2026 Lexus RX Preview

Zac Johnson | Sep 18, 2025

For 2026, the Lexus RX gets minor but thoughtful updates, boosting its appeal with new trim packages and standard wireless smartphone charging, making it more desirable and customizable.

What You Need to Know About the New 2026 Lexus RX - Find the best Lexus RX deals!

2026 Lexus RX 350 Premium Nightfall Mica Rear Quarter View Off-Road

Lexus keeps its popular midsize luxury SUV fresh by enhancing both selection and convenience. Updates to the 2026 model include a new Premium trim for the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and the addition of the Appearance package to the F Sport trims. Inspired by the 2025 model’s Black Line Special Edition, this bundle features gloss black styling accents, 21-inch split five-spoke wheels with orange brake calipers, and a black interior with gray stitching.

For 2026, the RX continues to offer over seven trims: Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F Sport Handling, F Sport Performance, and F Sport Design. Dimensions stay the same, providing passengers with plenty of room inside and practical cargo space in the trunk.

Four distinct powertrains are available:

  • RX 350 (FWD/AWD)—A four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.
  • RX 350h (AWD)—A hybrid system with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 pound-feet of torque with a nickel-metal hydride battery pack.
  • RX 450h+ (AWD)—A plug-in hybrid rated at 85 MPGe combined, with an estimated 38-mile all-electric range, powered by a 2.5-liter engine and lithium-ion battery.
  • RX 500h F Sport Performance (AWD)—A performance hybrid that combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four engine, rear 80-kilowatt-hour (kWh) motor, and six-speed automatic transmission, delivering 366 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque.

The 2026 RX exterior remains mostly unchanged, with wraparound taillights and a seamless grille carried over from the 2025 model. Wheel options include 19- and 21-inch sizes. F Sport Performance trims stand out with exclusive bumpers, dark accents, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires.

There are six interior color options and four trim choices, including Ash Bamboo and Black Open Pore Wood. The standard 9.8-inch touchscreen powers the Lexus Interface, while higher trims have a 14-inch display with an intelligent assistant, cloud navigation, and an available Mark Levinson 21-speaker audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring are standard, along with a wireless smartphone charger.

For extra convenience, all 2026 Lexus RX SUVs come with six USB ports, an available digital key, active parking assistance, and customizable 64-color ambient lighting.

Every 2026 RX features the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, providing standard advanced driver assistance features that are expected on vehicles in this price range.

Pricing for the 2026 Lexus RX lineup begins at $51,175, including the $1,450 destination charge.

2026 Lexus RX Competitors - Find the best Lexus RX deals!

2026 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD Interior Dashboard

The 2026 Lexus RX competes in the highly competitive midsize premium SUV market segment, going head-to-head with rivals like the Acura MDX, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

Changes to the 2026 Lexus RX are minor but help refine the luxury crossover to stay competitive without sacrificing the comfort, efficiency, and craftsmanship that define it.

Lexus is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of August 22, 2025, but it may have changed since then. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.

Zac Johnson is a lifelong car enthusiast pursuing his dream of becoming an automotive journalist. He is a social media manager, contributor to JDPower.com and Capital One Auto Navigator, a member of the Automotive Press Association, and founder of Best Daily Drivers.

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