2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Lexus GX

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that aimed to impress with its features rather than its looks. Despite its exclusive Incognito paint job and striking orange brake calipers, the RX Hybrid's design was largely unremarkable, with a massive front grille and a dramatic rear haunch swell. The RX lineup offered three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each with varying horsepower and fuel efficiency. The RX 350h was the most efficient, while the RX 500h was the most powerful. All models came with standard AWD in Canada and a range of packages, with prices starting from $66,689 to $92,804. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls varied in user-friendliness.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus GX was a standout in terms of design, having undergone a complete redesign for the 2024 model year. Its boxy shape and brawny facial expression, accented by LED headlights and a large grille, gave it a rugged yet sophisticated look. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle featured 33-inch tires, matte grey wheels, and a raised ride height, enhancing its off-road appeal. Inside, the GX offered a clean and elegant design with quality switchgear and chic dashboard and console layouts. The seats, made of stitched black and tan faux leather, provided ample headroom and comfort, with heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. The GX's visibility was excellent, thanks to its tall windows and elevated ride height, making it a luxurious and capable SUV.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of performance options across its models. The RX 350h, with 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, was the least powerful but most efficient, featuring a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine. The RX 450h+ PHEV increased power to 304 hp, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, but was only available in the Executive trim. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. It featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, 21-inch wheels, and a sophisticated Direct4 AWD system. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel efficiency was disappointing, averaging 13.5 L/100 km. The RX 500h excelled in straight-line acceleration but lacked dynamic capability and communication between the driver and the road.

The 2025 Lexus GX, equipped with a twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6, produced 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. It achieved 0-100 km/h in approximately 6.5 seconds, a second faster than its V8 predecessor. The GX's performance was robust, with ample power across the rev band, making highway merges effortless. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 19.0 L/100 km during testing. The GX's chassis, with double-wishbone suspension and adaptive dampers, provided athletic handling despite its size. Off-road, the GX excelled, with features like a locking centre differential and downhill assist control, making it a formidable off-road vehicle. The Overtrail+ package enhanced its off-road capabilities, though it came at a higher price.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and cargo space, with a roomy interior and practical storage solutions. The RX 500h's front seats, while heated and ventilated, were snug and uncomfortable on long drives. The rear seats offered power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, with ample room for adults. The RX Hybrid provided 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the cargo cover could be cumbersome when loading larger items.

The 2025 Lexus GX excelled in interior space, offering generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with up to 2,563 litres available in the Overtrail packages. The GX's dimensions allowed for easy manoeuvrability and parking, despite its size. Its towing capacity of 4,111 kg made it suitable for adventurous excursions. The GX's overall dimensions were comparable to competitors like the Land Rover Defender 110 and BMW X5, but it offered more interior space and practicality.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a range of high-tech amenities, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h's infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Mark Levinson audio system. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use while driving. The Lexus Interface infotainment system was user-friendly, with a volume knob and large dials for climate control. The RX Hybrid also offered a head-up display and a surround-view camera, though the latter was not standard on all models.

The 2025 Lexus GX's infotainment system was intuitive and easy to use, with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth were standard, and the Mark Levinson audio system provided good sound quality. The GX also featured six USB-C ports for connectivity and charging. The Overtrail+ package included additional tech features, such as trail-viewing cameras for enhanced off-road visibility.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included advanced driver assistance systems like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured a blind-spot monitoring system and Proactive Driving Assist. The surround-view camera was a valuable addition, though not standard on all models. The RX received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but a Poor rating from the IIHS in frontal-impact tests.

The 2025 Lexus GX also featured Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, with adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assistance, and other driver-assist features. The GX's safety systems were user-friendly and effective, with pedestrian detection included in the Overtrail+ package. The GX had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time of writing, but it included 10 airbags for occupant protection.