2027 Lexus RX Hybrid Performance, Fuel Economy, Towing & Payload
The 2027 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup gives Fresno drivers three electrified powertrains with very different personalities: the efficiency-focused RX 350h, the plug-in RX 450h+, and the turbocharged RX 500h F SPORT Performance. Here is what each one delivers in power, EPA-estimated fuel economy, towing and payload capability.
What Power and Fuel Economy Does the 2027 Lexus RX 350h Deliver?
The 2027 Lexus RX 350h delivers a total system output of 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, with EPA-estimated ratings of 37 mpg city / 34 mpg highway and 36 mpg combined.‡
At the core of the RX 350h is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine paired with electric drive motors, an Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) and a 216-cell nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery mounted below the rear seat. Standard all-wheel drive comes from Lexus E-Four, which places a motor at the rear axle for near-instantaneous drive force in low-grip conditions and under acceleration. Lexus lists a 7.4-second 0-60 mph time, enough for confident highway merging and relaxed city passing.
Drivers cross-shopping the RX 350h for a daily commute usually want to know whether hybrid efficiency holds up at highway speed. The EPA-estimated 34 mpg highway rating sits just three mpg below the EPA-estimated city figure, which reflects how closely this powertrain blends battery and engine output across both kinds of driving. For a deeper look at the numbers, see our RX 350h MPG guide.
‡ EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Cited Source: Lexus USA Newsroom — 2027 Lexus RX powertrain specifications, E-Four and hybrid battery detail | Lexus.com — 2027 RX Hybrid EPA-estimated ratings and 0-60 mph figures
2027 RX Hybrid Powertrain and Efficiency Comparison
All three 2027 RX Hybrid powertrains drive all four wheels, and all three get there differently. The tables below compare output, acceleration and EPA-estimated efficiency across the lineup. This page stays on performance, efficiency and capability; for equipment differences between grades, see our RX Hybrid trims and features breakdown. If you are cross-shopping the segment, our RX vs. Acura MDX comparison covers how the RX measures up.
Powertrain Specifications by Model
| Model | Engine | Total System Horsepower | Total System Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain | 0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 350h AWD | 2.5L Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder hybrid | 246 hp | 233 lb-ft | ECVT | E-Four all-wheel drive | 7.4 seconds |
| RX 450h+ AWD | 2.5L four-cylinder plug-in hybrid | 304 hp | Not published by Lexus | ECVT | E-Four all-wheel drive | 6.2 seconds |
| RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD | 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid | 366 hp | 406 lb-ft | Six-speed automatic | DIRECT4 all-wheel drive | 5.9 seconds |
Lexus publishes a total system torque figure for the RX 350h and RX 500h but not for the RX 450h+, so that cell is left as unpublished rather than filled with an engine-only number that would not be comparable to the other two.
Fuel Economy, Electric Range and Battery Type
| Model | EPA-Estimated MPG‡ | EPA-Estimated MPGe‡ | All-Electric Range | Hybrid Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 350h AWD | 37 city / 34 highway / 36 combined | Not applicable — not a plug-in hybrid | Not applicable — not a plug-in hybrid | Nickel-metal hydride |
| RX 450h+ AWD | 35 combined once electric range is depleted | 85 combined | 38 miles | 18.1-kWh lithium-ion |
| RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD | 27 city / 28 highway / 27 combined | Not applicable — not a plug-in hybrid | Not applicable — not a plug-in hybrid | Nickel-metal hydride |
‡ EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Cited Source: Lexus USA Newsroom — 2027 Lexus RX powertrain output and electric range | Lexus.com — 2027 RX EPA-estimated ratings and 0-60 mph figures by powertrain | Lexus RX technical specification sheet — hybrid battery type, capacity and system torque publication | Cars.com 2027 Lexus RX powertrain summary — transmission type by powertrain
2027 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance Specifications
The 2027 Lexus RX 500h F SPORT Performance delivers 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque from a 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain paired with DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with EPA-estimated ratings of 27 mpg city / 28 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined.‡
How DIRECT4 All-Wheel Drive Works
Unlike hybrid systems tuned purely for economy, the RX 500h places an electric motor between the turbocharged engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, with an 80-kW rear eAxle combining inverter and motor to drive the rear wheels. DIRECT4 reads wheel speed, acceleration and steering angle to shift front-to-rear drive force anywhere between 100:0 and 20:80 within milliseconds, which steadies the vehicle through corners and under hard launches.
Chassis, Brakes and Rear Steering
Chassis hardware follows suit. Opposed six-piston aluminum front brake calipers clamp 15.74-inch front rotors, and exclusive 21-inch wheels wear a bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport compound. Available Adaptive Variable Suspension adjusts damping force to driving conditions, and available Dynamic Rear Steering turns the rear wheels up to four degrees, in phase with the front wheels for high-speed stability and counter-phase for low-speed maneuverability. For 2027, red front and rear brake calipers are a new option on the F SPORT Performance grade.
‡ EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Cited Source: Lexus USA Newsroom — 2027 Lexus RX powertrain, braking, suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering and new caliper option | Lexus.com — 2027 RX DIRECT4 drive force distribution and 0-60 mph figure
How Much Can the 2027 Lexus RX Hybrid Tow and Carry?
Towing Capacity and Required Equipment
Properly equipped, the 2027 Lexus RX 350h and RX 500h F SPORT Performance are rated to tow up to 3,500 lbs.§
That rating comes with the available Kick Sensor with Tow Package, which pairs a power rear door with kick sensor, the 3,500-lb towing capacity and a tow hitch receiver. Lexus lists the package across the Premium, Premium+, Luxury, F SPORT Design and F SPORT Performance grades, and notes that it is not available on select plug-in hybrid models, so confirm availability on a specific RX 450h+ before planning to tow with one.
