2024 Lexus RX

As one of the original luxury crossovers to launch over 25 years ago, RX continues on as a staple in the Lexus lineup. The RX is a five-passenger mid-size crossover that is now in its fifth generation which launched in 2023 with a complete overhaul.  New for 2024, RX enhances the available technology, and convenience features to optimize the driving and in-cabin experience. The much-anticipated RX 450h+ Plugin Hybrid Electric version is also added to round out the electrified lineup.

For 2025, the RX is available in four distinct variants, RX, RX Hybrid, RX 500h F Sport Performance, and the RX Plug-in Hybrid EV. Joining the line up later in 2025 will be a Black Line Special Edition package offered exclusively on the 500h F Sport Performance model.
RX models start at $50,325 and include 11 variants that come with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder that delivers 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.

RX Hybrid models start at $52,475  and include 7 variants that come with two different powertrain options.  350h models come with a hybrid motor coupled with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with 246 total system horsepower and 233 lb.-ft. of torque.

RX 500h F Sport Performance models start at $66,150 and  combine a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that pairs with two electric motors and a battery to produce a combined 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
RX Plug-in Hybrid EVs are powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery paired with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine to deliver a combined 304 net horsepower with a starting price of $72,610.

Competition includes vehicles such as the Acura MDX, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q5/Q7, BMW X5, Cadillac XT5, Infiniti QX60, Jaguar F-pace, Land Rover Range Rover Velar, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne, and Volvo XC60. After a week in an RX 450h+ Luxury Plug-in Hybrid, here's what stood out...

Aggressive Exterior Design (+)  
The RX has slowly evolved over the past four generations to become a crossover that stands out versus blending in. With its recent overhaul, the new exterior design is even more bold and aggressive. The very prominent front fascia with the wide, angular grille is unmistakable. On either side are triple beam LED headlights with the brand's signature daytime running light style.  F Sport models have a darker, more sinister look that is sporty and edgy. The hood stretches over the fenders and flows forward to the front grille.
The profile features a floating roofline that is separated from the body in the c-pillar with piano black trim and a small window. The look is unique but does hinder some visibility inside. Wheel sizes vary from 19-21" depending on the model. At the rear, a single lens taillamp wraps around the body, further emphasizing the RX’s wide and low silhouette. Gone is the Lexus emblem from the back tailgate and it is replaced with LEXUS spelled out across the center. The LED taillights look great when illuminated and are distinctly RX. For 2025 it is available in 11 exterior colors that include: Ultra White, Eminent White Pearl, Cloudburst Gray, Iridium, Caviar, Matador Red Mica, Copper Crest, Nori Green Pearl, Nightfall Mica, Grecian Water, and Incognito.

F Sport (+)
I'm a sucker for a sport package that enhances the looks of a vehicle, and the F Sport package does that to the RX. For 2025, the F SPORT Design builds on the Premium grade and is available exclusively on RX 350 and RX 350h. F SPORT Design shares F SPORT Handling exterior characteristics, including the F SPORT front fascia, grille, rear valence and 21-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with a gloss black metallic finish. Six exterior color options are available including: Ultra White, Cloudburst Gray, Iridium, Caviar, Copper Crest and Grecian Water. The interior features Birch and Black interior options with Black Open Pore Wood trim. Interior sport seats have enhanced bolsters with unique stitching in black and red.

Plug-in Hybrid (+)  
The RX 450h+ PHEV  models offer 550 miles of range when the 17.2-gallon tank is full and gets around 37 miles of electric only driving range. Fuel economy is among the best in its class and its transition from gas to electric is buttery smooth. The RX Plug-in Hybrids are powered by a high-capacity lithium-ion battery paired with a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine to deliver a combined 304 net horsepower that pairs with a continuously variable automatic. It’s quick enough to get from 0-60 MPH in around 6.2 seconds, just slightly slower than the more powerful RX 500h F Sport. There is plenty of power for passing and merging on the highway with ease. The CVT does get a little whiny when pushed too hard, but for the most part is impressive.

I took the RX 450h+ on a road trip down to Central, IL from Chicago and was thoroughly impressed with its fuel economy. I could have made the trip comfortably there and back on a full tank of gas but chose to stop for the cheaper gas prices down south. And as a bonus, I was able to maximize efficiency and take advantage of the 37 miles of electric range after charging the RX while I was in meetings at the university.

It comes equipped with a Level 1 vehicle-charging cable for 120V outlets and all models are equipped with a Type 1 socket for at-home and public charging. Plugging in at home in a standard 120V outlet will generate a few miles an hour, but enough to fully charge it’s 37 miles overnight. Using the maximum charging current of 240V and under ideal conditions, the Lexus RX 450h+ can be fully charged in approximately two-and-a-half hours with the standard 6.6 kW Onboard Charger.

Comfortable Ride (+)
Lexus is known to provide its drivers and passengers with comfortable, serene driving experience and RX continues to do so. For the entirety of my time in the RX, whether around town or on the highway, comfort is one of the best words to describe the ride of this SUV. The suspension is smooth, and it glides over road imperfections. It feels grounded and connected to the pavement making it an ideal vehicle to take for a relaxing road trip. The composed drive is ideal for someone who spends a lot of time driving as I never get tired of getting behind the wheel. It's also a very quiet vehicle which is notable from the moment you hop in and close the heavier doors. Even at highway speed, road noise is kept at bay thanks to a high-quality build from Lexus.  

MacPherson front struts provide sharp turn-in and confident, linear handling. Suspension arms and bushings absorb the passing road’s high frequency vibrations and shocks. The rear’s five-arm multi-link setup is compact, yielding additional cabin space for passengers, cargo, and, for hybrid powertrains, battery pack placement. The RX 450h+ also utilizes an electronically controlled, full-time AWD system which optimizes front and rear torque distribution according to the driving conditions. The driver can control the vehicle as preferred throughout varied road conditions and driving styles.

