Lexus RX 350h | Photo Credit: Yash Sunil

After spending a few days with the Lexus RX 350h, I genuinely couldn’t understand why we do not see more of it on our roads. What stops those who can afford it from choosing something this complete? After all, the RX is one of those rare luxury cars that gets everything right without screaming about it.

It also helps that it does not look like anything else out there. While most rivals chase soft curves and familiar silhouettes, Lexus has gone down a sharper and more angular path; the result is a crossover that carries real presence without trying too hard. Those sculpted lines and bold proportions make it instantly recognisable, even from a distance. And then there are the 21-inch wheels. On paper, they do not inspire confidence for the Indian roads, however behind the wheel, the RX surprises you. Bad surfaces, broken tarmac and poorly patched roads are all taken in its stride, delivering a ride that is far more accommodating than you would ever expect.

What is most admirable about the Japanese approach is their refusal to bow to peer pressure. They do not force a car to be sporty, tech-heavy, off-road capable and engaging, all at once. That clarity of purpose is exactly what makes the RX special; its focus is unapologetically on luxury. Having spent time in other SUVs in this price bracket, I can say this with confidence — no other cabin feels quite as special as that of the Lexus. It’s not just about the quality of materials, though those are excellent anyway, it’s the way everything comes together. The layered dashboard layout, the calm design and the attention to detail, all feel deliberate. It is also anchored by a massive 14-inch touchscreen, a massive step up from older systems, offering a crisp and intuitive interface that feels modern.

The same clarity of thought carries through to the convenience features. It feels carefully and almost politely equipped, with comfort evenly distributed throughout the cabin. Every seat feels like the best one in the car. While this generation is strictly a five-seater with two rows of seating, the rear bench is where the car truly shines. It offers power-reclining seats and a level of plushness that rivals the long-wheelbase Europeans, making it a genuine alternative for those who prefer to be driven. If someone claimed the driver’s seat before I got there, I would not be too upset.

One feature that deserves special mention is the Mark Levinson 21-speaker sound system, which genuinely redefines what in-car audio can be. This is not the kind of setup you listen to casually while scrolling through tracks; it demands your attention. The clarity, depth and balance are exceptional, whether you are sitting in the front or the back. It is the kind of system that makes traffic more tolerable and long drives disappear. It fits perfectly with the RX’s calm and indulgent character. Few luxury SUVs at this price point manage to get audio this right.

driver-focused

Under the bonnet sits a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with the proven Lexus hybrid system. While the numbers will not set your pulse racing, the way the power is delivered is deeply satisfying. Throttle responses are smooth, linear and reassuring, with the electric assistance filling in the gaps seamlessly. It is a setup that always feels relaxed but never lethargic, making everyday driving feel effortless.

The only element that slightly disrupts this otherwise cohesive experience is the CVT. It does its job unobtrusively most of the time, but when you start pushing harder, it reminds you that outright driver engagement isn’t the RX’s primary mission. That is really the one factor that keeps it from being a true driver-focused SUV. In other areas, such as steering weight, accuracy and consistency, it actually does rather well. Viewed from another angle, though, this plays perfectly to the car’s strengths, especially for owners who spend more time being chauffeured than driving themselves.

Spending time with the RX also makes you question the curious position of Lexus in India. Unlike rivals such as the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Lexus continues to exist in a corner of the luxury market, rarely shouting for attention. And yet, after living with the RX 350h, it is hard to understand why it remains such an under-the-radar choice, as with other Lexus cars as well.

Part of the answer may lie in how Lexus goes about its business. There is no badge bravado here and no attempt to overwhelm you with performance stats or gimmicky tech. Instead, what you get is a deeply considered luxury SUV that prioritises long-term ownership satisfaction. Maintenance costs are relatively reasonable for the segment and reliability is almost a given; after all, this is Toyota DNA at work. Furthermore, the strong-hybrid powertrain delivers fuel efficiency that its petrol-only rivals cannot match.

It may not appeal to buyers chasing outright performance or bragging rights, but for those who value comfort, reliability and long-term peace of mind, the RX 350h makes a compelling case. Add to that with its strong fuel efficiency, relatively sensible ownership costs and a design that stands apart from the usual luxury SUV crowd, it’s hard to ignore just how complete this package is, even at a price tag of ₹89.99 lakh (ex-showroom). In a market obsessed with obvious choices, the Lexus RX 350h remains a brilliant alternative that deserves far more attention than it currently gets.

© Motoring World

Published on February 13, 2026