The sportiest RX has returned for 2025, featuring a new limited-edition model called Black Line. It builds on the F Sport Performance 3 Package with a blacked-out body kit, black five-spoke wheels flanked by orange brake callipers, contrast interior stitching, black floor and cargo mats, and illuminated door sills. The Black Line costs just under $3,000 more than the FSP3 model. Whether that’s worth it is highly subjective but the underlying hard product continues to be an impressive piece of kit. 

The RX 500h ranks as the most expensive and the most powerful RX in the stable but don’t be fooled. The IS 500 F Sport Performance might have you believe there’s a V8 under the front hood with its similar naming schedule but instead, there’s a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a battery and electric motor. It produces a combined 367 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic gearbox and is the powertrain of choice for those who desire a responsive and engaging SUV, but this is no BMW X5. 

A quick stab of the go-fast pedal is met with near-instant acceleration. There’s enough accessible torque to feel involved and rewarded in the low and mid-range sections of the powerband, where we tend to spend the majority of our time, and the Direct4 all-wheel drive system ensures optimum grip on all surfaces. The 6-speed automatic transmission is a curious choice, as most of its competitors now use more efficient 8-speeds, but it is probably the only one in the Toyota parts bin that fits with this hybrid setup. It’s smooth, refined, and more importantly, quiet. We would take this over those brash and whiny CVTs any day of the week.

The RX 500h emits an aggressive and thrilling roar under wide-open throttle, something we’re not used to from a Lexus SUV. We are aware that much of it is fake, synthesized noise piped in through the cabin speakers but it’s nevertheless thrilling to hear such a melodic note accompanying the punchy acceleration. The exhaust noises in the RX 500h are eerily similar to the notes produced by the 5.0-litre V8 engine in the Lexus IS 500.

While it is the quickest RX hybrid we’ve driven, we were disappointed with its overall fuel economy, as our city and highway driving averaged 10.8 L/100km. That’s decent compared to non-hybrid SUVs of this size but we expected more from our past experiences with Lexus hybrids. The reason is that the powertrain is tuned to keep the engine running for optimal speed and performance, and is generally unwilling to slip into EV mode. The RX 500h prioritizes smooth transitions and lively acceleration, shifting into EV mode only when fully stopped or when the battery is almost fully charged. The 6-speed gearbox could be partly to blame as well, as torque converters aren’t generally as efficient as CVTs. Annoyingly, the RX 500h also requires 91-octane fuel, which adds insult to the injury of those who sought a hybrid to save the most money at the gas station. The fuel tank isn’t very large either, with our range hovering at the 500 km mark after a fill-up.

The RX 500h rides well, with an underlying firmness that is reminiscent of the outgoing RX. It effectively neutralizes minor oscillations and is overall compliant and comfortable. However, it takes a second or two to settle and stabilize after hitting larger bumps. It doesn’t offer the same level of driver engagement or road security as a BMW X5, nor does it excel on winding roads or find harmony in tackling corners at higher speeds. It’s more of a relaxing SUV with a sharp edge to take out from time to time. 

Draped in a fresh coat of Incognito paint (the same shade offered in the IS 500) with contrasting orange callipers, the RX appears more masculine than the rose gold example we drove back in 2023. This beluga whale’s front end matches the fetching rear and its full-width light bar, accentuating its dimensions and larger silhouette.

The interior is relatively clean and uncluttered. The center console is wide and expansive, housing adjustable-depth cupholders and a mini gear lever borrowed from the LC Coupe. Storage options are plentiful with a hidden wireless phone charging pad and USB-C outlets. A massive and vibrant touchscreen is perched on the dashboard, now handling every function, from climate controls to driving modes. We still have dials for temperature and audio volume, and it’s a delightful improvement over the fussy system from before, as well as its mousepad. It features a moderate learning curve, but those who prefer a more familiar interface will find wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto preloaded.

As expected, the build quality in the RX is excellent, with no loose stitches or panel gaps in place. The doors are electrically operated, similar to those in the NX, and are engaged with just the push of a button on the inner and outer door levers. The steering wheel is less chunky and obstructive than before – the rim circumference is much thinner and feels sporty to grasp. 

The steering column offers a wide range of adjustments to accommodate various driving positions, but we’re uncertain how these haptic touch sensors on the steering wheel have made it into production. There are touchpads on each side but they’re not labelled. You only discover what they operate when you touch the pad and glance at the driver’s display. Once there, you can click the secondary button below to change the page to which the buttons are paired.

There’s also an awkward delay, meaning if you press the pad, it won’t register anything. You must first touch it, and the display will acknowledge your input. Only after a second press will the submission be confirmed. This becomes frustrating when you want to quickly change a song or flip the driver’s gauge display. It doesn’t matter how much time you’ve spent trying to overcome the learning curve either. We’d say it’s worse than the flimsy touchpads in the outgoing Mercedes models. Japanese electronics are typically the most ergonomic, logical, and functional pieces of equipment you can buy, but we’re not sure where this concept originated and finalized.

While not the most comfortable, powerful, or efficient SUV in its segment, the RX 500h is still a well-rounded and well-mannered family hauler that delivers the trusted and reliable Lexus experience one would expect from the brand. Along with excellent acceleration, improved handling with the 4-wheel-steering system, and thrilling exhaust noises to match, we’ve come out impressed but scratching our heads at why Lexus didn’t invest more into a hot-rod RX with their off-the-shelf 5.0-litre V8 and technical know-how from their GT3 programs and RC F learnings. Because we can’t find many sensible reasons to recommend the RX 500h over the more efficient and cheaper RX 350h. Maybe the world just isn’t ready for that kind of RX.

Specifications:

Model: 2025 Lexus RX 500h Black Line Edition
Paint Type: Incognito
Base Price: $82,239
Price as Tested: $90,874
Wheelbase(mm): 2,850
Length/Width/Height (mm): 4,890 / 1,920 / 1,710
Curb weight (kg): 2,155
Engine: 2.4-litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder, electric motor
Horsepower: 367 combined hp
Torque: 406 combined lb-ft
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, AWD
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 10.8