Genesis needs to be benchmarked..Lexus RX350 AWD Hybrid
Jul 21, 2025
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In response, Genesis has declared a hybrid development and is currently engaged in last-minute development. Toyota, which first mass-produced hybrid powertrains, is also applying hybrid powertrains to all models for its luxury brand Lexus. Autoblog, an overseas automobile media outlet, test-drive the new RX350.
The test vehicle is a 2025 Lexus RX 350h F-Sport AWD model. There are many AWD hybrid SUVs to choose from.So why is the Lexus RX 350h worth the high extra cost.
There are quite a few AWD hybrid SUVs that consumers can choose from. Almost all manufacturers sell hybrid SUVs at various price points.
The Toyota Rav4 and the Hylander are the most popular AWD hybrid SUVs in North America.I remember being able to see it easily in the San Francisco area.And there's a good reason why these cars are so popular.
This is because it offers a variety of options at a flexible price point. The highest price of both RAV4 and Crown Signia is about 65.1 million won. Why is the 2025 Lexus RX 350h F-Sport AWD more valuable than these two options.In particular, it is even more worrisome considering that the recommended consumer is about 79.6 million won.
After using Lexus for a week, it became clear several reasons to choose Lexus over Lab4 or Crown Signia.Let me see if the RX 350h is worth the extra cost.The exterior design is definitely worth it.
Luxus does not try to hide Toyota's roots like Genesis hides Hyundai's.In terms of style, I feel like I want to look like a completely different company that makes the most of Toyota's technology.
For example, Lexus RX shares the same platform and hybrid powertrain as Toyota Crown Signia.Style and interior design are completely different.
As someone who values basic driving performance and appearance, we prefer Lexus' appearance to Toyota.Both cars have similar grill designs, but headlights, wheel designs, and colors all look more luxurious.
I quite dislike interior design without personality. In the case of Lexus, the black interior is regrettable. Leather adds a pleasant feeling and scent to the interior of the vehicle.Without contrasting stitches, the all-black interior quickly feels boring.That's how RX felt at first.
Luxus offers a variety of colors instead. Rioja red with dark graphite accent trimming or creamy tan leather with ash snakebou accent. The red leather, which will add a unique and attractive feel to the luxurious Lexus, is attractive.
The interior layout looks good and is familiar.The only complaint was the position of the engine start/stop button.It wasn't on the right side of the steering wheel, it was on the far left top of the default 9.8-inch or optional 14-inch multimedia screen.This is not a disadvantage, it only takes a few days to get used to.
I prefer a more open interior, so it took me a while to get used to the low seat position of the sporty Lexus RX.However, with a small adjustment to the sheet, I was able to adapt quickly.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a RX 350h of 246 horsepower is combined with a CVT rather than a standard transmission. It achieves a combined fuel economy of more than 12.7 km/l, but the pleasure of driving can be reduced.
But when I switch to sports mode, I can't believe it's CVT.It showed amazing performance.There is no electronic adjustment suspension, but it was not required for RX.The ride was neither too soft nor too hard.The feedback was adequate and the shock absorption power of the road was good.
AWD has added more powerful power to the vehicle. When starting from standstill, Lexus started surprisingly agile and remained stable even at acceleration.It was almost the same size as Crown Signia, so there was enough space for the whole family to ride.
The car seats of two toddlers fit perfectly, and it was very simple to install them.The bottom anchor was easy to find and required minimal effort to secure the buckle.Cargo space was enough for a family of two or three, and there was plenty of room for a stroller and diaper bag.
It was also really nice to be able to easily adjust the rear thermostat on the main media screen.The weather was pretty hot when I reviewed Lexus. I was able to set the fan speed and temperature so I was able to stay really cool.
There was no need to worry about how hot the children would be. Both children liked the wide rear window and the wide panoramic sunroof.
The second row is also a perfect space for adults. There is enough leg space for tall people to sit down. It has a charging port, an air conditioning system that can be adjusted on both sides, a cup holder, and an armrest with an additional cup holder folded in the middle seat.
There is no inconvenience at all even if you sit in the back seat during a long trip. Lexus RX has too many options.Gasoline vehicles, high-performance SUVs with turbocharger engines, general hybrids, high-performance hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and even high-performance plug-in hybrids.Additionally, there is also a blackout package option.
The prices vary considerably thanks to the wide range of options as well.The general RX 350 ranges from $50,475 (about 69.9 million won) to the RX 350h Luxury from $63,270 (about 87.7 million won). Considering its size and options, it's more like a family SUV. Compared to other luxury SUVs of similar size, the price difference is not large.
The value of the 2025 Lexus RX 350h F-Sport AWD depends on how important the brand is to the person picking the car.Lexus is currently one of the most reliable brands.
It is consistently recognized in North America because it is based on Toyota.Toyota is known for its hybrid technology and reliability. It is not surprising that the two brands are always competing for the top spot on the reliability chart.
Buying a Lexus can be a great decision. However, in the current economic situation, the same technology is applied to Crown Signia and Raab 4. It's a concern to pay more because of the brand Lexus.But if you want a car that has the best luxury and reliability, the Lexus RX 350h is just that.
Luxus is the only brand that offers all-vehicle hybrids from premium brands. It is also steadily popular in Korea. As the Genesis brand is one step behind, it seems that it needs to apply more upgraded hybrid technology.
Editor Song Moon-cheol mc.song@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
