2026 Lexus RX 350 — The #1 Lexus for a Reason
Key takeaways
- Mostly incremental update for 2026: wireless phone charging now standard on all RX models; Appearance Package can be added to F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance; RX 450h+ adds a Premium grade.
- RX 350 keeps the 275-hp 2.4-liter turbo with 317 lb-ft and an 8-speed; FWD or optional full-time AWD.
- Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 remains standard (PCS with Pedestrian Detection, DRCC with Curve Speed Management, LTA, LDA w/SA, RSA, Proactive Driving Assist, etc.).
- U.S. pricing for RX 350 starts around $49,7k (FWD) based on retail guides. Official press info says “see Lexus.com” for option pricing.
What’s new for 2026?
- Wireless charger standard across the lineup.
- Appearance Package (Black Line–style look: dark accents, black 21" wheels, orange calipers) now available on F SPORT Handling & F SPORT Performance.
- RX 450h+ Premium grade added.
- On-sale later in 2025 (U.S.).
Quick refresher: 2025 RX
- 2025 added F SPORT Design grade and a Black Line Special Edition (500h). Otherwise, the RX carried over the 2023 redesign’s platform and tech.
Design updates & innovations
- GA-K platform with extensive high-strength steel for stiffness and a low center of gravity; multi-link rear suspension; revised aero details.
- Appearance Package styling option (see above).
Performance & “range” enhancements (RX 350 focus)
- Powertrain: 2.4-liter turbo I-4, 275 hp / 317 lb-ft, Direct-Shift 8-AT.
- AWD behavior: full-time, variable split from 75:25 to 50:50 for stability.
- Ride/handling tech: available Adaptive Variable Suspension (F SPORT Handling/Performance), Dynamic Rear Steering available on RX 500h F SPORT Performance. (Good context if you’re cross-shopping within RX.)
- Fuel economy/“range”: Lexus lists RX 350 at ~22/29/25 mpg (city/hwy/comb) on the 2026 RX page (trim-dependent). Hybrids (350h/450h+) improve efficiency and EV-only range respectively.
Battery life & charging (RX 450h+ context)
- Est. 38 miles EV-only range, 85 MPGe combined, 6.6-kW onboard charger, dual-voltage cable (120/240V) now standard; ~2.5 hours to full on 240V under ideal conditions.
Acceleration & handling (at-a-glance)
- RX 350: 275 hp turbo with quick low-rpm torque for everyday punch; suspension tuning emphasizes comfort with available AVS.
- Benchmarks within the lineup: RX 500h F SPORT Performance lists 366 hp and is the quickest (manufacturer est. ~5.9 s 0-60 noted in retail specs).
Safety features & ADAS
Standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes:
- Pre-Collision System w/ Pedestrian Detection (incl. Left-Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection/Braking; Risk-Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist)
- Full-Speed DRCC with Curve Speed Management
- Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Departure Alert w/ Steering Assist
- Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, Proactive Driving Assist
- Available Traffic Jam Assist, Advanced Park/Remote Park, Digital Latch with Safe Exit Assist.
(U.S. crash-test ratings for 2026 weren’t posted on the Lexus press page at publication; check IIHS/NHTSA as they update.)
Interior comfort & technology
- 12.3-inch digital MID now standard; driver-focused cockpit. (Screen Protector 14")
- 9.8-inch touchscreen standard or 14-inch available; Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant (“Hey Lexus”), Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Digital Key (via subscription).
- Six USB ports, available AC outlet, available Mark Levinson 21-speaker audio, 64-color ambient lighting.
- Seats designed for long-trip comfort; available heated/ventilated rear seats, power-folding rear bench.
Space & cargo
- GA-K packaging yields generous second-row legroom and low load-in height; cargo remains one of RX’s strong suits (exact liters/ft³ vary by trim).
Sustainability & environmental impact
- RX offers multiple electrified choices (350h hybrid, 450h+ plug-in hybrid) to cut fuel use and emissions vs. RX 350 gas. Lexus highlights platform efficiency, aero improvements, and powertrain variety as part of its multi-path strategy.
Comparing (within RX lineup)
- Value/efficiency: RX 350h (246 hp hybrid)
- Performance: RX 500h F SPORT Performance (366 hp, AVS, DRS available)
- EV driving: RX 450h+ (PHEV, ~38-mile EV range)
- Classic gas: RX 350 (275 hp turbo, broad trim spread).
Customer reviews & owner likes/dislikes (snapshot from retail sites)
- Owners consistently praise quietness, comfort, tech, and ride; common dislikes include infotainment learning curve and not the largest cargo in class. (Anecdotal summaries from 2026 RX retail pages.)
Availability & pricing (U.S.)
- On sale: Late 2025 (for MY2026).
- Starting price (RX 350): around $49,725 (FWD) & $51,325 (AWD) per Edmunds’ 2026 RX pricing listings; higher for Premium, Premium+, Luxury and F SPORT grades. Dealer sites show mid-$50Ks for F SPORT Design and low-$60Ks for Luxury AWD. Always verify local MSRP & destination.
How to reserve/build: Use Lexus.com Build & Price or contact a local Lexus retailer to place a deposit/allocation request once ordering opens for your market. (Press info directs pricing/ordering details to Lexus.com.)
Quick answers (TL;DR)
- Performance & range enhancements (RX 350): Same 275-hp turbo with 317 lb-ft; tuning, AWD logic, and chassis carry over; wireless charger standard is the main 2026 usability upgrade. For “range,” see mpg (~25 mpg combined posted on Lexus.com) and consider 350h/450h+ if efficiency/EV range is a priority.
- Safety features: LSS+ 3.0 standard (PCS w/ Pedestrian Detection, DRCC w/ Curve Speed, LTA, LDA w/SA, RSA, PDA) plus available Traffic Jam Assist, Advanced Park/Remote Park, Safe Exit Assist.
- Interior updates & tech: Wireless charging now standard, 12.3" MID standard, 9.8"/14" touchscreen with Cloud Nav, “Hey Lexus” voice, Digital Key, lots of USB/charging and available Mark Levinson audio.
- How much will it cost (price)? Expect ~$49.7k starting MSRP for RX 350 FWD in the U.S., with AWD ~$51.3k and popular trims (Premium/F SPORT Design/Luxury) rising into the mid-$50Ks to low-$60Ks before options. Check your local market for taxes/delivery and EU specs if buying in Europe.