Lexus RX review
The new Lexus RX is more efficient than ever, with much improved technology on board, but it comes up short in terms of practicality
The latest Lexus RX is another big leap forward for the Japanese carmaker. The wealth of technology on board is thoroughly impressive, the build quality is phenomenal and there’s finally a plug-in hybrid version.
In fact, the mid-range plug-in RX 450h+ is our pick of the range, thanks to its superior fuel economy and refinement over the less expensive but still easy-going RX 350h ‘self-charging’ hybrid. The range-topping 500h is an appealing offering as it uses a ‘performance hybrid’ system but while it’s the best RX to drive, it’s not exactly a sporty SUV. Plug-in hybrid versions of the RX’s key rivals can go further on battery power alone and are even more efficient, so there’s still room for improvement.
Sadly there’s no sign of a seven-seat RX L either, and for such a large SUV boot space is average, rather than generous. But the RX continues to prioritise comfort over driving dynamics, so if you're looking for a large, refined, easy-going SUV – and you can stomach the styling – Lexus’s flagship SUV is better than ever.
About the Lexus RX
The original Lexus RX launched back in 1998 at the dawn of the luxury SUV boom. With its foot in the segment nice and early, Lexus enjoyed great success with the combination of comfort, impeccable build quality and peerless reliability the RX offered.
Used - available now
Those traits have been at the forefront of every RX since but the most important model was arguably the second-generation of the mid-2000s – touted as the first luxury hybrid vehicle in RX 400h form.
The latest, fifth-generation Lexus RX is also available exclusively with hybrid power in the UK, offered with a choice of ‘self-charging’ hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains.
However, you’ll find hybrid technology in the lion share of the RX’s closest rivals in the large luxury SUV segment, including the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, Volvo XC90, Range Rover Sport and Porsche Cayenne. All five are available in plug-in hybrid form, but those looking to seriously reduce their running costs may also find some fully electric SUVs like the BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron and Tesla Model X very attractive.
Unlike the previous-generation RX, this new version is only available with five seats, with no signs yet that the seven-seat RX L will return to Lexus’s line-up.
The ‘self-charging’ hybrids are the RX 350h, which produces 247bhp from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol and two electric motors, while the RX 500h “performance hybrid” pumps out 366bhp from its pair of e-motors and a turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol engine – the first time Lexus has mated turbocharging with hybrid power.
In the middle of the pack sits the RX 450h+, which Lexus expects to account for more than half of RX sales. The first-ever RX PHEV uses a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors again, this time supplied by a much larger 18.1kWh battery. The benefits are an electric driving range of around 40 miles, greatly reduced CO2 emissions and official fuel economy of 256.7mpg – compared with around 40mpg for either of the ‘self-charging’ hybrid models.
Both the RX 350h and 450h+ are available in Premium, Premium Plus and Takumi specifications, while the RX 500h is offered exclusively in F Sport trim – although every version is impressively equipped. Standard kit includes a 14-inch central touchscreen with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity, a wireless smartphone charging pad, heated front seats, electrically adjustable front seats, three-zone climate control and a suite of safety aides as part of the ‘Lexus Safety System +3’.
Engines, performance and drive
The entry-level RX 350h is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle petrol engine that drives the wheels through an e-CVT automatic gearbox, assisted by a pair of electric motors supplied by a small battery. It uses the fourth generation of Toyota and Lexus’s ‘self-charging’ hybrid technology, and many of the components are new, including the car’s hybrid transaxle motor/transmission set-up, which is now more compact and lighter. On the move, however, it feels similar to previous Lexus SUVs fitted with a 350h powertrain.
You’re better off driving to the RX 350h’s strengths, which means being a bit delicate with the throttle to maximise usage of electrical power rather than the engine. This will help the engine settle down, allowing the RX to come across as more refined. The e-CVT gearbox is also at its best when you take a more leisurely approach; cruising around urban areas and on the motorway, the RX feels relaxed and easy-going.
The RX 500h uses a very similar set-up, but under the bonnet is a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, with one electric motor on each axle, like the 350h. It’s the brand’s first turbocharged hybrid, and it’s smooth rather than sporty but the Direct4 torque-distribution technology (the same as in the all-electric Lexus RZ 450e) does help to keep body roll and pitching in check.
Lexus says the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ will account for 55 per cent of sales of its large SUV. In this version, the 2.5-litre petrol engine is paired with the two electric motors fed by a considerably larger 18.1kWh battery.
Much like the 350h, the RX 450h+ has a powertrain that rewards relaxed driving. Mash the throttle and the e-CVT sends the petrol engine’s revs soaring, which quickly becomes a rather unrefined drone. Power delivery is perfectly smooth, even if the performance on tap feels a little underwhelming.
