2026 Lexus RX Buyer's Guide: Understanding 17 Grades Across 4 Powertrains

The 2026 Lexus RX lineup presents Ontario luxury SUV shoppers with an uncommon level of choice. Seventeen distinct configurations span four different powertrains, from traditional turbocharged gasoline to three electrified options including self-charging hybrid, high-performance hybrid, and plug-in hybrid electric. This breadth allows buyers to match their specific needs—whether prioritizing fuel efficiency, dynamic performance, urban practicality, or family space—without compromising on the luxury features and quality craftsmanship Lexus is known for.

Built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada's award-winning Cambridge, Ontario plant, the RX has become one of Canada's most popular luxury SUVs. For Ajax-area shoppers exploring the luxury SUV segment for the first time, understanding how these seventeen grades differ helps narrow the search to vehicles that align with real-world priorities rather than getting lost in the options.

Key Takeaways: RX Lineup at a Glance

Understanding the Four RX Powertrains

The RX lineup divides into four powertrain families, each serving different buyer priorities.

The RX 350 features a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive. This powertrain delivers 275 peak horsepower and up to 317 lb-ft of torque. Four standard configurations plus three F SPORT variants offer choices from entry-level Premium to high-end Executive grades.

The RX 350h uses a self-charging hybrid-electric powertrain that optimizes fuel efficiency without requiring plug-in charging. Eight configurations provide the widest range of choices in the RX family, from the efficiency-focused Premium grade through luxury Executive and sporty F SPORT variants.

The RX 500h employs a high-performance hybrid system generating 367 system horsepower, paired with an E Axle rear differential and four-wheel steering for enhanced dynamics. Three F SPORT Performance configurations focus on sportier driving characteristics while maintaining hybrid efficiency benefits.

The RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid electric powertrain allows electric-only driving for daily commutes while providing gasoline backup for longer trips. Two configurations—the new Ultra Premium and top-tier Executive grades—target buyers who want the flexibility of plug-in capability with luxury amenities.

RX 350: Entry Point to the Lineup

The RX 350 Premium welcomes buyers to the luxury SUV segment. This model includes the Lexus Interface with Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect plus a 9.8-inch display and 12 speakers. Notable features include a 12.3-inch digital multi-information display, seven-inch full digital instrument cluster, 19-inch alloy wheels, a moon roof, heated steering wheel, power back door, heated and ventilated front seats, and a three-zone climate control system.

The RX 350 Luxury builds on the Premium package with several upgrades. The Lexus Interface expands to include Drive Connect plus a larger 14-inch touchscreen display. Grade-specific 21-inch alloy wheels, a 64-colour thematic ambient illumination system, a panoramic moon roof, heated and ventilated second-row seats, and a rear console box enhance comfort and convenience.

The RX 350 Ultra Luxury adds triple beam LED headlamps with the Adaptive High Beam system, a head-up display, an Advanced Touch steering wheel, and a power back door with kick sensor. Safety upgrades include the Panoramic View Monitor with cleaner, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and a digital rear-view mirror.

The RX 350 Executive creates the most luxurious non-F SPORT RX 350 experience. This configuration adds a 21-speaker Mark Levinson Audio System, 21-inch high-alloy wheels, semi-Aniline leather upholstery, 60/40 power folding rear seats, a rear sunshade, four-way adjustable lumbar support for the driver, and the Advanced Park system.

RX 350 F SPORT: Performance-Focused Variants

Three F SPORT grades bring sportier styling and dynamics to the RX 350 lineup.

The RX 350 F SPORT Series 2 introduces F SPORT exclusive details including 21-inch performance alloy wheels, unique grille and bumpers, seven-inch F SPORT digital cluster, and F SPORT leather-wrapped steering wheel with Advanced Touch features. The Lexus Interface upgrades to add Drive Connect plus a 14-inch touchscreen. Adaptive Variable Suspension systems, aluminum sport pedals and trim, panoramic moon roof, 64-colour thematic ambient illumination, heated and ventilated rear seats, and smooth leather upholstery enhance the driving experience.

The RX 350 F SPORT Series 3 upgrades the Series 2 package with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson Audio System, power back door with kick sensor, and triple beam LED headlamps with Adaptive High Beam system. Safety enhancements include Panoramic View Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced Park system, and digital rear-view mirror.

New for 2026, the RX 350 F SPORT Black Line adds distinctive styling to the F SPORT Series 3 package. Exclusive features include a black aero kit, five-spoke wheels with black finish, orange brake calipers, illuminated door sills, grey interior stitching and perforations, plus black F SPORT carpeted floor mats and cargo mats.

RX 350h: Eight Hybrid Configurations

The RX 350h hybrid-electric lineup provides the broadest choice in the RX family, with eight configurations spanning from efficient entry-level to premium executive grades.

The RX 350h Premium introduces the hybrid experience with features matching the RX 350 Premium, adding the fuel efficiency benefits of Lexus hybrid technology. The RX 350h F SPORT Design enhances the Premium package with more aggressive styling including 21-inch F SPORT performance alloys, F SPORT grille and bumpers, and distinctive exterior appearance package and badging.

