5th Generation RX Discussion: Official Thread (RX 500h, 450h+, 350h and More)

[sl0519]

View attachment 10272

“An article about the behind-the-scenes of the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, where the Lexus RX MORIZO RR was not revealed to be under development...

The newly developed 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo engine with a system output of 600 horsepower is the high-performance 4WD model that will be the successor to the F model, the MORIZO RR.

We may find out the truth behind this after the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon!!”

It's a shame they're not making any new inline 6s... I'd rather have the power drop to 500hp if it means getting that silky smooth feel and sweet exhaust note. A missed opportunity...but I guess it's better than nothing lol.

 

[bogglo]

A win win position is to believe it won't happen

 

[ssun30]

The least reliable European brands won't build a 300PS/L road car engine. The closest is Ferrari F80 with its 900PS 3.0L V6 but that's a hypercar. Mag X must be high when they claim numbers like this.

 

[carguy420]

The least reliable European brands won't build a 300PS/L road car engine. The closest is Ferrari F80 with its 900PS 3.0L V6 but that's a hypercar. Mag X must be high when they claim numbers like this.

Mag X probably feeling that their bank account is running a little too dry from themselves not vomiting out all sorts of rumours for a while now.

 

[mikeavelli]

View attachment 10272

“An article about the behind-the-scenes of the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon, where the Lexus RX MORIZO RR was not revealed to be under development...

The newly developed 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbo engine with a system output of 600 horsepower is the high-performance 4WD model that will be the successor to the F model, the MORIZO RR.

We may find out the truth behind this after the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon!!”

Interesting.. i guess we will see..
Honestly i’m liking the new M5 more and more at least they said give em the V-8.

 

[maiaramdan]

Mag X probably feeling that their bank account is running a little too dry from themselves not vomiting out all sorts of rumours for a while now.

With an electric motor/s assistant and battery, it can reach those numbers easily

 

[ssun30]

With an electric motor/s assistant and battery, it can reach those numbers easily

Their latest eAxle is only rated at 165kW/225PS. For a total 441kW/600PS output they would have to send 276kW/375PS to the front wheels. The power split will be at best 62.5:37.5 so it would be heavily front-biased so it will have all the problems with high power FWD cars.

They could add mechanical AWD on top of a coaxial P4 eAxle in the rear, similar to Mercedes E Performance system. But their current P2+P4 eAWD system is already very heavy (RX500h weighs 2155kg, only 25kg lighter than the RX450h+ PHEV) and they would need to add another 200+kg. Of course the standard today is ignoring weight but the production cost and time will be out of control. Mercedes delayed deliveries of the S63 E Performance by over 2 years due to manufacturing complexities and they had to bring back the pure ICE GT63 S to partially replace GT63 E Performance.

So there are five outcomes:
1) An affordable 400PS class ICEV but only with FSP level performance, not full F or "Morizo RR" (whatever that means).
2) A 450PS class pure eAWD PHEV with ~50:50 power split that has reasonable cost and good drivability.
3) A 600PS class pure eAWD PHEV with bad drivability.
4) A 600PS class mechanical+eAWD PHEV that cost at least 20% more than scenario 3.
5) A 600PS class ICEV that will break down after 20000km.

IMO scenario 1 actually makes the most sense. They can add a P0 mild hybrid system if they want to claim 100% electrification in their lineup. I won't complain if it replaces RX500h "FSP" at a lower price point.

 

[sl0519]

Their latest eAxle is only rated at 165kW/225PS. For a total 441kW/600PS output they would have to send 276kW/375PS to the front wheels. The power split will be at best 62.5:37.5 so it would be heavily front-biased so it will have all the problems with high power FWD cars.

They could add mechanical AWD on top of a coaxial P4 eAxle in the rear, similar to Mercedes E Performance system. But their current P2+P4 eAWD system is already very heavy (RX500h weighs 2155kg, only 25kg lighter than the RX450h+ PHEV) and they would need to add another 200+kg. Of course the standard today is ignoring weight but the production cost and time will be out of control. Mercedes delayed deliveries of the S63 E Performance by over 2 years due to manufacturing complexities and they had to bring back the pure ICE GT63 S to partially replace GT63 E Performance.