The ride is similarly focused on comfort. Even when riding on 21-inch alloy wheels like our test car, it's obvious the RX has been engineered to float over bumps and dips, rather than communicate the road surface to the driver. It’s not hopeless on twistier toads however, because the steering has a reassuring weight to it and the handling is tightened by the six degrees of rear-axle steering. You’re always aware of the over 2.2-tonne kerbweight, but the RX still flows through corners nicely.
Even though the previous RX was one of the most refined cars in its class, Lexus says it has worked hard on making the latest generation even better in this department. The option of plug-in hybrid power certainly helps, but thicker glass and more soundproofing mean this latest RX is supremely quiet even at motorway speeds.
0-62mph acceleration and top speed
The Lexus RX is hybrid-only in the UK, and every model features a pair of electric motors for four-wheel drive. The 247bhp RX 350h will sprint from 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 124mph. There’s a small boost of torque from the e-motors, but ask for anything more than gentle acceleration and the petrol engine will kick in with an audible drone.
The RX 450h+’s top speed is the same, but a total power output of 304bhp allows it to hit 62mph in 6.5 seconds. You can also drive at up to 84mph on electric power alone in the plug-in hybrid RX, with the instantaneous torque from the electric motors providing some extra pep around town.
Finally, there’s the RX 500h – the quickest of the bunch – with 366bhp on tap, a 0-62mph time of 6.2 seconds and a 130mph top speed. It feels quick enough but it won’t challenge rivals from BMW, Mercedes and Porsche for outright pace. The six-speed automatic is best left to its own devices as the 500h rarely pays attention to the manual shift paddles.
MPG, CO2 and running costs
The Lexus RX was an early adopter of hybrid technology, and every version of the flagship SUV is electrified. The range kicks off with the RX 350h, which uses Lexus and Toyota’s tried and tested ‘self-charging’ hybrid technology, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine under the bonnet. This version will return up to 44.8mpg, according to Lexus, and emits 143-149g/km of CO2 – both significant improvements over the previous-generation RX 450h.
Then there’s the Lexus RX 500h, a “performance hybrid”, producing 366bhp from its turbocharged 2.4-litre and a 107bhp electric motor mounted on the rear axle. Unsurprisingly, this is the thirstiest RX available, capable of returning up to 35.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 182-189g/km. Although our test drive was more boisterous than the average owner will engage in, we think most RX 500h drivers would struggle to get an mpg figure into the thirties.
But if you’re really looking to cut down on your running costs, then it’s the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ you’ll want. This version also features a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine coupled with an electric motor fed by a 18.1kWh battery located under the floor. CO2 emissions for the RX 450h+ stand at 25-26g/km, while Lexus claims the first-ever plug-in RX can return up to 256.7mpg, although we doubt many owners still see close to that figure day to day – as is the case with a lot of plug-in hybrids.
The 450h+ also has an electric driving range of around 40 miles, and we expect most people should get near to this figure with careful driving. But plug-in hybrid versions of the BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and Range Rover Sport will go even further without using a drop of petrol.
There is a second battery in the 450h+ that allows it to run as a self-charging hybrid, which is a nice safety net to have if you forget or can’t charge the car as regularly as you’d like. However, you still need to charge the car regularly if you want to maximise the electric-only range or get the best fuel economy possible. Fully recharging the 18.1kWh battery via a standard 7.4kW home wallbox takes just under three hours.
Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) rates also favour the plug-in hybrid 450h+ because it attracts an 8 per cent BiK rating, compared with the 33 to 37 per cent you’ll pay on one of the self-charging models. That means a top-rate taxpayer will face annual charges of at least £2,077 to run an RX 450h+, compared with £7,877 for the cheaper, but less efficient base RX 350h or nearly £11,000 for the range-topping RX 500h.
Insurance groups
As you might expect for a large luxury SUV, insurance ratings for the Lexus RX range are pretty high. The entry-level RX 350h sits in insurance group 42 or 43, depending on which trim level you go for. It’s the same story with the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+, which lands in group 44 or 45, while the RX 500h (available exclusively in F Sport specification) falls in insurance group 46.
Check if your car needs an MoT and view its complete history with our MoT History Checker...
Depreciation
After three years and 30,000 miles, the latest Lexus RX should retain around 60 to 62 per cent of its value, so you can expect it to hold its value better than a Volvo XC90 and some variants of the BMW X5.
To get an accurate valuation on a specific model check out our free car valuation tool
Interior, design and technology
If you’ve never been a fan of Lexus’ design, then this RX is unlikely to be the car that wins you over. The fifth-generation model features the latest interpretation of the brand’s signature spindle grille now called the ‘Spindle body’ because of how it’s integrated into the look of the taller, more squared-off front end. It’s flanked by redesigned LED headlights retaining the model’s L-shaped light signature, while the lower section of the front apron looks sportier than before, with more imposing vertical air intakes.