At 3,500 lbs, the RX Hybrid handles the equipment luxury-crossover owners most often pull:
Single-axle utility trailers carrying landscape equipment or motorcycles
Personal watercraft or small aluminum fishing boats on single-axle trailers
Lightweight teardrop campers or pop-up tent trailers
Hitch-mounted bike racks and enclosed cargo carriers
The instant low-end torque of the electric drive motors helps the RX get a loaded trailer moving from a standstill or on an incline.
Towing and Weight Ratings by Model
| Model | Maximum Towing§ | Tow Package Availability | Curb Weight | Gross Vehicle Weight Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX 350h AWD | 3,500 lbs properly equipped | Available | 4,480 lbs | 5,750 lbs |
| RX 450h+ AWD | Confirm availability per vehicle | Not available on select plug-in hybrid models | 4,810 lbs | 5,995 lbs |
| RX 500h F SPORT Performance AWD | 3,500 lbs properly equipped | Available | 4,750 lbs | 5,995 lbs |
What Is the Payload Capacity of the 2027 Lexus RX Hybrid?
Lexus does not publish a payload rating for the RX Hybrid. What published spec data does give you is the pair of numbers above: curb weight and gross vehicle weight rating. The gap between them is the weight budget that passengers, cargo and trailer tongue weight all share on any given trip.
The figure that governs your specific vehicle is printed on the label inside the driver’s door jamb, which lists the gross vehicle weight rating along with the front and rear axle ratings for that exact build. Equipment, grade and installed accessories all move it, so check the label rather than a published average before loading up.§
§ Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Cited Source: Lexus.com — 2027 RX Hybrid available packages and towing capacity | Kelley Blue Book 2027 Lexus RX 350h and RX 450h+ specifications — curb weight and gross vehicle weight rating | iSeeCars Lexus RX 500h specifications — RX 500h curb weight and weight rating
2027 Lexus RX 450h+ Plug-In Hybrid Range and Charging
Electric Range and Efficiency
The 2027 Lexus RX 450h+ produces 304 hp total system output and carries an EPA-estimated 38 miles of all-electric driving range alongside an EPA-estimated 85 MPGe combined rating.‡ Once the electric range is depleted, it operates as a conventional hybrid rated at an EPA-estimated 35 mpg combined.‡
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine works with front and rear electric motors and an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery, and Lexus estimates 6.2 seconds from zero to 60 mph.
Charging the RX 450h+ at Home
The standard 6.6-kW onboard charger fills the battery in approximately two and a half hours on a 240-volt connection under ideal conditions, and every RX 450h+ includes a dual-voltage charging cable for 120V and 240V outlets plus a J1772 socket for home and public charging.
For owners near Visalia running local errands, 38 miles of electric range covers a great deal of daily driving without using gasoline, while the hybrid system removes range anxiety on a weekend run toward the Sierra Nevada. Browse our RX plug-in hybrid inventory to see which 450h+ grades are in stock.
‡ EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
Cited Source: Lexus USA Newsroom — 2027 RX 450h+ electric range, MPGe, charging hardware and acceleration figures | Lexus RX technical specification sheet — battery type and capacity
Frequently Asked Questions About 2027 Lexus RX Hybrid Performance
Does the 2027 Lexus RX Hybrid require premium fuel?
It depends on the powertrain. Lexus recommends 91-octane premium unleaded for optimum performance in the RX 350h and RX 450h+ but permits 87-octane regular unleaded. The turbocharged RX 500h F SPORT Performance requires premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher.
Cited Source: Lexus owner’s manual fuel grade guidance for the RX 350h, RX 450h+ and RX 500h
Test Drive the 2027 Lexus RX Hybrid at Fresno Lexus
Fresno Lexus serves drivers across Fresno, Clovis, Madera, Selma and Visalia, and the quickest way to tell these three powertrains apart is from the driver’s seat. Visit us at 7201 N Palm Ave, Fresno, CA 93711, or call our sales team at (559) 396-3778 to check availability on a specific RX 350h, RX 450h+ or RX 500h F SPORT Performance.
Disclaimers
‡ EPA-estimated fuel economy figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, how you drive and maintain your vehicle, battery age/condition, and other factors.
§ Maximum towing and payload capacity figures are based on properly equipped vehicles and vary by configuration. Do not exceed any weight rating. See your owner’s manual and the vehicle’s door-jamb label for specific capacities.
Cited Sources
- Lexus USA Newsroom — 2027 Lexus RX powertrain specifications and output, E-Four and hybrid battery detail, RX 450h+ electric range and charging hardware, braking, suspension, Dynamic Rear Steering and new brake caliper option, acceleration figures
- Lexus.com — RX Hybrid model page — 2027 RX Hybrid EPA-estimated ratings, 0-60 mph figures, available packages and towing capacity
- Lexus.com — RX model page — 2027 RX EPA-estimated ratings and 0-60 mph figures by powertrain, DIRECT4 drive force distribution
- Lexus RX technical specification sheet — hybrid battery type and capacity, total system torque publication
- Lexus owner’s manual fuel grade guidance for the RX 350h, RX 450h+ and RX 500h — recommended and required octane by powertrain
- Cars.com 2027 Lexus RX powertrain summary — transmission type by powertrain
- Kelley Blue Book 2027 Lexus RX 350h and RX 450h+ specifications — curb weight and gross vehicle weight rating
- iSeeCars Lexus RX 500h specifications — RX 500h curb weight and weight rating