So there are five outcomes:
1) An affordable 400PS class ICEV but only with FSP level performance, not full F or "Morizo RR" (whatever that means).
2) A 450PS class pure eAWD PHEV with ~50:50 power split that has reasonable cost and good drivability.
3) A 600PS class pure eAWD PHEV with bad drivability.
4) A 600PS class mechanical+eAWD PHEV that cost at least 20% more than scenario 1.
5) A 600PS class ICEV that will break down after 20000km.

IMO scenario 1 actually makes the most sense. They can add a P0 mild hybrid system if they want to claim 100% electrification in their lineup. I won't complain if it replaces RX500h "FSP" at a lower price point.

Well, this is all their fault for not making the LF-1 Limitless. Had they actually brought it to production, they wouldn’t be stuck in this awkward predicament. My guess? It’s either not gonna have enough power or drive like a pig.

 

[Kelvin2020]

• A new Lexus RX variant called MORIZO-RR is under development.
• It will feature a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo hybrid system, aiming for an output of 600ps.
• This high-performance SUV is currently undergoing testing at Nürburgring.
• The engine is derived from the G20 Crown’s 2.4L turbo hybrid unit (which produces 349ps), but significantly enhanced.
• The platform will be GA-K, and the drivetrain is AWD.
• This version is expected to take over as Lexus’s top-tier performance SUV, replacing current F SPORT Performance variants.

• Due to lower-than-expected BEV adoption, Toyota is shifting its strategy back to hybrids and PHEVs.
• The next-generation Lexus RX will focus on PHEV models instead of full EVs.
• The current RX sells about 17,800 units/year in Japan, and 118,000 units/year in the U.S..
• Though still in its current generation, development of the next-gen RX has already started.
• Expected to adopt the updated TNGA platform, with improvements in powertrains, battery tech, and body rigidity.
• Performance specs expected to exceed 400ps for HEV versions.

 

[CRSKTN]

SPY TOYOTA SCOOP

Next-generation

Give up the plan for full electrification

Plug-in HEVs will be the focus

Lexus RX

The next-generation Lexus RX will be a component, and will differ from the e-TNGA platform, which is designed for full electrification and is exclusive to BEVs. The current RX has already achieved a plug-in HEV with an engine in the front nose and a large-capacity battery under the floor, but the EV range may be significantly extended by updating the platform and improving the battery performance. In fact, Toyota has announced the development of a P HEV that can run 200 km without using fuel.

Although there is still no sign of it, it seems that a proposal has been raised to reduce costs on the body and other components instead of spending money on the mechanical parts, such as the battery. It is unlikely that they will cut corners to the extent that the exterior panels will be reused, but the body frame and invisible parts of the interior (such as the seat frame and the air conditioning duct behind the instrument panel) may be carried over from the current model.

So when will the next RX be released? It seems that if development proceeds at the shortest possible time, it can be released in two years, but to achieve such a fast development schedule, it will be necessary to share as many units as possible with the new ES and current models. However, Toyota has taken the certification fraud issue as an opportunity to review its development process and be more cautious.

The RX sells 18,000 units a year in Japan, 6.5 times as many in the United States, at 118,000 units (statistics for 2014). There have been no minor changes during the model's life yet, but consideration of a new generation has already begun. We will deliver the first report.

Forecast table

2027 and after

Length x width x height: 4950 x 1920 x 1700m Powertrain: 2584 plug-in hybrid, etc. Chassis: GA K platform

Current model

Length x width x height: 4890 x 1920 x 1700m Powertrain: 2.5L inline 4 hybrid, etc. Debut date: November 2022

Top model is 2.48 *4 turbo and front and rear motors combined to achieve a stem output of 371ps, the first plug-in HEV has an EV cruising range of 100km. 86km.

Toyota has decided to move forward with a complex project. As a result, it is well known that the domestic launch of the Crown Estate and Lexus GX has been delayed from schedule. Therefore, it is difficult for the next RX to debut in 2027, and it is likely to be delayed until 2028 or later, Scoop Chika predicts. As mentioned in Chizu, the basic concept is still in the planning stage, so it is possible that the policy will change in the future.

We delivered a somewhat forward-thinking first report, but it was also revealed that a hidden dummy is being prepared for the current model before that, so we will report on the details on the next page.

Due to the influence of the contract fraud issue, the development process was overhauled, and the domestic launch of the Lexus GX and Crown Estate was postponed.

52025/7

Interview notes

At the financial results conference, Toyota expressed its vision for its Chinese business to "coexist with local manufacturers by responding to the needs of the coastal areas, rather than the entire country.