Athleticism (+/-)
Lexus focuses more on the aforementioned comfort. The most athletic model will be the F Sport with the optional handling package that adds an adaptive variable suspension based on the LC500. Even with that, it remains a heavy crossover that takes some effort for the driving "excitement." It is offered with various drive modes including an available Sport S+ that does make it slightly more fun to drive with adjustments to the steering and suspension.

Technology (+)
One of the biggest areas of improvement for the RX was the infotainment system when it was redone in 2023. The RX now comes standard with a 12.3” multi-information display across the lineup for 2025. A standard 9.8-inch or available 14-inch high-definition touchscreen provides easy-to-use controls and clear information to the driver and front-seat passenger. Their glass screens utilize a high-adhesion, anti-reflective coating to realize a vivid display. Menu operations are similar to those found on smartphones and tablets. For additional ease of use by driver and passenger, a center knob located at the screen’s bottom edge controls power on/off and volume. The RX seamlessly integrates with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, provides a wireless device charging, front and rear USB ports, and more. The system is fairly intuitive and easy to navigate. The large screen makes it easy to see, although keep a microfiber cloth handy as those fingerprints will take over. Most functional controls are through the screen, but Lexus kept a few standard dials and buttons for volume and temperature controls.

One function that is buried in the screens is the various drive modes of the RX. While it provides for a “cleaner” center console layout, I prefer drive mode selection to be easy access versus something you have to hunt for by swiping through screens. Other tech options include a digital key, head-up display, and a 21-speaker, 1,800-watt Mark Levinson surround-sound stereo system.

Interior (+)
Comfort, quality, and functional are three words to describe the interior of the RX. Materials are all high-quality utilizing soft-touch leather, woods, and appropriate accents. The build quality is best in class with tight gaps and proper alignment. Controls are focused to the driver with a slight angle and everything is within arm's reach. Small items can be stowed in several convenient locations. A front cubby located ahead of the gearshift features a front-rear sliding lid and houses an available Qi-compatible wireless mobile device charger and USB connection. The central console box can be opened from either the driver or passenger side.

The semi-aniline leather seats are both heated and ventilated with both features working well. The seats can be easily adjusted and offer good support while encompassing the driver with well-cushioned padding. The RX is wide thus providing plenty of head and leg room for its five passengers. Driver's seat easy exit is a nice feature in which the seat automatically slides back upon turning off the vehicle to provide maximum space to exit and re-enter the vehicle. Upon starting up the RX, the seat and steering wheel positions will return to the previous setting. Passengers in the available 40/20/40 power split-folding rear seat can charge their mobile devices on two USB Type-C outlets or a single AC power socket. The rear seats have power folding capabilities and are available with cooling and heating functions, which was a pleasant surprise for the kids during the cold winter months.

A new feature in the RX since its redesign is an interior illumination system that resides seamlessly throughout the cabin creating various kinds of ambiances. Lighting from a palette of 64 colors and 14 themes can be selected to best match your mood and energy.

Cargo Capacity (+/-)
The RX 450h+ has 29.6 cu.m. ft. of cargo space behind the rear seats and 46.2 cu. ft. with the seats folded down, a significant improvement over the previous generation. As mentioned, the rear seats do split 40/20/40 providing options for cargo  and are power-controlled. A power liftgate is standard, and a hands-free power liftgate is available. The RX still falls short in overall cargo compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Volvo XC90,and BMW X5.

Safety (+)
Standard on all models is Lexus Safety System+3.0 which includes a suite of features that work together to create a more secure driving experience by reducing the risk of accidents and providing extra assistance when needed. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 includes the following driver assist features:

•    Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
•    Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist
•    Left Turn Oncoming Vehicle Detection / Braking
•    All-Speed dynamic radar cruise control
•    Lane tracing assist
•    Lane departure alert with steering assist
•    Road sign assist
•    Proactive Driving Assist
•    Intelligent high beams
•    Blind spot monitor w/rear cross traffic alert
•    Safe Exit Assist

Bonus Parking Feature (+)
As a bonus feature, Lexus offers an advanced parking assist feature on the new RX. The intuitive driver’s aid system can help in various maneuvers all at the touch of a button, such as when perpendicular parking/exiting and parallel parking/exiting. Four Parallel View Monitor cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors provide visual data to support the automatic control of steering, accelerator, brake, and shift operations while the driver sits back and lets the RX do all the work. Remote Park offers the added convenience of smartphone operation via the Lexus app. Lexus key fob required for use.

Final Statement
As a veteran in the segment, the RX  has held steady with its value and reliability over the years. It's a safe, comfortable choice for buyers that delivers a smooth and efficient ride. This latest generation has corrected most of its “flaws” as it continues to get better. The technology is a huge improvement inside while remaining one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available. The addition of the plug-in hybrid powertrain is welcomed, making it highly efficient and a great option for those interested in electrification, but not ready to dive into a full-electric vehicle. There are more options than ever in this segment and the RX continues to be relevant.

First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ PHEV
Exterior Color: Cloudburst Gray
Interior Color: Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo trim
Notable Options: Cold Area Package ($100), Convenience Package ($1,420), Premium Triple-Beam Headlights ($1,565), Mark Levinson Premium Audio ($1,160), Advanced Park ($480), Power Rear Door with Kick Sensor ($150), Premium Paint ($500), Technology Package ($475), Puddle Lamps (175)
Price as tested: $76,505 (with destination charge)

Pros: Fuel Efficiency, Smooth Ride, Luxurious Interior, Standard Safety
Cons: Average Cargo Space, High Price with options, Athletic Performance