For buyers in Orange County, Lexus of Westminster has every version of the 2026 Lexus RX, a fairly large, luxurious SUV. You can get it in thirteen different trims and with one of four engines: a turbocharged gasoline engine, a standard hybrid, a plug-in hybrid (one you can charge), or a hybrid focused on stronger performance. This information will go through each trim level, the kinds of engines available, gas mileage estimates, and a comparison of the RX to the other vehicles it’s most often compared to.
Quick Facts: 2026 Lexus RX at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Trims | 13 trims across 4 powertrain families |
| Seating | 5 passengers (all trims) |
| RX 350 fuel economy | ~24–26 mpg combined (2.4L turbo I-4) |
| RX 350h fuel economy | ~36–37 mpg combined (conventional hybrid) |
| RX 450h+ fuel economy | 35+ mpg combined + EV-only range (PHEV) |
| RX 500h fuel economy | ~27–29 mpg combined (performance hybrid) |
| Drivetrain | AWD standard on all hybrid trims; FWD standard / AWD available on RX 350 |
| HOV lane eligibility | RX 450h+ qualifies for California HOV lane access |
| Starting price | Contact Lexus of Westminster for current pricing |
Key takeaway: The 2026 RX offers more powertrain variety than any other luxury midsize SUV in its class — four configurations ranging from a turbocharged gas engine to a 27–29 mpg performance hybrid.
What Is the 2026 Lexus RX?
The 2026 Lexus RX is a five-seater, a fairly big, fancy SUV and it’s built using Lexus’s TNGA-K system. It really stands out from other similar vehicles because most of the RX versions are electrically powered; in fact three of the four engine types are either hybrid or plug-in hybrid, plus all of them have four-wheel drive. Within the family of Lexus SUVs, the RX is positioned between the more compact Lexus NX and the Lexus TX which has seating for three rows.
2026 Lexus RX Trims & Pricing
You can get the 2026 RX with four different engines, and within each of those, you move from comfortably fancy versions to ones built for great handling on a racing circuit. Prices are based on what Lexus is offering from the factory right now, so get in touch with Lexus of Westminster (by going to /contact-us/) for the precise prices at their dealership and to hear about any deals they have going on.
| Trim | Powertrain Family | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| RX 350 | Turbo Gas | Entry into the RX lineup; most affordable price point; FWD or AWD |
| RX 350 Premium | Turbo Gas | Added comfort and tech features over the base RX 350 |
| RX 350 Luxury | Turbo Gas | Upscale interior appointments; comfort-focused buyers |
| RX 350 F SPORT Handling | Turbo Gas | Sport-tuned suspension; aggressive styling without powertrain upgrade |
| RX 350 F SPORT Performance | Turbo Gas | Sportiest non-hybrid RX; upgraded hardware and engine tuning |
| RX 350h | Conventional Hybrid | ~36–37 mpg combined; never needs plugging in; AWD standard |
| RX 350h Premium | Conventional Hybrid | Hybrid efficiency plus additional comfort and tech features |
| RX 350h Luxury | Conventional Hybrid | Premium cabin with hybrid drivetrain; top hybrid comfort choice |
| RX 350h F SPORT Handling | Conventional Hybrid | Sport-tuned hybrid; dynamic styling with 36–37 mpg efficiency |
| RX 450h+ | Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) | EV-only range for daily commutes; 35+ mpg as hybrid; HOV-lane eligible |
| RX 450h+ Premium | Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) | PHEV capability with enhanced features and plug-in efficiency |
| RX 450h+ F SPORT Handling | Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) | Sport exterior with PHEV powertrain; HOV-lane eligible |
| RX 500h F SPORT Performance | Performance Hybrid | Most powerful RX; ~27–29 mpg combined; sport seats and upgraded brakes |
Powertrains: Four Ways to Drive the 2026 RX
RX 350 — Turbocharged Gas (24–26 mpg combined)
The 2026 RX 350 uses a 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 available in FWD or AWD. Fuel economy is approximately 24–26 mpg combined. It is the lowest-priced entry point into the 2026 RX lineup and the only configuration where front-wheel drive is the standard drivetrain choice.
RX 350h — Standard Hybrid (36–37 mpg combined)
With the 2026 RX 350h, a 2.5 litre four-cylinder engine is combined with electric motors and it’s predicted to achieve 36 or 37 miles per gallon overall – about 40 to 50 percent better gas mileage than the standard RX 350. All wheel drive comes as standard. You don’t have to plug this hybrid in to charge it; the battery refills itself using the engine and when you slow down (regenerative braking).