 

[CRSKTN]

CU A Wada

Really!?

RX

A hyper-electric four-wheel drive SUV that surpasses the existing F Sport

In the February issue, we scooped that Lexus' high-performance SUV will be exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon. It will inherit the "F" title from the C-F, which is no longer in production, and a concept version of an additional model planned for release in a few years was supposed to be shown. However, the only models on display at the venue were the Altezza and LFA, which have competed in the Nürburgring 24-hour race in the past, and there were no exhibits that hinted at future high-performance SUVs.

2-liter inline four-cylinder turbo HEV

Target specs: 600ps

The MORIZO-RF will be equipped with a 244 turbo and front and rear motors to create an electric hyper SUV, and test runs are scheduled to be conducted at the Nürburgring prior to its release.

The 284 turbo, which will likely be named the G20E type, is a high-output unit with a maximum output of 300g in mind, and is also planned to be used in races. It is also planned to be installed in the next Supra and the new Celica.

MORIZO-RR in preparation

2014

Length x Height x Length: 4890 x 1920 x 1680 Powertrain: 284 Turbo Hybrid

Chassis: GA K Platform

Was the information obtained and reported by the scoop gun a false rumor? No, it wasn't. In order to show that development was progressing, the plan was to display a test car that had been tested at Nürburgring at the booth, but due to the development of the powertrain, it was not possible to test drive it on site. A comment was raised that "Are you going to show off your product plans by putting a test car that hasn't even been driven?", and the exhibit was postponed (there is also information that the voice was Morizo, Chairman Akio Toyoda, but this has not been confirmed).

The car that was supposed to be unveiled at the booth is a treasured one that will liven up the latter half of the current RX's model life. The powertrain to be used is the G20E 2-liter inline-4 turbo, which is also expected to be installed in the next-generation Subaru and the new Celica. Electric motors will be combined at the front and rear, and it will be a plug-in HEV, making it a car packed with technology. Despite being an inline-4, the aim is for a system output of 600 yen, so if this is realized, it will be able to boast performance that is comparable to foreign-made high-performance SUVs equipped with V8 turbos such as the BMW X5M and Audi SQ8, but will it really be...? We scooped the ban on high-performance SUVs at the Tokyo Auto Salon in the February issue. However, in reality, the car was not exhibited because test runs were not completed in time. Sales performance

In Japan, RX sales in 2012 were 5,571 units of the 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo RX350, 3,868 units of the 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder HEV RX350h, 2,302 units of the PHEV RX450h+, and 6,301 units of the 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo HEV RX500h.

This high-performance model will not inherit the "F" name, and there is a possibility that it will be called MORIZO-RR following the LBX. It is expected that the selling points will be its performance and boldness that exceeds the F-SPORT performance already present in the RX, and the exterior will be given a special bumper to create a different look from the existing grades. Naturally, the suspension will also be specially tuned and may be lowered by about 20 mm. Of course, it goes without saying that it will be equipped with DRS (rear-wheel steering system) to provide excellent driving performance.

It is expected to debut in 2028, so we may see it running at the Nürburgring this summer.

 

[mikeavelli]

600hp RX for the wife? Hmmmmmm

 

[sl0519]

• A new Lexus RX variant called MORIZO-RR is under development.
• It will feature a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo hybrid system, aiming for an output of 600ps.
• This high-performance SUV is currently undergoing testing at Nürburgring.
• The engine is derived from the G20 Crown’s 2.4L turbo hybrid unit (which produces 349ps), but significantly enhanced.
• The platform will be GA-K, and the drivetrain is AWD.
• This version is expected to take over as Lexus’s top-tier performance SUV, replacing current F SPORT Performance variants.

• Due to lower-than-expected BEV adoption, Toyota is shifting its strategy back to hybrids and PHEVs.
• The next-generation Lexus RX will focus on PHEV models instead of full EVs.
• The current RX sells about 17,800 units/year in Japan, and 118,000 units/year in the U.S..
• Though still in its current generation, development of the next-gen RX has already started.
• Expected to adopt the updated TNGA platform, with improvements in powertrains, battery tech, and body rigidity.
• Performance specs expected to exceed 400ps for HEV versions.

