The Lexus RX remains an industry benchmark

The Lexus RX, the first and enduring luxury sport utility vehicle, has reached its mid-20s. It debuted as a compact crossover but is now considered midsized, and is as versatile as any vehicle in the carmaker’s expanding SUV lineup, flanked by the smaller NX and the larger three-row LX and new TX models.

The RX is available with gasoline V6 engines or hybrid systems, and a plug-in hybrid, the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+, is new this year. It’s the upgraded version of the 350h with 304 horsepower and a larger battery. Lexus estimates the 450h+ has a 37-mile electric-only range that can be recharged in 2.5 hours at 240 volts with the standard 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger.

Storage capacity is among the primary reasons SUVs have dominated sales for many years. The new Lexus plug-in hybrid has few downsides, but its interior is smaller than its top rivals. The Acura MDX has 39.1 cubic feet available behind the second round of seats, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE has 33.3 cubic feet of storage in the same area; the Lexus storage cavity is efficiently designed without odd, unusable areas, but it’s also only 29.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up.

The front bucket seats are well-constructed with easy entrance and exit. The rear seat has 40/20/40 power-operated split. Besides power-folding capabilities, rear seats also offer optional heating and ventilation.

Sometimes, fewer choices are better. It’s the case with the RX 450h+. What trim is best is a moot point, since the vehicle is only available in what Lexus calls its Luxury trim. It’s not a misnomer: Simple luxury is the effect, with the SUV’s interior dominated by semi-aniline leather and microsuede on the dash, door panels, headliner and seats. The materials are used handsomely together and complemented with bamboo or open-pore wood trim. Several interior color schemes and trim styles are offered including black, ash bamboo, black open-pore wood and dark-finished aluminum. Seat and trim colors include medium brown, black, off-white, light brown, maroon and red.

Still, the luxury-only theme extends to the car’s technology. The RX 450h+ is equipped with a 14-inch infotainment system; base models have 9.8-inch units. Lexus has utilized a remote touchscreen interface for years, but it’s increasingly unpopular. The new Lexus relies primarily on screen-located functions. Ambient lighting, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel and a panoramic moonroof are optional.

Smooth, confident driving is another Lexus trait, with the RX 450h+ compliant. It has 21-inch wheels, and it advances smartly, turns with precision and maintains a quiet, confident persona in city and highway driving.

The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 also is standard. The bundle includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection and lane departure steering assist.

Lexus debuted as the luxury segment of Toyota in 1989. It once had few competitors among SUVs, but retains its honored status even as competition grows more brisk.

With its various options and taxes, the 2024 Lexus RX 450h+ crosses the $75,000 barrier. The tally is likely too much for a new buyer in the plug-in hybrid market, but is equally likely to be fine for loyalists who know Lexus and its pedigree.

Facts & Figures

Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 5.8 seconds

Airbags:6

Gas mileage: 35 mpg combined; 83 MPGe

Horsepower: 304

Manufacturer’sSuggested Retail Price: $68,730

Price as tested: $75,775

Manufacturer’s website: lexus.com

Warranty:Bumper-to-Bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 6 years/70,000 miles; Hybrid Component, 8 years/100,000 miles; Parts, 1 year/unlimited mileage; Maintenance, 6 years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 6 years/70,000 miles