LexusRX

　　

2024 Lexus RX 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 When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.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 350 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) 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

　　$188/mo  for RX 350

　　RX 350

　　350 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $48,600 MSRP350 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $50,200 MSRP350 Premium 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $50,750 MSRP350 Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $52,350 MSRP350h 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) - $50,750 MSRP350 Premium Plus 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $52,600 MSRP350 Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $54,200 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 MSRP350 F SPORT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $57,200 MSRP350 Luxury 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $57,730 MSRP350 Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo 8A) - $59,330 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) - $62,750 MSRP450h+ Luxury 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl gas/electric plug-in hybrid CVT) - $69,230 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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.8

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the RX drive? Our test vehicle was an F Sport Handling trim. While that doesn't add any power, it does come with all-wheel drive, which enabled the RX to hit 60 mph in an uneventful 7.8 seconds. That's only a smidge faster than its V6-powered predecessor but slower than the four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 and more than 2 seconds slower than the six-cylinder-powered Genesis GV80 and Mercedes GLE 450. It should be noted that there is no optional engine for the RX 350, and buyers will need to step up to the RX 500h for more performance.

　　At 132 feet, outright braking performance in panic stops from 60 mph also trails the competition. But the RX's firm and easy-to-control brake pedal makes it a breeze to stop with full confidence in a variety of situations on the street. The F Sport version might come with a sport-tuned suspension, but with its lackluster tires the RX isn't the least bit athletic on a back road. The capable chassis of the RX allows for confident handling, but we think there's not much benefit to the F Sport.

　　Prospective buyers concerned about the lack of a V6 engine (like the ones available with previous-generation RXs) don't need to worry. The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder provides ample grunt around town, and shifts from the eight-speed automatic are quick and well timed. It's a thoroughly modern drivetrain.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the RX? Our test vehicle was the F Sport Handling trim, which includes a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and 21-inch wheels. On the previous-generation RX we thought the F Sport was a no-go due to its overly stiff ride with no real improvement in handling. But this new-generation F Sport strikes a better overall balance even if some buyers might still find it a bit stiff. The F Sport also comes with special seats that have more bolstering but are just as soft and comfortable as the ones in a standard RX. The seat heating and ventilation in our test RX were fast-acting, and the rear seats offered better than average sculpting and support.

　　Most of the climate control features are readily accessible and easy to use. The three-zone climate system did a good job of maintaining a set temperature, though we thought the center vents were too low to be particularly effective on a warm day. Interior noise levels are relatively low, and while we noticed little to no wind noise, we did hear more tire hum than we expected.

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