Here's translation from gemini 2.5:

Spoiler: Next-Generation RX

Title​

Abandoning the Full Electrification Plan, Shifting to a Plug-in HEV-Centric Development

Subtitle​

Next-Generation Lexus RX

Main Article Text​

(Read from right to left, top to bottom, column by column)

Based on Bonnenz, it differs from the BEV-exclusive e-TNGGA platform, which was designed with full electrification in mind. The current RX already features a Plug-in HEV with an engine in the front nose and a large-capacity battery under the floor. While the platform has been revamped and the battery performance has been improved, the EV range may significantly increase. Toyota has already announced the development of a PHEV capable of traveling 200km on electricity alone. Although it's still in the very early stages of development, without even a "camo-camo-chi" (test mule/prototype), instead of spending on batteries and mechanical parts, costs for the body, etc., have been allocated to cost reduction for the superstructure. While they probably won't cut corners to the extent of reusing exterior panels, it's possible that the body frame and the air conditioning duct structure behind the instrument panel might be carried over from the current model.

So, when will the next-generation RX appear? If development proceeds on the fastest schedule, there's a plan to release it within 2027. However, to achieve such rapid development, it would likely be necessary to share as many units and components as possible with the new ES and current models. However, due to Toyota's certification irregularities issue, development processes are being reviewed, leading to a more cautious approach.

The helm has been steered towards proceeding with overlapping projects. As you know, the domestic launch of the Crown Estate and Lexus GX has been delayed from their original schedule due to this impact. Therefore, it seems difficult for the next-generation RX to debut in 2027. We anticipate a shift to 2028 or later. As mentioned at the beginning, it's still in the basic concept review phase, so the policy might change in the future. We wanted to add this point. While we delivered a somewhat forward-looking first report, it has also become clear that the current TFT model is being prepared before that, so we will report the details on the next page.

Table​

Compared to annual domestic sales of 18,000 units, the RX sells 118,000 units in the US, 6.5 times more (2024 statistics). Although a minor change in the middle of its model life has not yet been implemented, discussions for a full model change have already begun. We bring you the first report on this.

Expected Announcement Time: 27 years or later (likely referring to "2027 or later")

• Next-Generation Model (Speculated)
  • ●Overall Length × Width × Height: 4950mm × 1920mm × 1700mm
  • ●Powertrain: 2.5L inline-4 Plug-in Hybrid, etc.
  • ●Chassis: GA-K Platform
• Current Model
  • ●Debut Time: November 2022
  • ●Overall Length × Width × Height: 4890mm × 1920mm × 1700mm
  • ●Powertrain: 2.5L inline-4 Hybrid, etc.

Image Captions​

Top Image (Lexus RX):
The top model achieves a system output of 371ps with a combination of a 2.4L inline-4 turbo engine and front/rear electric motors. The newly introduced Plug-in HEV boasts an EV range of 86km.

Bottom Image (Lexus GX and Crown Estate):
Lexus GX and Crown Estate, whose domestic release was delayed from schedule due to the impact of development process reviews following certification irregularities.

Footnotes / Other Information​

• Page Number / Magazine Info: 5 magX 2025/7
• Reporting Memo: At the financial results press conference, Toyota stated its vision for its China business: instead of a nationwide approach, it will respond to the needs of coastal areas and coexist with local manufacturers.

Spoiler: RX Morizo RR

Headline​

Seriously!?
With 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo HEV, Target Spec 600ps
MORIZO-RR In Preparation

Artist Credit​

CG. A. Wada

Subtitle / Callout (Top Right)​

Existing F Sport will soon be a Hyper Electric AWD SUV

Main Article Text​

(Read from right to left, top to bottom, column by column)

It was scooped in the February issue that Lexus would exhibit a high-performance SUV at the Tokyo Auto Salon. It was expected that a concept version of an additional model, planned for release several years later and inheriting the "F" designation from the RC F (whose production has ended), would be unveiled. However, only an Altezza that competed in past Nürburgring 24-hour races and an LFA were present at the venue, with no exhibits hinting at a future high-performance SUV.

Was it false information? No, it wasn't. To emphasize that development was progressing, there was a plan to display a test car at the booth after its test run at Nürburgring. However, development of the powertrain was delayed, making it impossible to conduct local test drives. Consequently, voices were raised questioning, "Are they going to display a non-running test car to appeal for a product plan?" leading to the cancellation of the exhibition (there is information that the person who raised this objection was Morizo, also known as Chairman Akio Toyoda, but this has not been confirmed).

It is also expected to be equipped with the G20E type 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo. Electric motors will be combined at both the front and rear, and it will be developed into a technologically advanced plug-in HEV (PHEV) model.

