The RX 450h+ proves that luxury, efficiency and mountain-road confidence can comfortably occupy the same lane.
Colorado’s mountain roads have a way of exposing both the strengths and weaknesses of a vehicle. Long grades test powertrains. Tight curves challenge handling. Altitude can sap performance. The 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ AWD handled all three with the confidence expected from one of the luxury brand’s flagship crossover SUVs.
My weekend test drive began in Denver before heading west on Interstate 70 into Jefferson County and the foothills. From Evergreen, I continued to Bergen Park before climbing Juniper Pass, formerly known as Squaw Pass, with stops for photographs at Echo Lake and near the entrance to Mount Blue Sky. The route then descended through Idaho Springs before returning to Denver on I-70.
It proved to be an ideal setting for Lexus’ plug-in hybrid luxury crossover.
Power comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine working in concert with Lexus’ hybrid-electric system to produce a combined 304 horsepower. The continuously variable transmission helps maximize efficiency while the all-wheel-drive system provides confidence when the pavement turns steep, winding, or weather conditions become less than ideal.
Unlike a conventional hybrid, the RX 450h+ can be plugged in and charged, allowing owners to complete many daily errands using electricity before the gasoline engine joins the effort for longer trips. For Colorado drivers, that means the ability to commute during the week while still having the flexibility to head for the mountains on weekends without worrying about charging infrastructure.
The RX’s personality is less about aggressive performance and more about quiet competence. Climbing toward Echo Lake, the hybrid system delivered smooth, effortless acceleration while maintaining the serene cabin environment Lexus buyers have come to expect. The transition between electric and gasoline power was nearly seamless.
Inside, luxury takes center stage.
Semi-aniline leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats provide exceptional comfort, while rear outboard passengers also enjoy heated seating. The panoramic glass roof brightens the cabin and offers expansive views of Colorado’s mountain scenery. A head-up display keeps critical information directly in the driver’s line of sight, and thematic ambient illumination adds a sophisticated touch after sunset.
Technology is equally impressive. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration eliminate cable clutter, while the available Mark Levinson premium audio system transforms the cabin into a rolling concert hall. The available digital rearview mirror and digital key further showcase Lexus’ commitment to blending luxury with innovation.
Safety remains a major focus. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes an extensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, complemented by Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Safe Exit Assist, and Intuitive Parking Assist with automatic braking.
Among the more notable options on this tester were Traffic Jam Assist, Advanced Park with Remote Park capability, a panoramic view monitor, and a power rear liftgate with kick sensor.
What stood out most during the mountain drive wasn’t any single feature. Rather, it was how well everything worked together. The ride remained composed over rough pavement, wind noise was minimal even at interstate speeds, and the hybrid powertrain delivered smooth performance whether cruising through Evergreen or climbing toward the Continental Divide.
The 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ AWD won’t be mistaken for a sports car, nor is it intended to be. Instead, it delivers exactly what many luxury buyers seek: comfort, efficiency, technology, safety, and refinement wrapped in an attractive package that feels equally at home downtown or high in the Rockies.
For Colorado drivers looking to combine luxury SUV practicality with plug-in hybrid efficiency, the RX 450h+ continues to make a compelling case.
Saturday Drive Specs
• Vehicle: 2026 Lexus RX 450h+ AWD
• Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder plug-in hybrid
• Combined Horsepower: 304 hp
• Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
• Fuel Economy: 85 MPGe combined (electric = gasoline), 38-mile all-electric range, after the battery is depleted, 36 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, 35 mpg combined
• 0 to 60: 6.2 seconds
• MSRP: Base $71,860; As tested: $77,869
Notable Features: Panoramic glass roof, Mark Levinson audio, Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, Head-Up Display, Advanced Park, Traffic Jam Assist
As Tested: Premium paint, Technology Package, Convenience Package, Mark Levinson Premium Audio, Advanced Park, Panoramic View Monitor, Digital Rearview Mirror, Digital Key, Power Rear Door with Kick Sensor.
Email: timwjacksoncae@gmail.com
Phone: 303-303-667-3995
The news and editorial staffs of The Denver Post had no role in this postap preparation.
