2026 Lexus RX 350 : The 2026 Lexus RX 350 continues to anchor Lexus’s midsize luxury SUV lineup in the United States, offering a smooth, comfortable, and tech‑rich experience that prioritizes refinement over outright sportiness.
Built in Canada and arriving at U.S. dealerships in late 2025 for the 2026 model year, the RX 350 sits above the hybrid‑heavy RX 350h and plug‑in RX 450h+ as the brand’s primary gas‑powered choice for buyers who want a traditional turbo‑charged engine without electrified complexity.
With a starting price just above $51,000 and seven trim grades, the 2026 RX 350 is positioned as a versatile, five‑passenger luxury SUV that fits well between entry‑level premium crossovers and larger three‑row SUVs.
What’s New for 2026
For 2026, Lexus has kept the RX’s core formula intact while adding small but meaningful updates that enhance convenience and personalization.
Wireless phone charging is now standard across all RX trims, and the F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance grades can now be paired with the Appearance Package, giving sport‑oriented buyers more styling options.
The RX lineup also grows to seven grades—Standard, Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F SPORT Handling, F SPORT Performance, and F SPORT Design—allowing buyers to fine‑tune their mix of luxury, tech, and driving dynamics.
In the U.S., the RX 350 remains front‑wheel drive by default, with all‑wheel drive available for an extra $1,600, while all hybrid RX variants come standard with AWD.
These tweaks may sound modest, but they help Lexus keep the RX competitive against rivals like the BMW X3, Audi Q5, and Mercedes‑Benz GLC without overhauling a formula that has long sold well in North America.
Powertrain, Performance, and Fuel Economy
Under the hood, the 2026 RX 350 uses a turbocharged 2.4‑liter four‑cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb‑ft of torque, mated to an eight‑speed automatic transmission.
Front‑wheel‑drive models are rated at 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined, while AWD versions drop slightly to 21/28/24 mpg.
These figures are respectable for a midsize luxury SUV, though they fall short of the RX 350h and RX 450h+ hybrids, which can reach the mid‑30s in combined fuel economy.
Performance is adequate rather than thrilling: the RX 350 hits 60 mph in the mid‑7‑second range, which is enough for relaxed highway merging and passing but not track‑day urgency.
The suspension tuning prioritizes comfort and isolation, with soft damping and well‑insulated cabin noise that make the RX feel more like a luxury sedan than a sport‑focused SUV.
For buyers who want sharper handling, the F SPORT trims add stiffer springs, adaptive dampers, and unique steering tuning, but the RX still leans toward plushness over point‑and‑shoot dynamics.
Interior Comfort and Luxury Touches
Inside, the 2026 RX 350 continues Lexus’s reputation for high‑quality materials and a serene atmosphere.
Soft leather or synthetic upholstery, real‑metal or wood‑look trim, and layered ambient lighting create a calm, upscale environment that feels more premium than many rivals in the same price bracket.
Rear‑seat space is generous, with enough legroom and headroom to keep adults comfortable on long trips, while the cargo area offers about 29–30 cubic feet behind the rear seats—enough for groceries, luggage, or a set of golf bags.
Higher trims such as Premium+, Luxury, and F SPORT grades add features like heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 21‑speaker Mark Levinson audio system, and advanced climate controls, turning the RX into a genuine rolling lounge.
The central infotainment screen runs Lexus’s latest interface, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over‑the‑air updates that keep the system fresh over time.
Technology, Safety, and Driver Assistance
Technology in the 2026 RX 350 is both comprehensive and easy to use, with a focus on comfort and safety rather than flashy gimmicks.
The dashboard layout centers on a large touchscreen flanked by physical knobs and buttons for climate and audio, reducing the need to dig through menus while driving.
Wireless phone charging, a Wi‑Fi hotspot, and multiple USB‑C ports keep modern gadget‑heavy households connected on the road.
Safety tech is also well covered, with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 standard across the range.
This suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind‑spot monitoring, and rear‑cross‑traffic alert, helping the RX feel secure in both city traffic and highway cruising.
Optional extras such as a surround‑view camera, parking‑assist systems, and a head‑up display further ease parking and maneuvering in tight spaces.
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Pricing, Trims, and Who It’s For
In the U.S., the 2026 RX 350 starts around $51,175 for the FWD Standard trim, with AWD adding $1,600 and higher trims climbing into the mid‑$50,000s and low‑$60,000s.
Fully loaded Luxury or F SPORT models can approach or exceed $70,000 when equipped with premium audio, advanced driver‑assist packages, and other options.
The RX 350 is aimed at buyers who value comfort, quietness, and long‑term reliability over raw performance or aggressive styling.
It appeals to families, empty‑nesters, and professionals who want a spacious, well‑equipped SUV that feels luxurious every day without demanding track‑ready reflexes.
2026 Lexus RX 350
The 2026 Lexus RX 350 remains one of the most balanced choices in the midsize luxury SUV segment, blending smooth turbo‑four performance, a plush ride, and a richly appointed interior in a package that feels both modern and timeless.
With small but thoughtful updates for 2026—standard wireless charging, expanded F SPORT options, and a seven‑grade trim ladder—Lexus keeps the RX competitive without chasing trends it doesn’t need to follow.
For American buyers who want a comfortable, tech‑rich, and dependable luxury SUV that can handle daily commutes, weekend getaways, and family life with equal ease, the 2026 RX 350 is a compelling and well‑rounded option.