If it aims for 600ps of power and this is realized, it would likely boast performance on par with foreign-made high-performance SUVs equipped with V8 turbos, such as the BMW X5M and Audi SQ8. But will it truly deliver...?

It is expected to boast performance and a sharp appearance that surpass the existing F Sport Performance models as its key selling points. The exterior will likely feature a dedicated bumper, creating a distinct look from existing grades. Naturally, the suspension will also receive a dedicated tune, possibly lowering the ride height by about 20mm. It goes without saying that it will also be equipped with DRS (Dynamic Rear Steering), providing excellent handling performance.

The debut is expected in 2026, so we might see it running at Nürburgring as early as this summer. This is a secret, highly anticipated model set to boost the latter half of the current RX model's lifecycle. Its powertrain is expected to be utilized in the next-generation Supra and the reborn Celica.

Table​

Expected Announcement Time: 2026

• ●Overall Length × Width × Height: 4890mm × 1920mm × 1680mm
• ●Powertrain: 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo Hybrid
• ●Chassis: GA-K Platform

Image Captions​

RX Image Caption:
The MORIZO-RR, equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 turbo and front/rear motors, is being developed into an electric hyper SUV. Test drives at the Nürburgring are also planned prior to its release.

Bottom Right Image:
The exhibition of a high-performance SUV at the Tokyo Auto Salon was scooped in the February issue. However, it was ultimately withdrawn due to insufficient time for test drives.

Footnotes​

Sales Results: In 2024, domestic sales for the RX were: 5,571 units for the 2.4L inline-4 turbo RX350, 3,868 units for the 2.5L inline-4 HEV RX350h, 2,302 units for the PHEV RX450h+, and 6,301 units for the 2.4L inline-4 turbo HEV RX500h.

So it looks like it's going up against the likes of the SQ8 and X5M. I do respect their effort to make a performance car, but trying to take on V8s with a 4-cylinder? Feels a bit déjà vu, doesn't it? (C63S: yo wasup~)
Sigh... if only they gave it the G30E engine...

Also, we're already mid-cycle for this product, and they just mentioned a full redesign might come as early as 2027. If the car's only launching next year, won’t it feel outdated pretty quickly?

Lexus always seems to take forever with these things. If you drag it out too long, you're basically setting yourself up to fight against everyone else's next-gen models. And when sales flop, they act surprised like, “Oh, why didn’t anyone buy it?”...

 

[Levi]

They could make the LF-1 and just call it RX…..

 

[Motor]

 

[mikeavelli]

2025 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance Blackline #lexus #rx500h #incognito #rollingshots #blackline

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Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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[Motor]

2026 Lexus RX: Extending the Range - Lexus USA Newsroom

PLANO, Texas (Aug. 22, 2025) – The 2026 Lexus RX receives small spec enhancements for the new model year. F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance grades can now be paired with the available Appearance Package, and wireless phone charging is now standard across all models. In addition to...

pressroom.lexus.com

• Premium grade added for RX 450h+ model
• Appearance Package now available for F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance grades
• Wireless charger now standard on all models

 

[mikeavelli]

I’m probably the only weirdo that got excited by this lol. Our LX is getting some service done and we got a new 2025 RX 350 Premium FWD (thanks Hennessy Lexus of Gwinnett). A RX500h press car was dropped off loaded with everything but the digital mirror.

The two couldn’t be more different to drive yet still offer the same RX sensibilities. Video coming

 

[Deusex]

2026 Lexus RX: Extending the Range - Lexus USA Newsroom

PLANO, Texas (Aug. 22, 2025) – The 2026 Lexus RX receives small spec enhancements for the new model year. F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance grades can now be paired with the available Appearance Package, and wireless phone charging is now standard across all models. In addition to...

pressroom.lexus.com

• Premium grade added for RX 450h+ model
• Appearance Package now available for F SPORT Handling and F SPORT Performance grades
• Wireless charger now standard on all models

View attachment 10502

Weird Lexus decision to keep 4th Gen engine. Instead of migrating to new 5th Gen. for 2026. Looks like Lexus will add 5th Gen engine during refresh coming 2027??

 

[CRSKTN]

Weird Lexus decision to keep 4th Gen engine. Instead of migrating to new 5th Gen. for 2026. Looks like Lexus will add 5th Gen engine during refresh coming 2027??

The Relentless Pursuit of MEDIOCRITY​