In profile, the previous model’s black C-pillars have been carried over, giving a ‘floating’ look to the roof. The lines are more sweeping compared with the angular surfacing of the previous car, plus at the rear is a full-width LED light bar – a common feature on premium SUVs these days, including the mid-size Lexus NX. Wheels up to 21 inches in diameter are available, too.
It might not have the same interior wow factor as the recently updated Mercedes GLE or BMW X5, but there’s no faulting the RX’s materials or build quality. All the main touchpoints feel solid and things like the door handles and centre console openings are superbly damped. As you’d expect for a large SUV, there is lots of legroom for those in the rear seats, and despite the RX’s tapered roof, there’s plenty of headroom, too.
Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment
A major flaw of Lexus cars until very recently was their infotainment system, but thankfully the new set-up in the latest RX, NX and fully electric RZ 450e is a big leap forward. The previous-generation model’s infuriating touchpad has been replaced by a large 14-inch touchscreen that responds immediately to inputs, either from the touchscreen itself or from buttons on the steering wheel. The user interface is also better than ever, but you might still prefer to use wireless Apple CarPlay or wired Android Auto to mirror your smartphone, which works well. The integrated sat-nav is a little hard to read at times, combining a white road with a light background.
The new infotainment system is joined by a small digital instrument cluster and a set of digitised climate control dials taken from the smaller NX. These are much easier to use than any touch-sensitive sliders we’ve used, although you still have to use the touchscreen to control the heated and ventilated seats.
Voice control is taken care of by the ‘Hey Lexus’ virtual assistant, and the new RX’s infotainment suite is now compatible with over-the-air updates for fixes and new functions.
Practicality, comfort and boot space
Even though the latest RX isn’t that much bigger on the road than its predecessor, the new model’s redesigned seats, longer wheelbase and the more favourable packaging of the GA-K platform mean Lexus can claim that space inside is much better than before. The RX is only available as a five-seater, however, and as yet there has been no word of the return of the RX L seven-seat variant.
Dimensions and size
The fifth-generation Lexus RX is 4,890mm long – exactly the same length as the previous model – but it’s 25mm wider and 10mm lower. Plus the new model’s wheelbase is 60mm longer than before, made possible by the move to the newer GA-K platform. Wider front and rear track widths are joined by a shorter rear overhang, giving the new car a different stance to the old model.
Leg room, head room & passenger space
The new RX’s longer wheelbase means there’s lots of legroom in the rear, and despite the RX’s tapered roof (partly a styling trick), headroom is good, too. The rear seats will accommodate three adults, no problem, and by upgrading to the top-of-the-range Takumi spec you also get heated and electrically operated rear seats, allowing those in the back to recline. There are also lots of handy cubbyholes dotted around the cabin.
Boot space
With 461 litres of boot space on offer, the RX’s luggage capacity is rather small for an SUV of this size, especially when compared with the 650 litres you get in a BMW X5, or the Mercedes GLE’s cavernous 690 litres of cargo space. At least the plug-in hybrid RX doesn’t get any less boot space.
Lower-spec models have levers for folding the rear seats down, but in pricier versions they can be folded up and down with the touch of a button, which takes a little longer.
Towing
Whether you go for a self-charging or plug-in hybrid Lexus RX, the towing capacity is 2,000kg for braked trailers and 750kg for unbraked trailers. While it can’t match the 3,500kg towing limit of a diesel Land Rover Discovery, two tonnes should be plenty for the majority of drivers who want to haul a large caravan or sizeable trailer with a load on it.
Reliability and safety
Like its little brother, the NX, the Lexus RX received the full five-star crash safety rating after it was tested by independent experts Euro NCAP in late 2022. Its results included high scores of 90 and 91 per cent respectively in the Adult Occupant and Safety Assist categories, which should offer drivers with some peace of mind.
Every RX comes with the third generation of the Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver aids as standard, so you get pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
We found some of these systems to be particularly impressive, such as the adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. However, the speed-limit alert seems like overkill, beeping once you’ve gone 1mph over the speed limit.
The fifth-generation Lexus RX didn’t make it onto our list of the best cars to own based on the results of the 2023 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, but the Japanese brand itself did finish a rather strong eighth (out of 32) in the best car manufacturer rankings, ahead of BMW, Mercedes and Audi. Plus, only 14 per cent of Lexus buyers reported a fault with their cars. Lexus owners praised their cars’ great build, ride quality and reliability, which tallies with the brand’s reputation for making safe, dependable cars.
Warranty
Every new Lexus is covered by a standard warranty of three years/60,000 miles (whichever comes first), but you can extend that by another 12 months/10,000 miles every time you have your car maintained at a Lexus Service Centre – up to a total of ten years or 100,000 miles. Three-years Lexus roadside assistance is also included as standard.
Servicing
Lexus offers various service plans for the RX, starting from £38 per month. A three-year Lexus Service Plan Plus covers three scheduled services and one MOT.
More reviews
Car group tests
In-depth reviews
Road tests
