Lexus RX Review 2024

Should you want a luxury SUV, but prefer comfort and efficiency to outright sportiness, the Lexus RX might be the vehicle for you.

Compared to German rivals that focus on driver engagement, the RX makes refinement its priority instead. There might be plenty of grip, but the Lexus is not particularly entertaining to drive. However, it has efficient electrified engines and an interior that comes close to rivalling SUVs like the Range Rover for technology and refinement.

If you have little interest in sporty handling or adventuring off-road, the Lexus RX might be a winner.

The biggest decision when it comes to buying a Lexus RX will be whether you opt for a self-charging hybrid, or take the plug-in hybrid route.

Should you have access to a home charging wallbox, the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid makes more sense, allowing you to travel more than 40 miles on battery power alone – perhaps enough to tackle your daily commute without using any petrol.

When it comes to trim levels, all versions of the Lexus RX are comprehensively equipped. The Premium Pack Plus model is the sweet spot in the range, we think, with 21-inch alloy wheels and leather upholstery.

There is certainly no shortage of options when it comes to luxury SUVs, meaning there is a near-endless list of alternatives to the Lexus RX. The BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE are prime contenders, along with the Range Rover Velar and Volvo XC90.

For those looking for a similar experience on a lower budget, the Mazda CX-60 also comes with a plug-in hybrid engine option. And there are hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, although these lack the premium qualities of the Lexus.

To understand the effort Lexus has put into making the RX feel like a quality product, consider the ‘e-Latch’ interior door handles fitted as standard. Instead of a normal mechanical opening, these use an effortless electronic release, and can even detect if you are about to open the door into the path of a cyclist.

The Lexus RX really does deliver when it comes to quality, with high-spec materials used on the centre console and even the glovebox. There is no impression of a car built down to a cost, just a truly sumptuous experience.

Genuine leather upholstery is used for trim levels above Premium Pack specification. The range-topping Lexus RX Takumi comes with semi-aniline leather, with a host of colours to choose from.

Lexus has previously made use of touchpads mounted on the centre console to control its infotainment systems. With the latest RX, the touchpad has vanished, leaving drivers reliant on using the touchscreen itself, or making use of steering wheel-mounted controls. The latter are touch-sensitive, and come without clear markings, meaning they can be difficult to get used to.

Given the generous proportions of the RX’s cabin, and the sheer width of the standard 14.0-inch touchscreen, this can feel like a literal stretch. At least the multimedia system is quick to respond to inputs, although learning the menu layout does take some time.

All versions of the Lexus RX come equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, meaning you can always just make use of your smartphone instead. Wireless charging is included, while the infotainment system comes with satellite navigation, DAB radio and a host of USB ports.

Of particular note, excusing the pun, is the 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system fitted to the range-topping Takumi model. It makes for an obvious step up in sound quality compared to the already-respectable 12-speaker system offered as standard.

The Lexus RX is at the larger end of the SUV spectrum, measuring 4890mm long and 1920mm wide. Yet despite these sizable dimensions, the RX is not the last word in practicality, with other luxury rivals surpassing it in this regard.

Those in the front of the Lexus RX get a good deal, with plenty of space and an overall impression of airiness. The wide cabin means you will not be bumping elbows with your front-seat passenger, and there is also a number of storage options for small items.

In the rear, there is a respectable amount of space for two adult passengers, but adding a fifth to the middle seat could be a stretch too far. There is a wide hump found in the floor, meaning legroom for a middle passenger is limited.

Where the Lexus RX lags behind the competition is in terms of boot capacity. With the rear seats in use, there is a total of 461 litres of luggage space. By contrast, a BMW X5 can accommodate 500 litres, while a Range Rover Sport is able to swallow up to 647 litres.

All versions of the Lexus RX now come with some form of electric assistance, leaving a choice between ‘self-charging’ or plug-in hybrid power.

The Lexus RX 350h combines a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric motors. With a motor on each axle, it gives the 350h standard all-wheel drive – just like all Lexus RX models, in fact. A combined output of 250PS sees the Lexus RX 350h accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds.

