A new Lexus hybrid car can be a great way to get yourself into something that serves up a luxury experience without excessive fuel, servicing or VED costs. Lexus hybrids aren’t just comfortable and efficient, either; browse lists of best hybrid cars and Lexus will pop up regularly, with its cars being praised further for their excellent equipment, dealer support, reliability and quality.
Lexus, like sister brand Toyota, also employs what’s known as strong or full hybrid technology, as opposed to the common and less capable mild hybrid technology. The Lexus self-charging hybrid system allows the cars to travel for a short distance on electric power alone, giving owners a taste of the EV lifestyle and further improving the car’s efficiency. Driven sensibly, and in the right conditions, a Lexus can potentially spend a lot of time relying more on its electric motor than on its internal combustion engine.
Although hybrid systems are quite complicated, Lexus has been using them since the launch of the RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV in 2005. It’s since used the system in saloons, hatchbacks, coupes and other popular hybrid SUVs, and introduced its first plug-in hybrid system in 2022, in the NX 450h+. The brand has a superb reputation for reliability and, given its history, any hybrid Lexus should be a reliable car.
Lexus continues to offer its hybrid technology in several different models, including the highly regarded Lexus RX SUV and the remarkable Lexus LC coupe. If you’re shopping for a new hybrid and are tempted by a Lexus, check out our guide on which ones to make a beeline for.
The best Lexus hybrid cars
Premium mid-sized SUV is a great BMW X3 alternative
But, truth be told, an SUV buyer would be doing themselves a disservice if they didn’t at least consider the Lexus NX. It’s built to an extremely high standard, very reliable, packed to the nines with tech and effortless to own and drive. Like many Lexus models, it doesn’t serve up much in the way of outright handling- or performance-related excitement – but that might not be what you want, and you might place more weight in its other benefits. In any case, try to at least have a look around a Lexus NX hybrid if you want a compact premium SUV.
Read our full Lexus NX review
Pros
- Relaxing to be in and drive
- Modern infotainment system
- Excellent build quality
Cons
- Not that exciting
- Styling isn’t that different from the old one
Lexus RX
New SUV packs stacks of tech into a classy and practical frame
And even though it’s far less costly than some rivals, Lexus doesn’t skimp on kit; the mid-grade trim, for example, comes with features such as ventilated front seats, a panoramic surround-view camera, a head-up display and a battery of advanced driver aids and safety features. Buyers can also pick from three hybrid systems, including a plug-in hybrid model and the range-topping turbocharged RX 500h hybrid.
Read our full Lexus RX review
Pros
- Masses of advanced tech and driver aids
- Extremely refined interior
- Clever hybrid system and plug-in option
Cons
- Enthusiasts will find it dull to drive
- PHEV range is lacking compared to rivals
Lexus UX
Compact Lexus SUV makes for a distinctive choice
Like all Lexus cars, it has a superbly designed interior that’s comfortable and refined – and it’s similarly interesting, and finished to a high standard, outside as well. The hybrid UX is also economical, easy to drive and stress-free to own, and the option of all-wheel drive might make it even more appealing to some. Downsides? It’s not that interesting to drive and practicality isn’t its strong suit.
Read our full Lexus UX review
Pros
- Economical hybrid powertrain
- Impressive quality, inside and out
- More interesting than rival options
Cons
- Can only seat four adults in comfort
- Boot is smaller than rival offerings
Lexus ES
Luxury Lexus saloon is ideal for those seeking comfort and peace
While it doesn’t involve the driver as much as competitors such as the aforementioned BMW or Jaguar XE, what it does offer is high-class comfort and refinement. For some, that might be exactly what they want out of their premium saloon. The ES is also competitively priced and it comes with plenty of kit, making it even easier to justify.
Read our full Lexus ES review
Pros
- Eye-catching exterior styling
- Refined, neatly finished interior
- Excellent cruising manners
Cons
- Interior design is a bit busy
- Interior design is a bit busy
Lexus LC
Jaw-dropping Lexus LC is a sublime hybrid coupe
The subtle nature of the two-door, four-seat Lexus also makes it the ideal antidote to many of the more aggressively styled modern GT cars. It’s no slouch, either; its 3.5-litre petrol V6 and advanced hybrid drivetrain put out a total of 359hp and allow for 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds. It also handles well and comes with an extensive list of high-end features as standard, making it even more compelling and helping it deliver a true luxury GT experience.
Read our full Lexus LC review
Pros
- Stunning coupe styling with four seats
- Great standard equipment and performance
- Very comfortable, even on longer trips
Cons
- Boot and rear seats are tight
- Hybrid not as thrilling as the V8
Why should I buy a Lexus hybrid?
Lexus has a long history of making high-quality cars that are very reliable, so they’re always a good choice if you want something that’s going to be straightforward to own. The brand has long focused on customer service, too, so a Lexus could be a good option if you’ve previously been disappointed by the dealership experience offered by other brands.
More to the point, Lexus focuses on making cars that are designed to offer supreme comfort and refinement. If you’ve driven some competitor cars and found them too noisy, too harsh, or too aggressive, or facets such as their seats simply don’t meet your comfort requirements, then a Lexus could be just what you’re looking for. In particular, the Lexus hybrid SUVs often make for compelling and more comfortable alternatives to the mainstream offerings.
The hybrid system offered by Lexus also allows their cars to be efficient and capable of a modicum of all-electric operation, allowing you to sample a little of the EV life without having to deal with charging logistics and hassles. And, if you go for a Lexus plug-in hybrid car, you’ll be able to do your regular trips on electric power alone – helping you further cut your car’s environmental impact and knocking your running costs down.
