When it comes to luxury SUVs in Australia, the Lexus RX has long been a symbol of refinement, comfort, and understated prestige. For 2025, Lexus pushes the boundaries further, giving the RX a hybrid-focused lineup, enhanced driver-assistance systems, and an interior that blends Japanese craftsmanship with modern digital sophistication.
This article dives deep into every aspect of the 2025 Lexus RX — from design evolution to hybrid powertrains, safety innovations, ownership costs, and how it stacks up against rivals like the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Volvo XC90.
Exterior Design – Sleeker, Sharper, More Confident
The 2025 RX carries Lexus’ distinctive design language but in a more refined, mature form.
Spindle Grille Evolution: Lexus has softened its iconic spindle grille, making it more cohesive with the bodywork. The mesh pattern has been redesigned for a cleaner, more premium look.
Slimmer LED Headlights: Sharp, triple-beam LED headlights with sequential indicators give the RX a futuristic stance, complemented by an illuminated L-shaped daytime running signature.
Proportions: With a wider track, longer wheelbase, and shorter overhangs, the RX looks more planted while retaining urban manoeuvrability.
Wheels: Australians get 20-inch alloys as standard, with optional 21-inch wheels in dark metallic finishes.
Hybrid Identity: Subtle blue highlights around the Lexus badges signify its electrified drivetrain.
The result is an SUV that looks more athletic while preserving the elegance expected of a luxury family hauler.
Interior Comfort – Japanese Craftsmanship Meets Digital Luxury
Step inside the 2025 Lexus RX and you’re greeted by a cabin that balances minimalism with modern tech.
Seating & Materials: Semi-aniline leather, soft-touch panels, and natural wood trim showcase Lexus’ focus on Takumi craftsmanship. Heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions are available in higher trims.
Driver-Centric Layout: The cockpit adopts Lexus’ “Tazuna” concept, positioning all controls and screens within natural reach of the driver.
Infotainment: A 14-inch high-resolution touchscreen dominates the dash, running Lexus’ latest multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates.
Digital Cluster: A fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display offers customisable layouts for hybrid data, navigation, and safety alerts.
Sound Experience: Audiophiles will appreciate the 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio option, engineered to replicate concert-hall acoustics.
Practicality hasn’t been ignored either. The rear bench provides generous legroom, the boot offers over 500 litres of space, and a powered tailgate with gesture control is standard.
Hybrid Powertrain Options – Efficiency With Punch
Australia’s 2025 Lexus RX will be offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, reflecting Lexus’ shift away from traditional V6 petrol engines.
RX 350h: A 2.5-litre four-cylinder paired with an electric motor delivers around 183kW. It’s tuned for smoothness and efficiency, ideal for city commutes.
RX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid: The flagship option combines the same 2.5-litre petrol with a larger battery and dual electric motors, producing nearly 227kW. It offers around 65km of pure EV driving — enough for most Australian daily commutes.
e-Four All-Wheel Drive: Both hybrids are available with Lexus’ electric all-wheel drive system, which automatically shifts torque to the rear motor when grip is needed.
Fuel economy is one of the RX’s strongest cards, with the 350h expected to achieve around 5.7L/100km and the 450h+ dropping consumption further when charged regularly.
Safety – More Features, More Confidence
Safety is a major theme for the 2025 Lexus RX, with the latest Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 now standard.
Key highlights include:
Pre-Collision System with intersection detection and pedestrian recognition.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with curve speed management.
Lane Tracing Assist for smoother lane-keeping.
Proactive Driving Assist, which anticipates pedestrian movement in urban driving.
Safe Exit Assist, preventing door opening into passing cyclists or cars.
Driver Monitor Camera, tracking fatigue and attentiveness.
The RX also carries a full suite of 10 airbags, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, and 5-star ANCAP safety expectations.
Driving Experience – Refined and Relaxed
While the Lexus RX isn’t marketed as a sporty SUV, it offers a driving feel that balances comfort with confidence.
Ride Comfort: Thanks to adaptive variable suspension, the RX glides over rough Aussie roads, absorbing potholes and corrugations with ease.
Handling: Wider tracks and improved chassis rigidity deliver better cornering stability. It won’t out-corner a BMW X5, but it feels secure and predictable.
Noise Levels: Acoustic glass, extensive insulation, and active noise cancellation make the RX one of the quietest cabins in its class.
Hybrid Power Delivery: Smooth, instant torque from electric motors ensures brisk acceleration, while transitions between petrol and electric power are nearly seamless.
The RX is designed for stress-free long-distance touring rather than aggressive driving, which aligns with its target audience.
Technology & Features – Smarter Than Ever
Beyond safety and infotainment, the Lexus RX packs plenty of convenience technology:
Head-up display with speed, navigation, and safety alerts.
Lexus Connected Services app for remote start, climate pre-conditioning, and battery status monitoring.
Wireless phone charging pad with improved cooling for faster charging.
Multiple USB-C ports across all rows.
Panoramic sunroof with dimming glass option.
Digital rearview mirror, useful when the boot is fully loaded.
These features underline Lexus’ focus on luxury convenience tailored for modern Australian families.
Fuel Efficiency & Running Costs
Hybrid ownership translates into lower running costs compared to German petrol rivals.
Fuel Use: As mentioned, the RX 350h delivers class-leading efficiency, and the RX 450h+ PHEV can run most daily errands without sipping petrol at all.
Servicing: Lexus’ Encore Platinum program provides capped-price servicing, complimentary loan cars, and valet pickup/drop-off in many cities.
Insurance: Premiums for luxury hybrids remain higher than average SUVs, but Lexus’ stellar reliability record helps keep long-term costs predictable.
Warranty: Lexus offers a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with hybrid battery coverage extended up to 10 years if serviced at Lexus dealers.
How It Compares – Rivals in the Luxury Hybrid SUV Segment
The 2025 Lexus RX faces tough competition:
BMW X5 xDrive45e: A plug-in hybrid with more power (290kW) but higher costs and complexity.
Mercedes-Benz GLE 350de: A diesel plug-in hybrid with long electric range, though diesel isn’t as appealing for urban buyers.
Volvo XC90 Recharge: Stylish and eco-friendly, but pricier than the Lexus RX.
Genesis GV80: Luxurious with bold design, but lacks hybrid options in Australia.
The Lexus RX stands out for its value proposition — offering hybrid efficiency, Japanese reliability, and generous standard equipment without the inflated pricing of German rivals.
Lexus RX for Australian Buyers – Who Is It For?
The RX 2025 is tailored for buyers who:
Want a luxury SUV that’s eco-friendly without compromising comfort.
Value safety for family hauling on highways and city streets.
Seek a quiet, refined drive rather than sporty thrills.
Prefer predictable ownership costs over the long term.
Like the understated prestige of Lexus compared to flashier German badges.
Future Outlook – Electrification Beyond 2025
While the 2025 RX is focused on hybrids and plug-in hybrids, Lexus is preparing a fully electric version (potentially badged RX EV) later in the decade. This aligns with Toyota and Lexus’ global push for carbon neutrality.
For now, the hybrid RX serves as a crucial stepping stone — giving Australian buyers eco-friendly driving with the reassurance of petrol backup.
Conclusion
The 2025 Lexus RX is more than just a mid-cycle update. It’s a statement of Lexus’ future: safer, greener, and more luxurious. For Australians, it represents one of the smartest choices in the premium SUV market, combining hybrid efficiency, safety innovation, and Lexus’ legendary reliability.
Whether you’re upgrading from an older RX or considering your first luxury SUV, the 2025 RX delivers a compelling package that rivals struggle to match.
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