Does Lexus RX have turbo engine?

Yes. The current Lexus RX lineup in the United States includes turbocharged gasoline power in the RX 350, and there is a turbo-hybrid option in the RX 500h. The RX 350h remains a non-turbo hybrid, rounding out the family with efficiency-focused performance.

The question matters because Lexus has diversified the RX lineup beyond a single engine, offering gasoline turbo power, full hybrid variants, and a high-performance hybrid in recent model years. This article breaks down what you can get and what to expect in terms of performance and efficiency.

Current engine options in the RX lineup

Here is a straightforward breakdown of the main engines available in the U.S. market for recent RX models, including which are turbocharged and which are hybrids.

• RX 350 — 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4, delivering about 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Eight-speed automatic transmission; all-wheel drive available.


• RX 350h — Hybrid only; 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle inline-4 paired with electric motors, for a system output around 246 horsepower. No turbo; all-wheel drive available.


• RX 500h — High-performance hybrid; 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 paired with a multi-motor hybrid system, for a combined output around 367 horsepower. Includes the e-Four all-wheel-drive system.

In summary, the RX lineup provides turbocharged gasoline power in the RX 350, adds turbo hybrid capability in the RX 500h, and offers the RX 350h as the efficient non-turbo hybrid option.

Turbo vs. hybrid power: what to weigh

To help you decide which RX powertrain fits your needs, consider how you drive and what you value most in a vehicle’s performance and efficiency.

• Performance emphasis: Turbo models (RX 350 and RX 500h) deliver stronger acceleration and highway passing power. The RX 500h, in particular, pairs turbo power with electric assist for brisk overall performance.


• Efficiency emphasis: The RX 350h focuses on fuel economy and low emissions, using a hybrid setup without a turbo.


• All-wheel-drive and handling: Turbo engines commonly pair with available all-wheel drive; the RX 500h uses an e-Four system for enhanced traction.


• Maintenance and fueling: Turbo-powered trims may have different maintenance considerations and fuel requirements compared with hybrids; consult your dealer for specifics on your region and chosen model year.

In short, if you want turbocharged power, the RX 350 and the turbo-hybrid RX 500h deliver it, while the RX 350h prioritizes efficiency without turbocharging.

What to know when choosing your RX powertrain

Key factors to consider include daily driving needs, your tolerance for premium features, and how important performance is relative to fuel savings. Below are practical takeaways to guide your decision.

• Daily driving: For quick responses in city and highway merging, turbo options offer an edge.


• Fuel economy: If minimizing fuel use is a top priority, the RX 350h is the standout hybrid in the lineup.


• Cost of ownership: Consider the initial price difference between trims, as well as long-term fuel costs and potential maintenance implications of turbo vs hybrid systems.


• Model year variations: Engine options can shift slightly from year to year as Lexus refines its powertrains, so always confirm current specs for the specific model year you’re considering.

Ultimately, your choice should align with how you drive and what you value most in performance and efficiency.

Summary

The Lexus RX offers turbocharged engines in the RX 350 and a turbo-hybrid option in the RX 500h, with the RX 350h providing a non-turbo hybrid alternative focused on efficiency. As of the 2024–2025 model years, turbo power remains a distinct pillar of the RX lineup, alongside hybrid variants that emphasize fuel economy. For the latest specifics, verify the configuration for your target model year at a Lexus dealer or on the official Lexus site.

What kind of engine does a Lexus RX have?

The Lexus RX offers several engine options, including a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 for the standard RX 350, a 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid for the RX 350h, a performance-oriented turbocharged hybrid for the RX 500h, and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain for the RX 450h+. These options provide a range of performance and fuel efficiency, from spirited acceleration to significant fuel savings.
 
Engine options by model

• RX 350: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. 
• RX 350h: 2.5-liter inline-4 hybrid system with a combined 246 net horsepower. 
• RX 500h F SPORT Performance: A performance-tuned hybrid system combining a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-4 with an electric motor, producing a combined 366 horsepower. 
• RX 450h+: A plug-in hybrid system with a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine and an all-electric driving range of 38 miles. 

Key features

• Turbocharged 4-cylinder: The 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 is used in both the standard gas-powered RX 350 and the performance hybrid RX 500h, though the latter has a performance-tuned hybrid system. 
• Hybrid systems: Both the RX 350h and RX 500h are hybrid models, but they use different engine and system setups to achieve different performance goals. 
• Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): The RX 450h+ is a plug-in hybrid that can operate on all-electric power for a significant range before the gas engine engages. 
• Standard vs. Hybrid: The standard RX 350 typically comes with front-wheel drive, while the hybrid models like the RX 350h and RX 500h have all-wheel drive as standard. 

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Which Lexus RX has a turbo engine?

The entry-level edition of the 2025 Lexus RX trims is the RX 350. It's equipped with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive and is highlighted by the following: 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo engine.

Which Lexus SUV has a turbo?

The Lexus LX is the flagship SUV with three rows of roomy comfort. This full-size model is available with a standard ICE engine and a hybrid option. The gas-powered engine is a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 with 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

What is the common problem with Lexus RX 350?

Common problems reported for the Lexus RX 350 include oil leaks, issues with the airbag system (like warning lights), cracking dashboards, and problems with rain sensors. Other common complaints involve battery failures, steering problems, and A/C or electronic system failures.
 
This video explains the common problems of the 3rd generation Lexus RX 350: 55s1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics KnowYouTube · Jul 2, 2021
Engine and mechanical

• Oil leaks: Leaks often occur around the valve cover gaskets or oil pan. Some models have also reported a more serious issue with the oil line to the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system. 
• Steering issues: Problems are sometimes linked to leaking power steering fluid. 
• Transmission issues: Some models have reported problems with shifting, gear changes, or transmission fluid leaks. 

Electrical and electronic 

• Battery failure: Premature battery failure has been reported, sometimes leading to starting issues. 
• Airbag problems: Illuminated airbag warning lights, sometimes with specific error codes, are a reported issue. 
• Rain sensors: Defective or malfunctioning rain sensors are a recurring complaint, especially in certain model years. 
• Electronic system failures: Other electronic systems can fail, including issues with the A/C amplifier. 

Interior and exterior

• Cracking dashboards: This was more common in older models. While not directly a safety issue, a cracked dashboard can potentially affect the airbag system, and repairs can be difficult to source. 
• Rattling doors: Some owners have experienced this noise from the doors. 
• Excessive wind noise: Some models have been reported to have excessive wind noise at higher speeds. 

Other

• Check engine light: This can appear with codes related to the Variable Valve Timing system.
• Interior noises: Rattling or squeaking noises inside the cabin are a sometimes-reported issue. 

This video discusses the common complaints about the 2023-2024 Lexus RX: 1mLSFTYouTube · Oct 11, 2024