2024 Lexus RX Hybrid

　　

2024 Lexus RX Hybrid Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The 2024 Lexus RX is the brand's five-passenger midsize SUV. It's bigger and roomier than the NX but smaller than the three-row LX and new TX SUVs. There are now four versions of the RX: the base RX 350, the hybrid RX 350h, the new plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ and a performance-oriented hybrid, the RX 500h. Overall, you'll certainly like this SUV if comfort and refinement are priorities. Lexus redesigned the RX just last year, improving the way it drives. Inside, the much-maligned infotainment system is gone, replaced by a large and easy-to-use touchscreen that puts it on par with the RX's closest competitors. The interior design has also been updated to match but has lost none of the quality look and feel you expect from a Lexus.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Lexus RX 350h 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$133/mo  for RX 350h

　　RX 350h

　　350h 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $50,750 MSRP350h Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $52,900 MSRP350h Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $54,750 MSRP350h Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $59,880 MSRP500h F SPORT Performance 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 6A) (Most Popular) - $62,750 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The new 450h+ plug-in hybrid

The big news for 2024 is the addition of the new RX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid version that delivers some of the benefits of EV driving without the range anxiety. It takes the existing RX 350h and adds a larger battery pack that can be recharged at home or on the road in as little as 2.5 hours. With a full charge, Lexus estimates it will provide up to 37 miles of electric-only propulsion. After that, the RX 450h+ operates much like the standard RX 350h hybrid. It does cost considerably more than a regular 350h, however.

　　

Competitors to consider

You have plenty to pick from if you're shopping for SUVs in the RX's price range. In both price point and feel, the Acura MDX is perhaps its closest rival, but the Genesis GV80 is another option with a stylish flair and represents an excellent value. If you have a bit more money to spend, the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE are both strong choices. To see where the RX's strengths and weaknesses lie, be sure to read our Expert Rating below.

　　

Which RX does zzdcar recommend?

We suggest getting the RX 350h in the Premium+ trim level. It provides an pleasing blend of luxury, efficiency, technology and value. To that, we'd opt for the 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, the panoramic sunroof and the surround-view camera system to make parking even easier.

　　

Lexus RX models

The 2024 Lexus RX is a five-passenger midsize luxury SUV available in four different models: RX 350, the hybrid-powered RX 350h, the new plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ and performance-oriented RX 500h hybrid. In terms of standard equipment, these three models are similar. Read on for a more detailed breakdown of the RX's standard and optional equipment.

　　Both the RX 350 and the hybrid RX 350h are available with the same four trim levels: Base, Premium, Premium+ and Luxury. Additionally, the RX 350 offers the F Sport Handling trim for buyers wanting a firmer ride and sportier handling. The RX 350 is powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (275 horsepower, 317 lb-ft of torque) mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with standard all-wheel drive. The RX 350h utilizes a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (246 hp, 233 lb-ft) driven through a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

　　The new RX 450h+ comes with an upgraded version of the 350h's powertrain. It makes 304 hp and has a larger battery. Lexus estimates the 450h+ can go about 37 miles in electric-only driving. The RX 450h+ is only available in the top Luxury trim.

　　Finally, the RX 500h combines a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a hybrid system (366 hp, 406 lb-ft) along with a six-speed automatic transmission and a sport-tuned all-wheel-drive system. It's available in the F Sport Performance trim only.

　　Base

　　The base models start RX buyers off with the following:

　　19-inch wheels LED headlights, foglights and taillights Heated exterior mirrors with auto-dimming glass on the driver's side Power liftgate Proximity-sensing keyless entry Ambient interior lighting Triple-zone automatic climate control Power-adjustable steering wheel Synthetic leather upholstery Power-adjustable, heated front seats Folding and reclining 40/20/40-split back seats 9.8-inch touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration (both with wireless connectivity) 12-speaker sound systemPremium

　　Upgrade to the Premium trim for:

　　Roof rails Sunroof Real wood trim Memory for the driver's settings Ventilated front seats Wireless smartphone charger Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)Premium+

　　The RX models with the Premium+ trim include:

　　Upgraded ambient interior lighting Smog-sensing climate control system Heated wood-and-leather steering wheel Genuine perforated leather upholstery 14-inch touchscreen infotainment systemLuxury

　　With the Luxury trim, the RX features:

　　21-inch wheels (19s on the 450h+) Synthetic suede interior door trim Premium perforated leather upholstery Additional adjustments for the front seats Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)F Sport Handling

　　Available only for the RX 350, this sporty version is based on the Premium+ trim and adds or replaces with:

　　21-inch gloss black wheels Sport-tuned adaptive suspension Upgraded braking system Unique F Sport front and rear styling Black exterior trim Front sport seats Sport-design steering wheel Synthetic leather instead of the real thing Synthetic suede interior door trim 9.8-inch touchscreen display Head-up displayF Sport Performance

　　The 500h only comes in this trim. It differentiates itself from other RX models with:

　　21-inch matte black wheels Unique F Sport front and rear styling Dark chrome exterior trim Black exterior mirror caps Synthetic suede interior door trim Sport-design steering wheel Front sport seatsAll RX models are equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. This collection of driver assist and collision avoidance systems includes:

　　Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front and can also reduce speed for curves in the road) Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Automatic high-beam headlightsAdditional standard driver assist  features include:

　　Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse) Rear passenger safe-exit system (can prevent a rear passenger from opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)Depending on which version of the RX you choose, primary options include:

　　Upgraded LED headlights Hands-free liftgate Panoramic sunroof Digital key (turns your smartphone into the vehicle's key) Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area) Lexus Interface with a 14-inch touchscreen display 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium sound system Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the RX and its surroundings for tight parking situations) Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention) Traffic Jam Assist (hands-free, semi-automated driving system for low-speed traffic situations)

　　zzdcar Latest Lexus RX News

　　Five New Cars We're Excited to Drive in 2024

　　How We'd Spec It: 2024 Lexus GX

　　The 2024 Lexus GX Starts at $64,250, GX Overtrail Costs Close to $70K

　　Lexus RX 450h+ First Drive: Not Enough or Just Right?