For those in Westminster stuck in the lengthy delays on the 405, the amount of money you’ll save on petrol will eventually make up for the higher price of the 350h and you carry on filling up as you always have.
RX 450h+ — Plug-In Hybrid (35+ mpg combined + EV range)
The 2026 RX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that’s based on the 2.5L hybrid system of the 350h. However, it has a bigger battery, meaning you can drive it on electric power only for your usual trips to and from work. When the battery is empty, it then works like a normal hybrid, giving you over 35 miles per gallon combined.
And a really helpful benefit is that the RX 450h+ allows you to use the carpool lane on California highways. If you drive on the 22 or 405 in Orange County, for example, just that can make a big difference to your commute. All wheel drive is included as a standard feature.
RX 500h F SPORT Performance — Performance Hybrid (27–29 mpg combined)
The 2026 RX 500h F SPORT Performance uses a 2.4 liter turbocharged hybrid engine and is actually the strongest engine available for the RX. You can expect around 27 to 29 miles per gallon overall. It also has the quickest acceleration of any RX, a suspension designed for a sportier drive, better brakes, and F SPORT seats that hold you in place. All wheel drive is included with this model as a standard feature.
F SPORT Handling vs. F SPORT Performance: What’s the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions shoppers ask at our Westminster showroom:
- F SPORT Handling trims add sport-tuned suspension, unique exterior styling, and F SPORT interior trim, but retain the standard powertrain of their respective family (gas or hybrid).
- F SPORT Performance is available only on the RX 350 and RX 500h. It adds more aggressive engine tuning, upgraded brakes, and the sportiest seats in the lineup — not just sport aesthetics, but genuine performance hardware.
Both deliver dynamic looks; F SPORT Performance adds measurable performance capability.
How the 2026 Lexus RX Compares to Rivals
Cross-shopping luxury midsize SUVs in Orange County typically comes down to four models. Here’s a direct comparison:
| 2026 Model | Seating | Hybrid Option | Key Difference vs. RX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus RX | 5 | 3 options (hybrid, PHEV, performance hybrid) | Broadest hybrid variety in class; standard AWD on all hybrid trims |
| BMW X5 | 5 | PHEV available | More driver-focused; broader engine range; sportier driving character |
| Mercedes-Benz GLE | 5 (optional 3rd row) | PHEV available | Optional third-row seating; broader AMG performance variants |
| Audi Q7 | 7 | Mild hybrid | Standard three-row seating; Quattro AWD; European design language |
Both the BMW X5 and the Mercedes-AMG GLE are really designed for the person who likes to drive. If seven seats are a must, the Audi Q7 is what most people go for. The Lexus TX, which you can find at our Westminster dealership, is another good option. Then, for a five-seater luxury SUV and the largest variety of ways to go electric, the 2026 RX is in a class of its own.
Driving the 2026 RX in Orange County
The Lexus RX really seems designed for driving around Southern California, and this is most obvious in lots of little details. The good soundproofing in the interior means that even sitting in traffic on the 405 won’t leave you completely exhausted by the time you get home. The RX 350h’s regenerative braking recovers power during the typical slowing down on Orange County freeways, and over a 30 mile trip each day that adds up in a way you won’t find in the technical details.
Plus, if you buy an RX 450h+ in Orange County you can use the carpool lanes in California, and just that benefit can drastically improve your commute on the 22 and 405. During the week it does everyday things in Garden Grove and Santa Ana easily, and on weekends it’s equally comfortable for drives up the Pacific Coast Highway to Newport Beach or Huntington Beach.
If you’re considering something previously owned, our certified and regular used car collections have fairly new RXs.
Why Buy from Lexus of Westminster
Lexus of Westminster is conveniently located just from the 22 and 405 Freeways, so people from Westminster, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, Long Beach, Cerritos, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine and Newport Beach won’t have a terribly long journey to get here. You’ll find details about our opening times and how to find us at hours and directions.
The RX has thirteen different versions (trims) and four types of engines, which can be confusing just reading about! We have RXs in stock with normal gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and high-performance hybrid options. Because of this, you could have an RX 350 Luxury sitting alongside an RX 350h Luxury, or even drive and compare the differences between the F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance versions, all during a single trip to the dealership.
