The Most Important Lexus SUV
The Lexus RX continues to be the most important nameplate for the brand, with over 52,000 units sold in the first half of 2025, far ahead of any other Lexus model in the US. The RX 450h+ also stands out as the second-best-selling plug-in hybrid in the lineup, trailing only the NX plug-in.
With that kind of momentum, Lexus has adjusted its approach for the 2026 model year. Prices have gone up between $525 and $600 per trim, but the destination fee remains unchanged at $1,450. With the new price point, the luxury crossover is still competitive against its rivals.
The bigger story, however, is the introduction of the RX 450h+ Premium AWD, a new entry-level plug-in hybrid variant priced at $66,680. The new trim lowers the barrier to entry for buyers who were previously limited to the RX 450h+ Luxury at more than $72,000.
That raises the question: should buyers wait for the 2026 update, or take advantage of current 2025 inventory, where discounts and markups create a mixed market?
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Pricing Discrepancies in 2025 Inventory
Looking at the current listings on Cars.com, inventory prices for the 2025 RX do not always align with MSRP. Some base RX 350 and RX 350h models are listed below sticker, including the striking F Sport trim, often by around $1,400 to $1,500.
For example, RX 350 FWD and AWD units are priced at $49,125 and $50,725, undercutting MSRP by a margin. Similar savings can be found in Premium and Premium+ trims.
However, higher-end variants such as the RX 350 Luxury or the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid often list at or above MSRP. RX 450h+ models, in particular, are consistently priced in the $77,000–$78,000 range, which is several thousand higher than the official MSRP of $72,710.
This pricing gap highlights the uneven inventory situation. While gas and standard hybrid versions may offer opportunities to save, buyers seeking plug-in models could be paying more than Lexus’s own pricing structure suggests.
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What Changes for 2026 and Which to Choose
For 2026, Lexus’s updates are relatively restrained but targeted. Wireless phone charging is now standard across the lineup. The company also dropped the Black Line Special Edition, though an Appearance Package for F Sport Handling and F Sport Performance offers similar styling.
More importantly, the addition of the RX 450h+ Premium AWD creates a more accessible entry point for the plug-in RX, giving buyers an electrified option priced nearly $6,000 lower than before. Otherwise, the familiar four powertrains remain unchanged, ranging from the RX 350’s 275-horsepower turbo-four to the RX 500h F Sport Performance with 366 hp and rear-wheel steering.
For shoppers who want traditional gas or hybrid trims, they may find better value on discounted 2025 inventory than the slightly higher 2026 pricing. For those interested in a plug-in hybrid, the 2026 RX 450h+ Premium offers significantly better value than marked-up 2025 units.
The decision ultimately depends on the powertrain: stick with 2025 for conventional models if inventory discounts apply, but wait for 2026 if a plug-in model is the priority.
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