Review: 2025 Lexus RX 450h+
Let’s get this out of the way first: the 2025 Lexus RX 450h+ is not a hardcore off-roader. You won’t see it crawling up rocks in the Lake District or fording rivers up Strata Florida any time soon, and frankly, it doesn’t want to. But if your idea of adventure involves a few gravel tracks, country lanes and wet fields en route to a posh glamping spot, or a long weekend hauling muddy dogs and camp gear, it might be right up your gravelly street.
So, posh SUV meets outdoorsy aspirations? Let's see how it fares when given The Mud Life once-over.
First Impressions
Visually, Lexus has kept the RX recognisable but added a bit more visual aggression for 2025. The "spindle" grille has been toned down ever so slightly, while still shouting "I cost more than your car." It’s sharp, sleek, and has enough road presence to part motorway traffic like Moses and the Red Sea, helped by the fact most folks probably mistake it for something fully electric.
It’s a plug-in hybrid, mind, not a full EV. So while you’ll enjoy around 40–43 miles of pure electric motoring (give or take how heavy your foot is), there’s still a 2.5-litre four-pot petrol engine waiting to kick in when the volts run dry. More on that later.
On-Road Ride – Executive Cloud Surfing
Around town and on the motorway, the RX 450h+ is an absolute doddle. It wafts. It glides. It soaks up potholes like a duvet landing on a mattress - though not as much as a Subaru, they hold the record in my book for waftyness.
The adaptive suspension on our test car worked quietly in the background, keeping things level even on twisty B-roads. It’s a big ol’ beast, mind, and while it handles itself admirably for its size, this isn’t a car you throw into corners with any enthusiasm. Nor should you. This is a car for long-legged cruising, gentle overtakes, and smug fuel-saving smiles.
The transition between electric and petrol modes is generally smooth, though if you plant your foot, the petrol engine whines into life with more drama than you’d expect from something so genteel. Lexus still hasn’t quite worked out how to make a CVT sound natural, but unless you’re drag-racing milk floats, it’s not a deal-breaker.
Off-Road Capability – Soft Roader, Soft Touch
Now, let’s talk dirt. And by dirt, I mean a couple of rutted green lanes, muddy car parks, and the occasional verge when the pub’s car park is rammed. The RX 450h+ has an all-wheel drive system, yes, but it’s more "snowy Tesco car park" than "weekend warrior".
The rear axle is powered by its own electric motor, which means there’s no physical connection from front to back, good for traction in light slop, but not something you’d want to rely on halfway up a mountain.
Ground clearance is decent at just under 200mm, but there’s no low-range box, no locking diffs, and no off-road modes beyond a basic “Trail” setting that gently applies the brakes when you start spinning wheels. So yes, it’ll handle gravel tracks and a bit of sodden field, but don't expect to see it on a pay-and-play site unless someone took a wrong turn on the way to a meeting.
Interior Spec – A Plush Sanctuary (With a Caveat or Two)
Now this is where the RX starts to justify its £70k+ price tag. The cabin is an oasis of calm. It’s all plush materials, soft-touch leather, real stitching, and whisper-quiet road manners. It’s a wellt-finished interior, but better than a Genesis? Hmmm…
Our test car had the high-spec Takumi trim, complete with fancy Mark Levinson sound system, panoramic roof, and seats that felt like they’d been modelled on a five-star spa lounger. Heated and cooled, of course, with massage function. Proper posh.
There’s also loads of legroom in the back, and the boot is a healthy 461 litres with the seats up. That’s enough space for a couple of overnight bags, a crate of camping tat, and a freshly soaked Lurcher shaking itself off with gleeful abandon. The boot floor is flat, the tailgate opens electrically, and you can drop the rear seats via levers at the side, nice touch. Lift the floor and there’s quite a bit of additional space where the spare tyre should be - there’s even a hook that helps secure it upright, which is handy.
The Tech – Useful… Mostly
Let’s talk screens. There’s a big 14” touchscreen up front running Lexus’s latest infotainment system, and as far as I can remember, it’s better than the last one. It’s responsive, easy to read, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless, thank you very much). There’s also a heads-up display and a digital dash that can be customised to show what you like, within reason.
Thankfully there are two large dials that operate the climate controls, but fan speed is still on the touchscreen.
Switching off the lane departure gubbins? At first it appears surprisingly easy as there’s a physical button on the steering wheel that gives you direct access to the driver aids menu. A couple of pokes and it’s off, or so you think. Having switched off lane assist it still gave me a gentle tug when I cut corners or avoided parked cars.
Fuel Efficiency – Hybrid Happiness
This is where the RX 450h+ really shines. On electric mode alone, you’ll get between 35 and 43 miles, depending on weather, terrain, and how much you like booting it. For school runs, pottering into town, or commuting, you might not use the petrol engine at all during the week, especially if you can plug in at home or at work.
Once the battery’s depleted, the RX turns into a standard hybrid. Expect around 42–48mpg in mixed driving, which is solid for a big SUV with all-wheel drive. We managed 44.6mpg on a week of mixed roads, some camping trips, and a fair bit of lazy right-footing.
It’ll tow up to 1,500kg too, so think small trailers, teardrop caravans or maybe a little project car, but it won’t replace a Land Cruiser if you’re hauling an Ifor Williams full of sheep.
Verdict – Glamping Over Green Lanes
The 2025 Lexus RX 450h+ isn’t going to win the hearts of the green laning community, nor will it happily charge through axle-deep puddles like a Defender. But that’s not the point.
This is a soft-roader with luxury leanings. It’s for folks who want the height and security of a 4x4, the economy of a plug-in hybrid, and the comfort of a luxury saloon, all without needing a ladder to get in or smelling of damp canvas for days after a trip.
It’s a refined, comfortable, and beautifully put-together thing that excels on tarmac and isn’t afraid of a bit of mud on its designer carpet. Load it with dogs, tat, or tweed, and it’ll handle the lot with dignity.
