The good:
- Overall refinement
- Seat comfort (base and luxury models)
- Lack of touch-sensitive buttons
- Smooth, quiet operation (base model)
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Two available powertrains provide adequate but uninspiring motivation for the RX. Both are polished and efficient, which is perhaps what’s more important to luxury shoppers. The RX350 has a 295-hp 3.5-liter V-6 that routes power either to the front wheels or all four wheels (optional) through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The RX450h model is one of the segment’s few hybrids. Here, the V-6 pairs with two electric motors and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) for a combined output of 308 horsepower. All RX450h trims have standard all-wheel drive. The RX is not an athlete, even in F Sport guise.
Acceleration is relaxed, handling is a bit flatfooted, and braking performance is merely average. The RX glides along the road, delivering a silky ride and pampering occupants inside its well-isolated cabin. And for many buyers, that’s probably more than enough.