred.

The Lexus RX also includes Lexus Connected Services enabling remote vehicle access via a linked smartphone. This allows owners to check the car's fuel level, remotely lock and unlock, contact emergency services in the event of an accident, and enable stolen vehicle tracking. Access is complimentary for the first three years.

The digital instrument cluster in front of the driver offers less customization, but it displays a range of relevant information including fuel data and speed information. Personally, I preferred the head-up display, which can alternate between various displays and show more information at eye level.

The Mark Levinson sound systems found in Lexus vehicles are, in my experience, among the best in audio entertainment. The 21-speaker system in this RX350h is incredible. The bass resonates without crackle or distortion at higher volumes, and the sound clarity is very impressive.

Although the RX doesn't offer three rows of seating (the RX L with this feature will be released later), the two rows it does have are very comfortable and well-appointed.

The rear seats offer plenty of space for those up to and over six feet tall, featuring a seven-position reclining backrest, and a bench wide enough for three. It's set high, providing an excellent stadium view out. The back seat is finished with a fold-down armrest, a third climate zone, and two USB charge ports.

Folding the second row flat is also a breeze, thanks to electric push-button actuators replacing manual pull tabs. With the seats down, the RX’s cargo space expands to 1678 liters. The RX has a puncture repair kit instead of a space-saver or full-size spare.

Is the Lexus RX350h safe? 

Proudly carrying a five-star ANCAP safety rating, this applies to all the Lexus RX's versions – covering both petrol and hybrid powertrain variants. It secured scores of 90%, 89%, 89%, and 93% for adult occupant, child occupant, vulnerable road user protection, and safety assist, respectively.

This Lexus RX model is equipped with a suite of standard safety features:

8 airbags incl. front centre, driver’s knee

AEB with pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist detection

Emergency steering assist

Acceleration suppression (low speed)

Adaptive cruise control

Curve speed reduction

Overtaking prevention

Lane departure warning

Lane Trace Assist (centring)

Auto high-beam

Road sign assist

Front, rear Parking Support Brake

Front, rear parking sensors

Blind-spot monitoring

Rear cross-traffic alert

Reversing camera

Safe Exit Assist

Tyre pressure monitor

Trailer sway control

Further additions to the RX Sports Luxury variant include:

Adaptive High-Beam System

Panoramic View Monitor (360 cameras)

How much does the Lexus RX350h cost to run? 

The Lexus RX comes with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Scheduled maintenance occurs every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres, and the first five services are capped at $695 under Lexus's capped-price service program.

Lexus offers its owners a suite of benefits through its Encore program, like vehicle pickup for servicing, exclusive access to concerts or events, and partner perks such as those from Ampol.

Yeecar’s Take on the Lexus RX350h

At the high-end of the market, where every luxury SUV is striving to cater to all types of buyers, the new Lexus RX350h emerges as an excellent choice for those prioritizing comfort, design sophistication, efficiency, and most importantly, reliability over sporty dynamics or sheer velocity.

The RX350h offers a lavishly appointed interior enriched with premium materials and exceptional comfort, an economical powertrain, and a generous amount of space. It introduces an outstanding new tech interface, a significant improvement from the previous models' complex systems.

Indeed, it meets the luxury SUV criteria more effectively than many of its sport-oriented competitors with larger wheels.

Assuming you select the Enhancement Pack 1, the base RX350h includes virtually everything you need, all without an excessive price tag.

However, a noticeable shortcoming is that a vehicle of this size is generally expected to offer the option of a third-row seating for increased family versatility. The previous RX model offered precisely this option with the RX L variant. Lexus Australia assures that they have a substitute en route – the recently revealed Lexus TX series, but unfortunately, it is currently only available in the North American market.