Once you’ve bought your RX, Lexus technicians who have been trained at the factory will be the ones to service it, and they’ll only use original Lexus parts. You can schedule service online, look at our current service specials, or order authentic parts and accessories.
Financing Your 2026 RX
The monthly lease deals on the 2026 RX change depending on Lexus Financial Services’ offers and incentives specifically for Southern California. The money factor, residual value and any ‘sign and drive’ offers are different with each set of offers, so for the most accurate lease details for Westminster, your best bet is to speak to our finance department directly. You can even begin a finance application online to be pre-approved before you come in.
And if you’re deciding based on what your monthly payments will be, you should get a price for the hybrid versions alongside the standard, gasoline RX 350. Hybrids usually keep their value a long time and are more economical, and these points can affect the overall cost in ways that aren’t immediately clear just by looking at the price on the window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 2026 Lexus RX?
The 2026 Lexus RX is a midsize luxury SUV with room for five people. You can choose from thirteen different versions of it, and it’s available with four different types of engine and transmission. The RX 350 has a turbocharged gasoline engine, the RX 350h is a normal hybrid that gets around 36 to 37 miles per gallon in total, the RX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid that you can drive a distance on electricity alone, and the RX 500h F SPORT Performance is a hybrid with a sportier feel and about 27 to 29 mpg overall. Five people can sit comfortably in the RX. The gasoline RX 350 can be front wheel drive or all wheel drive, but all of the hybrid models have all wheel drive included as part of what you get.
What is the starting price of the 2026 Lexus RX near Westminster?
For 2026, the RX 350 is the cheapest way into the lineup, and the price goes up as you choose a hybrid, a plug-in hybrid, or a performance-hybrid model. Because of the way things are being made right now and any deals Lexus of Westminster is offering, get in touch with our team for a precise price for the specific trim and the way you want it set up.
What trim levels does the 2026 Lexus RX come in?
The 2026 RX is offered in 13 trims: RX 350, RX 350 Premium, RX 350 Luxury, RX 350 F SPORT Handling, RX 350 F SPORT Performance, RX 350h, RX 350h Premium, RX 350h Luxury, RX 350h F SPORT Handling, RX 450h+, RX 450h+ Premium, RX 450h+ F SPORT Handling, and RX 500h F SPORT Performance.
Does the 2026 Lexus RX come in a hybrid version?
For 2026, the RX is available with three hybrid systems. The RX 350h is a typical hybrid achieving around 36 to 37 miles per gallon overall, and you don’t have to charge it. The RX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid that can run only on electricity for a certain distance, gives you over 35 mpg when used as a hybrid, and in California, lets you use the carpool lane. Finally, the RX 500h F SPORT Performance is a hybrid that’s been adjusted for better performance, and will get approximately 27 to 29 mpg in combination. All versions of these three hybrids have all-wheel drive as a standard feature.
What’s the difference between the RX 350h and the RX 450h+?
You don’t have to plug in the RX 350h, which is a typical hybrid that gets around 36 or 37 miles per gallon in combination of city and highway driving. It refills its battery as you slow down (that’s regenerative braking) and from the engine. The RX 450h+ is a hybrid you do plug in, and it has a bigger battery. This means you can drive it on electric power only for everyday trips. But after the battery is depleted, it works like a normal hybrid at more than 35 mpg. It’s a more expensive option, and in California, it allows you to use the carpool lanes. Both the RX 350h and RX 450h+ have all-wheel drive as standard.
What’s the difference between F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance?
With F SPORT Handling, you get a suspension designed for sportier driving, a different look on the outside and special interior details, but it uses the engine and all the normal running gear as the other versions of the car. If you choose F SPORT Performance (and you can get this on the RX 350 and RX 500h), it does even more: the engine has been adjusted to be more powerful, the brakes are much better and it has the most sporty seats of all the RXs. Basically, F SPORT Handling is more about how it looks, whereas F SPORT Performance really changes the parts of the car that affect how it drives.
Is the 2026 Lexus RX available with all-wheel drive?
Yes. AWD is standard on every hybrid RX trim: the RX 350h, RX 350h Premium, RX 350h Luxury, RX 350h F SPORT Handling, RX 450h+, RX 450h+ Premium, RX 450h+ F SPORT Handling, and RX 500h F SPORT Performance. On the gas-powered RX 350 family, FWD is standard and AWD is available as an option.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Lexus RX 350?