Lexus pitches the RX 500h as the performance model and it comes solely in F Sport trim. Its turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine can produce 272PS just on its own, with the electric motors taking the combined total all the way to 371PS. As a result, the car’s 0-62mph time drops to 6.2 seconds.

In contrast to the other models in the range, the RX 500h comes with a conventional six-speed automatic gearbox, while the RX 350h and RX 450h+ utilise a CVT transmission.

The Lexus RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid has the same 2.5-litre petrol engine and electric motors as the 350h, but now with a combined output of 309PS. Its additional power sees the 0-62mph sprint take 6.9 seconds.

The Lexus RX is a relaxing way to cover long distances, thanks to a high degree of sound insulation. There is virtually no wind noise, and only a limited amount of road noise, which is only apparent because of how well every other noise seems deadened.

With the potential to drive on battery power alone, running the Lexus RX in EV mode makes for an even quieter experience. When the petrol engine does kick in, the transition is managed almost seamlessly, and it remains quiet in operation.

The revs will rise if you ask for maximum power in the RX 350h and RX 450h+, thanks to their continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). But they soon settle down and are quieter than the drivetrains found in previous generations of the Lexus RX.

With a comprehensive suite of standard safety equipment, the Lexus RX scored highly when evaluated by the Euro NCAP organisation. In crash tests, the RX received the maximum five-star rating, with an impressive 90 percent score for adult occupant protection, plus 87 percent for child occupant protection.

A Lexus Safety System+ is fitted to all versions of the RX, with pre-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, radar cruise control and dynamic road sign assist.

Moving up the range, all versions above the Premium Pack come with an extended safety system, with lane-change assist and front cross-traffic alert.

Lexus has established an enviable reputation for reliability, proven by an overall brand win in the 2022 Honest John Satisfaction Index survey.

The fifth-generation RX is relatively new to the market, but there seems little reason to doubt that it will not continue the Lexus dependability trend. A three-year or 60,000-mile warranty is standard, but this can be extended to 10 years by servicing the car annually at a Lexus dealership.

It should perhaps be no surprise that, as a luxury SUV with a near-endless list of standard technology, the Lexus RX is placed in a fairly high insurance group.

The Lexus RX 350h, in Premium Pack trim starts the range in insurance group 42 (out of 50 groups in total). The plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ version in the same spec can be found in group 44.

With two electrified powertrains available, there are significant differences when it comes to the cost of VED (road tax) for the Lexus RX.

Opting for the Lexus RX 350h will see a charge of £245 for its first year, followed by £560 for the five years after that. The more powerful Lexus RX 500h comes in at a hefty £1030 in the first year.

However, choose the plug-in hybrid Lexus RX 450h and the first-year tax cost drops to zero.

The Lexus RX comes with a comprehensive level of standard equipment, which gets more generous as you progress through the model range.

The Premium Pack starts the lineup, and is available for the Lexus RX 350h and RX 450h+. It comes with a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with automatic main beam, roof rails, privacy glass and a remote power tailgate.

Three-zone climate control is included, along with keyless entry, single-colour ambient lighting and seats finished in Tahara synthetic leather. Wireless smartphone charging, a 14-inch infotainment display and satellite navigation come as standard.

The Premium Pack Plus brings more kit to the Lexus RX 350h and RX 450h+, with features such as 21-inch alloy wheels, a kick-operated power tailgate and 64-colour ambient interior lighting.

Smooth leather is used for the upholstery, along with a leather steering wheel. The front seats are heated and ventilated, and the dashboard features a head-up display.

Takumi specification is the top trim level for Lexus RX 350h and RX 450h+ models, with a panoramic sunroof, adaptive suspension and an automatic parking system. Semi-aniline leather is used for the interior, with the rear seats now heated and a powerful 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system added.

Reserved solely for the Lexus RX 500h, F Sport trim includes a bespoke bodykit, 21-inch alloy wheels and brake black callipers. F Sport leather upholstery covers the seats, while further niceties include adaptive suspension and active sound control.