The 2025 Lexus RX 450h+ AWD gets 35 MPG combined, making it an efficient luxury plug-in hybrid SUV. This efficiency appeals to buyers who want both luxury and lower fuel costs without sacrificing capability. This 35 MPG figure highlights Lexus’s dedication to electrification, offering a refined package that blends power with remarkable fuel economy. The RX 450h+ focuses on quiet, comfortable, and intelligent propulsion for owners who drive often in urban and suburban areas and occasionally take longer trips.

City and highway performance

The EPA rates the RX 450h+ at 36 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. City driving offers better efficiency than highway driving. This is typical for effective hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains like the one in the RX 450h+. In urban settings, the electric motors and battery often power the vehicle, especially in stop-and-go traffic and at low speeds. The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine comes on when needed, but the system prioritizes EV mode to minimize gasoline consumption. On the highway, the electric assist is still present, but the gasoline engine runs more consistently to maintain higher speeds. This leads to the slightly lower, but still good, 33 MPG figure. This characteristic makes the RX 450h+ good for daily commutes in congested areas, where it can run on electric power for significant distances.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2025 Lexus RX 450h+ AWD to be $1,650 per year. This figure assumes 15,000 miles driven annually, with a mix of city and highway driving, and uses national average fuel prices. For a luxury SUV of this type, an annual fuel bill under $2,000 is notable. It shows the practical benefits of the plug-in hybrid powertrain, allowing owners to reduce their gasoline use for shorter trips by driving on electric power, thus lowering their overall fuel spending. This saving, combined with the vehicle’s luxury features, offers good value for its target audience.

Real-world expectations

While EPA numbers are a good benchmark, real-world fuel economy for any vehicle, especially a plug-in hybrid, can change based on driving habits, terrain, and how often it’s charged. RX 450h+ owners who charge their vehicle regularly and drive mostly on electric power will likely have operating costs well below the stated annual fuel cost using gasoline. The all Lexus fuel economy data demonstrates the brand’s commitment to efficiency. With its approximately 37-mile pure electric range, many daily commutes could be completed without using any gasoline. However, for long highway trips without charging opportunities, owners should expect the vehicle to perform more like a traditional hybrid, with fuel economy closer to the 33 MPG highway rating. The transition between electric and gasoline power is smooth, ensuring that the experience remains refined and economical for an SUV of this size and luxury, regardless of the driving mode. Those interested can explore RX MPG across all years to see its evolution.

How it compares

The 2025 Lexus RX 450h+ is in a unique position in the luxury mid-size SUV segment. Its 35 MPG combined rating, backed by a strong plug-in hybrid system, beats many direct competitors. The Genesis GV70 2.5T AWD gets a 24 MPG combined, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC gets 28 MPG combined. Even premium hybrids like the Acura MDX Hybrid (last offered at 27 MPG combined) are not as efficient as the Lexus plug-in. The Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid is a closer competitor, often getting up to 36 MPG combined (when running as a hybrid after electric range is used), and offering a greater electric-only range. However, the RX 450h+ often appeals to a slightly different driver, one who values Lexus’s reliability, quiet comfort, and easy-to-use technology. For the buyer prioritizing fuel economy and significant electric-only driving capability within the luxury mid-size SUV category, the RX 450h+ is a very strong contender, offering better efficiency than most of its conventionally powered or even mild-hybrid rivals without requiring the full commitment of an all-electric vehicle.

Tips to maximize efficiency

To get the best fuel economy from your RX 450h+, regularly charge it. Make charging the plug-in hybrid a daily habit; charging overnight ensures you start each day with a full electric range, maximizing your gasoline-free miles for commutes and errands.

Use the vehicle’s drive modes smartly. In urban areas, select EV mode to force electric-only propulsion as much as possible. On the highway, while EV mode might not be sustainable for long, letting the hybrid system manage power delivery automatically often gives the best balance of performance and economy.

Maintain consistent tire pressure. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine and electric motors work harder. Check your tire pressure monthly, especially as temperatures change, to ensure they are at the manufacturer’s recommended levels.

Drive with smooth acceleration and deceleration. Aggressive starts and hard braking use more energy. The RX 450h+’s regenerative braking system is very good at recovering energy during gentle stops, and smooth driving habits will significantly improve its efficiency.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. While the impact might seem small, carrying too much cargo adds load to the powertrain. Remove anything not regularly used from the trunk to lighten the load and improve overall fuel economy.