New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Review, Dimensions, Specs

New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Review, Dimensions, Specs   –  Building on the brand’s reputation for excellence, style, and long-term dependability, the most recent Lexus RX was introduced last year. The gas-only New 2026 Lexus RX 450 is still a smart choice, and with good cause, even though it comes with hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) engine options.  New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Review

While the RX’s design is fairly standard for the sector, it is probably bolder overall, despite a more subdued take on the previously contentious grille. An LED bar across the rear of the tailgate makes a tremendous impact at night.

New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Redesign and Update Plan

Exterior and Interior

The RX 450 is much more user-friendly than many Lexus offerings over the previous several years. The infotainment system features a large, bright, high-definition touchscreen that works well in all conditions. The climate controls are well-integrated into the bottom of the screen, with hard buttons and knobs for temperature and defrost settings.

With an emphasis on more straightforward menus, the infotainment system has less of a learning curve than competitor systems from the likes of BMW or Mercedes-Benz. However, the pressure-sensitive steering wheel controls are not the most responsive, with multiple button presses sometimes required to select the desired function. The RX’s seating position excels with great forward sightlines; rearward visibility is about average. Entry and exit are easier than in a lower-slung sedan, for those with mobility challenges. Driver ergonomics are good, with no awkward reaches for any of the controls.

New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Specs

All Lexus RX 450 trim levels are equipped with standard features including rain-sensing wipers, power folding mirrors, paddle shifters on the steering wheel. For $15,500, the F Sport 3 package adds massive six-piston front brake calipers, 21-inch wheels, adjustable suspension, a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, heated rear seats that are power folding, a 14-inch infotainment screen, and 21-speaker stereo. 

Engine and Performance

With a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, this non-hybrid RX makes 275 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. While horsepower is down slightly compared to the V6 of old, torque is up by 49 lb-ft while also coming in at just 1,700 rpm. 

On the road, this translates to much more low-speed usability and reduces the need for the eight-speed automatic transmission to downshift. At the same time, the engine tends to run out of breath in the upper part of the rev range, where it’s not as lively as the V6. All trim levels of the RX 450 are rated to tow the same 1,585 kg (3,494 lb) as seen in previous years. New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Review

New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Fuel Economy

Without hybrid capability, the RX 450 is the thirstiest choice in the RX lineup, with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rating city, highway, and combined fuel consumption at 11.2, 8.4, and 9.9 L/100km, respectively. Observed fuel economy over one week of testing was 12.1 L/100km, mainly stemming from a series of short cold weather trips and remote starter use. Premium fuel is now required, which wasn’t the case with the old V6.     New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Review

New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Safety Features

Lexus’s advanced driver assistance systems standard on all RX 450 trims. There’s forward collision warning with automatic braking, left turn oncoming vehicle detection with braking, road sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and emergency steering assistance. (The radar sensor in the grille is heated – helpful during Canadian winters.)  New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Review

The F Sport 3 package added to this tester includes auto-levelling triple-beam LED headlights, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, traffic jam assist, a driver distraction monitor, and surround-view cameras. For child seat installation, the RX has easily accessible LATCH anchors for the rear outboard seating positions.

New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Price and Release Date

With an as-tested price of $77,655, the fully loaded RX 450 is a decent deal in today’s inflationary economy. The fuel-miser RX 450 hybrid is only $2,000 more, although it loses engine output in the process. The higher-output RX 500h and RX 450h+ PHEV both creep into the $85,000 to $90,000 range, which make this version – and the hybrid that’s based on it – more appealing.

Compared to its peers, the RX offers more bang for the buck than the Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, Volvo XC90, or BMW X5, but isn’t quite as nice overall. The Lexus is priced similarly to the larger, V6-powered Acura MDX and has better infotainment and interior design.     New 2026 Lexus RX 450 Review