The RX 350h Luxury enhances the Premium configuration with Drive Connect, a 14-inch touchscreen, unique 21-inch alloy wheels, 64-colour thematic ambient illumination, panoramic moon roof, heated and ventilated rear seats, smooth leather upholstery, rear console box, and digital key.

The RX 350h Ultra Luxury upgrades the Luxury package with triple beam headlamps plus Adaptive High Beam system, head up display, Advanced Touch steering wheel, Panoramic View Monitor with cleaner, power back door with kick sensor, digital rear-view mirror, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Alert, and Front Cross Traffic Alert.

The RX 350h Executive completes the standard hybrid range with upgrades including unique 21-inch high-alloy wheels, 21-speaker Mark Levinson Audio System, semi-Aniline leather upholstery, rear sunshade, power-folding rear seats, 1,500-watt inverter, four-way adjustable lumbar support for the driver, and Advanced Park system.

Two new F SPORT grades join the hybrid lineup for 2026. The RX 350h F SPORT 2 and RX 350h F SPORT 3 bring performance styling and dynamics to the hybrid powertrain, with the Series 3 adding premium technology and safety features similar to the gasoline F SPORT Series 3.

RX 500h: High-Performance Hybrid

Three RX 500h F SPORT Performance grades deliver the highest performance in the RX hybrid lineup.

The RX 500h F SPORT Performance 2 features the 367 system horsepower hybrid-electric system, E Axle rear differential, four-wheel steering, and unique 21-inch F SPORT performance alloys. Additional features include Active Sound Control, power back door with kick sensor, digital rear-view mirror, heated and ventilated front seats, power folding rear seats, and a 3,500-pound towing capacity.

The RX 500h F SPORT Performance 3 builds on the Performance 2 package with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson Audio System, Panoramic View Monitor with cleaner, triple beam headlamps plus Adaptive High Beam system, 1,500-watt inverter, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, and Advanced Park system.

The RX 500h F SPORT Black Line rounds out the RX 500h choices. This limited production model adds distinctive style to the F SPORT Performance 3 package with a black aero kit, exclusive five-spoke wheels with black finish, orange brake calipers, illuminated door sills, grey interior stitching and perforations, plus black F SPORT carpeted floor mats and cargo mats.

RX 450h+: Plug-in Hybrid Flexibility

Two configurations built around the plug-in hybrid electric powertrain provide electric-only driving capability for daily use while maintaining gasoline range for longer trips.

New for 2026, the RX 450h+ Ultra Premium features Lexus Interface with Service Connect, Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Drive Connect plus 14-inch touchscreen and 12 speakers. Additional features include 21-inch high alloy wheels, power tilting/sliding moon roof, Adaptive High Beam system, three-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, driver's seat memory system, heated steering wheel, rear console box, single-colour ambient interior illumination, Auto limited slip differential, shift-by-wire, Active Noise Control, wireless charging dock, digital rear-view mirror, power back door, 1,500-watt inverter, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Change Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert, Parking Support with Brake, Safe Exit Assist with E-Latch, and digital key.

The RX 450h+ Executive enhances the Ultra Premium package with a head up display, Panoramic View Monitor with cleaner, panoramic moon roof, power back door with kick sensor, Advanced Park system, 21-speaker Mark Levinson Audio system, triple beam headlamps, 64-colour thematic ambient illumination, semi-Aniline leather upholstery, four-way driver lumbar support, and heated, ventilated, and power-folding rear seats with rear sunshade.

Design and Engineering

Curbside, every RX expresses sophisticated style through a sleek body design featuring a low, planted stance. Striking LED headlights bracket the bold seamless Lexus signature spindle grille, while a light bar at the rear features a pronounced L-design motif. The surface strongly flares from the rear doors towards the back wheel wells, expressing the powerful traction produced by the RX all-wheel-drive system. A precisely honed character line runs from front to rear, creating an arrow-like profile with the flowing roofline to minimize drag, reduce noise, and enhance stability at higher speeds.

Inside, the RX provides up to five adults with a cabin devoted to comfort in an airy environment with clean, modern design. Elegant details include laser cut wood and 3D embossed materials. Thoughtful design places all instrumentation and controls within natural sight and touch for the driver.

Safety and Technology Across All Models

Every 2026 RX includes Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, a portfolio of active safety technologies. Standard safety systems include Blind Spot Monitor System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, eight airbags, Safe Exit Assist with E-Latch, backup camera with back guide monitor, and tire pressure monitoring system.

The Lexus Interface multimedia system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, and Sirius XM Satellite. The system incorporates a natural language virtual assistant enabling voice-first control for navigation, media, communication, and other vehicle features. All connected services may be controlled from a smartphone equipped with the Lexus App.

Finding Your RX at Lexus of Lakeridge

With seventeen configurations spanning four powertrains, the 2026 Lexus RX lineup offers choices to match different priorities. Whether you're seeking entry-level luxury, maximum fuel efficiency, dynamic performance, or plug-in flexibility, there's an RX configuration designed around your needs. Visit our team at Lexus of Lakeridge in Ajax to explore the full RX lineup and find the grade that fits your lifestyle.