2026 Lexus RX Gets Cheaper PHEV Option and Some Minor Tweaks

Those wanting a cheaper PHEV can get it with the 2026 Lexus RX, but overall, the latest model is getting a bit more expensive.

The incredibly popular Lexus RX continues to win over its fair share of consumers in the mid-size luxury crossover space, racking up loads of sales for its parent brand and representing arguably its most important model of all. The all-new, fifth-generation RX debuted for the 2023 model year, and as such, has only been treated to a few minor tweaks with each turn of the calendar. That will also be the case with the 2026 Lexus RX, but there is at least one notable change taking place that shoppers will be happy to see.

That tweak is the addition of the Premium grade to the RX 450+ plug-in hybrid model, which starts out at $66,680 – notably less than the cheapest 2025 RX PHEV, the Luxury trim, and its MSRP of $73,310. Lexus is also making it easier to charge the plug-in hybrid thanks to the inclusion of a standard dual-voltage charging cable for both Level 1 and Level 2 outlets. Under ideal conditions and using Level 2, or 240-volt power, the 450h+ takes around 2.5 hours to fully charge using the standard 6.6 kW onboard charger.

Another notable piece of news pertaining to the 2026 Lexus RX is the fact that the F Sport Handling and F Sport Performance grades can now be paired with the optional Appearance Package.

That particular package is based on the Black Line Special Edition offered in 2025, and includes a variety of black exterior styling touches, black 21-inch split-five-spoke wheels, orange brake calipers, and a black interior with gray stitching. Customers can pair the Appearance Package with one of five exterior colors – UItra White, Cloudburst Gray, Iridium, Incognito, and Caviar.

The only other change one will notice in the 2026 Lexus RX lineup is the addition of a new wireless phone charger, which is standard across all trims, while the mid-size crossover otherwise carries over unchanged, except for pricing, that is. The entire lineup has been treated to a slight $600 increase, in fact, meaning that the cheapest option now comes in at $51,175, including the mandatory $1,450 destination fee.

Photos: Lexus

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.