It has been awhile since we checked in on the Lexus RX. The venerable CUV got its last redesign a few years ago and was even the hero vehicle for the first round of Wicked tie-ins the company did for the original movie. But while the LX lineup is now in the spotlight for the sequel, the RX is still out to prove that it can continue to be perfect. But is it a few bricks short of completing the perfect yellow brick road?

Light updates keep RX fresh for 2025, introduces Black Line package

The RX is bringing light updates to customers for 2025. The instrument cluster gets a 12.3-inch screen across the entire lineup and the F-Sport Design package makes its way to the RX350 and 350h models. The bulk of the updates though are centered around the introduction of the Black Line package.

We have seen Black Line models appear from time to time on other Lexus models and as seen on those prior entries, the Black Line package here on the RX is purely a design focused package with no discernible upgrades beyond what you already get on the standard F-Sport Performance model. Black Lines (as the name implies) get blacked out accents including package exclusive 21-inch black hued wheels, orange brake calipers, and other minor apperane upgrades.

While the bulk of the updates do little to build on the exterior styling, the lone exception is the Incognito paintwork. It’s a unique shade of gray and if you’re willing to take a risk color wise and choose it, you’ll appreciate its subtle presentation and how it works well with the blacked-out wheels.

The interior is largely carried over and with the exception of the tweaked instrument cluster, the rest of the cabin is largely unchanged from other RX models. This should please most buyers but we still find it interesting that Lexus is still sticking with some rather interesting havits when it comes to options. For instance, the beefier 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system is a $1,260 option which is odd since the 500h is technically the flagship in the family and other flagships have similar high-end audio systems standard. While we’re at it, the heated and cooled rear seats are (you guessed it) optional too versus being standard on the flagship 500h.

Hybrid performance

With the Black Line being an aesthetic upgrade, the raw performance hardware is unchanged with all models being powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that’s paired with two electric motors. The setup produces a combined system output of 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The engine delivers snappy acceleration with 60 mph being vanquished in 5.9 seconds.

The 500h is in a very crowded segment and while the handling is still tailored for comfort versus raw cornering prowess, the powertrain and its raw looks help the CUV stand out from the crowd. A six-speed automatic is carried over with Lexus having said in the past it needed to reduce the amount of gears to help cope with the combined power. Our tester is capable of getting 27 mpg in combined driving but that’s noticeably less than other hybrid equipped members of the RX family.

How much?

Pricing for the Lexus RX 500h starts at $66,850 before fees are applied wih the Black Line package being a $2,500 add-on. Our tester came loaded to the gills with options and when all of them were factored in, the end result was a final as-tested price of just over $73,000.

This pricing is firmly in the flagship territory that Lexus is trying to appeal to but the main problem we have with the 500h is that it’s still making some unusual choices with options. When you move into a range-topper, you expect pretty much everything standard so it’s certainly bewildering to see some of the things on the options list.

But look past the RX’s packaging quirks and you’ll find it’s still a competent luxury CUV. However, the current model is in its third model year and it will be interesting to see what Lexus chooses to do to not only update it, but also how it chooses to approach some of its lingering issues with packaging.