Lexus RX 450h+ (2026) Review
The luxury SUV segment in South Africa is no longer just about who has the biggest engine; it’s about who can provide the most seamless transition into the electrified era. With the arrival of the RX 450h+, Lexus isn't just offering another hybrid—it’s offering its first-ever Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) to a market that is increasingly curious about "life with a cord."
When the first Lexus RX (Radiant Crossover) debuted in 1998, it effectively invented the luxury soft-roader. Built on a car-based monocoque rather than a ladder frame, it prioritised road manners over rock-crawling. Fast forward to this fifth-generation model, and the RX has evolved from a rebadged Toyota into a global icon of reliability. The "h+" badge on our press car represents the most significant leap in the model's history, moving from self-charging hybrids to a dedicated plug-in system.
Styling
Lexus has moved away from the Spindle Grille toward what it calls the "Spindle Body." Marketing speak aside, the top of the grille is now body-coloured and integrated into the nose, creating a more seamless, futuristic look. It sits on 21-inch alloy wheels that fill the arches well, giving it a more athletic silhouette than its predecessors. The "floating roof" pillar remains, but it’s now complemented by a blade LED taillight that spans the entire width of the tailgate. The design is certainly distinctive and, in my opinion, the best-looking RX yet.
Interior
The RX cabin has long been a benchmark for build quality, but the 450h+ takes it further with the "Tazuna" cockpit concept. A large 14-inch touchscreen dominates the dash, finally ditching the old remote touch controllers. It’s angled toward the driver and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You’ll find semi-aniline leather, open-pore wood, and high-quality suede door trims. The 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is impressive, too. Despite the large 18.1 kWh battery, boot space remains generous at 612 litres, though you lose space because the spare wheel is strapped down in the boot.
Drive Impression
The driving experience is defined by refinement and a lack of sound. It starts in total silence, with EV Mode at low speed, with the four-cylinder petrol engine thrumming into life when needed. With 227 kW of total system power, it feels sufficient, but it isn't a fan of being hurried. The RX is most certainly more adept at cruising and commuting than it is dicing from traffic light to traffic light, or carving up a mountain pass, and there's something quite relaxing about that. The GA-K platform offers a lower centre of gravity, but the suspension is certainly tuned for comfort rather than performance, with the Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) doing a brilliant job of masking South Africa’s less-than-perfect road surfaces. I had one of the worst weeks for traffic this year during my time in the RX, and I was glad to be in something so quiet, comfortable, and well-made.
The car is four-wheel drive, but the rear wheels are driven by a dedicated electric motor, providing traction on wet tarmac or gravel farm roads without the need for a mechanical propshaft. Serious off-roading isn't a reality, but there's a GX for that.
Fuel Consumption
The RX 450h+ highlights the massive potential of PHEVs:
Claimed: 1.3 L/100km.
Reality: If your daily commute is under 60 km, you can drive almost exclusively on electricity, charging at home overnight.
Long Haul: Once the battery is empty (it always keeps a reserve to act as a normal hybrid), consumption settles around 6.7 L/100km—still impressive for a 2.2-ton luxury SUV.
Safety
The 450h+ comes loaded with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0:
e-Latch with Safe Exit Assist: This prevents you from opening the door if a cyclist or vehicle is approaching from behind.
Active Support: Includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and a Pre-Collision System that can now detect motorcycles.
Airbags: A class-leading 10 airbags are standard.
Pricing*
Verdict
The Lexus RX 450h+ is the most polished RX ever made, and the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant to the range provides a degree of usability not yet seen in the model range before. It is a consummate cruiser, with one of the best reputations for reliability in the entire automotive industry. The brand is positioned as premium, and judging by the build quality, comfort, and strong reputation for longevity, I'd say the RX has hit all the marks. Whether these are on your list as a buyer in this segment is entirely up to you.