The 2026 RX 350’s 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 returns approximately 24–26 mpg combined, depending on the FWD or AWD drivetrain choice. It is the most affordable powertrain in the RX lineup and delivers strong off-the-line performance without a hybrid premium.
How does the 2026 Lexus RX compare to the BMW X5?
The BMW X5 is geared towards people who like to drive, offering a lot of different engine options and handling that feels very responsive. The 2026 Lexus RX is different, concentrating instead on how comfortable the ride is, how quiet the inside is, and getting good mileage with its hybrid system. Importantly, Lexus has a plug-in hybrid (the RX 450h+) which the BMW X5 doesn’t have a comparable version of in this class of vehicle.
Considering how long you’ll have the car, Lexus’s many hybrid possibilities and their known history of lasting a long time are the things that really distinguish the RX from the X5.
Does the 2026 Lexus RX qualify for California HOV lane access?
Because the RX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), you can use the carpool lane on California highways, and this can actually make your commute shorter on Orange County freeways such as the 22 and the 405. Currently, the RX 350h (a standard hybrid) and the RX 500h F SPORT Performance (a quicker hybrid) don’t allow you to do that according to California’s clean air rules. And when you get one, you should confirm with the California DMV, as the specifics of the program do get updated.
What are the current lease deals on the 2026 Lexus RX in Westminster?
Lexus Financial Services’ deals on leases are different each month, and what’s being offered in incentives throughout Southern California changes too. The interest rate (or ‘money factor’), the car’s predicted value at the end of the lease (the ‘residual value’), and any deals where you just sign and drive are all things that shift, so you really should double-check the details as they are now. Either phone Lexus of Westminster, or start your financing request online to get approved in advance of visiting the dealership.
Which Lexus dealership near Westminster has the 2026 RX in stock?
Lexus of Westminster has the 2026 RX in lots of different versions and with various engines. They don’t stay around for long, the RX 350h Luxury and RX 500h F SPORT Performance are particularly in demand. You can look at what new RXs we have listed on our website, or phone the dealership to find out if we have the equipment level and paint shade you’re hoping for in stock.
Can I trade in my current vehicle toward a 2026 RX?
Yes. You can get a preliminary trade value online before visiting, then bring your vehicle in for an in-person appraisal. Trade equity can be applied as a down payment on a purchase or used to lower your lease payment, often improving your monthly figure.
How long is the warranty on the 2026 Lexus RX?
The 2026 RX is covered by Lexus’s standard new-vehicle and powertrain warranties, with extended hybrid system coverage on the RX 350h, RX 450h+, and RX 500h F SPORT Performance. Contact our team for complete warranty terms or ask about additional coverage options when you visit the showroom.
Is the 2026 Lexus RX good for families in Orange County?
For families around Orange County, the 2026 RX is a really good choice. It seats five people comfortably, is a peaceful place to be inside, has loads of space for your stuff, and comes with Lexus Safety System+ included as a basic feature. Lexus of Westminster also has the Lexus TX if you consistently require a third row of seating. However, for a couple or a family with four people, the RX manages to be exactly what you want in terms of space, how comfy it is, and a luxurious feel for driving around Southern California.
Can I schedule a test drive of the 2026 RX at Lexus of Westminster?
Yes. Book a test drive online, call the store, or walk in during business hours. We recommend driving more than one powertrain — for example, an RX 350 alongside an RX 350h — to experience the real-world differences in throttle response and cabin refinement before choosing a configuration.
Does Lexus of Westminster serve customers outside Westminster?
Yes. Our customers come from across Orange County, including Long Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Irvine, Anaheim, Cerritos, Santa Ana, and Garden Grove. Our location near the 22 and 405 freeways makes us a convenient stop for most OC residents.
Ready to Drive the 2026 Lexus RX?
Whether you’re an efficiency-first commuter from Long Beach, a performance enthusiast in Newport Beach, or a family in Westminster shopping for your next luxury SUV, Lexus of Westminster has the 2026 RX configuration that fits.
- Schedule a test drive of any 2026 RX trim
- Browse current 2026 RX inventory at our Westminster showroom
- Contact our team for pricing, financing, or trade-in questions
Visit lexuswestminster.com or stop by the showroom — we’re a short drive from anywhere in Orange County, and we’ll have an RX ready when you arrive.