Lexus RX 350 vs. RX 350 Hybrid: Trims, Specs, and Features

The 2023 Lexus RX is a 5-seat luxury SUV that’s available in five gas-powered trims and five hybrid trims—but is the Lexus RX Hybrid worth the extra money if you’re looking to reduce your fuel use in Princeton, NJ? Below, we dive into the difference between the RX and the RX Hybrid lineups to help you find the perfect fit.

20223 Lexus RX vs. RX Hybrid Trim Levels and Pricing

It’s worth noting that all of the hybrid trims come with standard all-wheel drive, which partly accounts for the difference between the RX and the RX Hybrid price. The entry-level RX 350 Standard trim starts at $48,550 MSRP—but when optioned with AWD, it’ll run you $50,150 MSRP. That’s actually the same price as the entry-level RX Hybrid trim.

The price difference is wider when you get to the high-end trims. The RX 350’s top-of-the-line trim, the F Sport Handling AWD, comes standard with all-wheel drive, yet costs about $5,000 less than the RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD. That’s largely due to the latter’s upgraded hybrid powertrain.

We’ll compare the RX vs. RX Hybrid fuel economy and other specs in a moment, but first, let’s break down the starting price for each trim.

2023 Lexus RX 350 Price by Trim Level

• RX 350 Standard (FWD) – $48,550 MSRP
• RX 350 Premium (FWD) – $50,550 MSRP
• RX 350 Premium+ (FWD) – $53,150 MSRP
• RX 350 Luxury (FWD) – $56,550 MSRP
• RX 350 F Sport Handling AWD – $57,750 MSRP

2023 Lexus RX Hybrid Price by Trim Level

• RX 350h AWD – $50,150 MSRP
• RX 350h Premium AWD – $52,150 MSRP
• RX 350h Premium+ AWD – $54,750 MSRP
• RX 350h Luxury AWD – $58,150 MSRP
• RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD – $62,750 MSRP

Lexus RX vs. RX Hybrid Fuel Economy and Powertrains

Efficiency is the key differentiator for the two RX lineups. Let’s take a quick look at some key RX vs. RX Hybrid specs:

Lexus RX 350

• The RX 350 earns up to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg on city streets and 29 mpg on the highway. Opting for an all-wheel drive configuration reduces this to 21/28 city/highway mpg, but this is still an impressive performance for an SUV in the midsize segment.
• All RX 350 trims are outfitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission also comes standard.

Lexus RX 350h

• The most efficient 2023 RX Hybrid configuration returns up to 37 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway—also a good showing for the segment. Upgrading with the 500h F Sport Performance drops the estimate to 28/27 city/highway MPG.
• A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (paired with two electric motors) powers the lower RX 350 Hybrid trim levels and generates 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque. A Continuously Various Transmission (CVT) is standard.
• Only the RX Hybrid offers a powertrain upgrade. The 500h F Sport Performance trim comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine (also paired with two electric motors) that delivers a combined 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Is the Lexus RX Hybrid Worth the Extra Money?

It depends on if you want what the 250h lineup is offering—specifically the F Sport Performance, with its upgraded powertrain. If your ideal SUV balances fuel efficiency with a classic sports driving experience, then you’ll love the way you feel behind the wheel. It’s quite a bit harder to tell the two apart once you’re inside the cabin; you’ll enjoy the same crisp dash design, upmarket amenities, and refined seat materials.

Compare the Lexus RX vs. RX Hybrid With a Test Derive at Haldeman Lexus of Princeton

Questions about what differences between the RX and the RX Hybrid will matter most for your travels in Hamilton, NJ and Yardley, PA? We’re happy to provide you with more detailed RX vs. RX Hybrid specs when you visit our showroom in Lawrenceville—or take a look at our comparison of the 2022 RX lineups. If you’re ready for the next steps, take a moment to get pre-qualified for financing today!