Lexus RX350H 2024 : While it's hardly as sporty as it looks, the Performance is at least the most exciting variant of the RX Hybrid—too bad it's so expensive.
While driving enthusiasts like us would find nothing but the highest-powered model suitable, we think more casual drivers will be happy with the less powerful and…
Lexus RX350H 2024 : While it’s hardly as sporty as it looks, the Performance is at least the most exciting variant of the RX Hybrid—too bad it’s so expensive.
While driving enthusiasts like us would find nothing but the highest-powered model suitable, we think more casual drivers will be happy with the less powerful and even more relaxed Lexus RX350H 2024 Premium Plus. It’s a midrange model with added luxuries such as the larger 14.0-inch infotainment screen, leather upholstery, an ambient interior lighting system, and more.
The hybrid RX350h pairs electric motors with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine to make 246 horsepower and comes with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive. On our first test drive, this powertrain felt sluggish and we estimate it will deliver slightly slower acceleration than its 2022 analogue.
Stepping up to the RX500h F Sport Performance unlocks a punchier powertrain. It combines the turbocharged 2.4-liter and electric power to make 367 horsepower and utilizes Lexus’s Direct4 system to route that power to all four wheels. Lexus had an opportunity to recast the new RX as a performer with the RX500h model, but its chassis engineers regrettably chose not to dial in any additional cornering confidence. All models we’ve driven so far are just as softly sprung and luxury-focused as the previous generation RX, which will please faithful buyers but won’t attract any driving enthusiasts.
A plug-in-hybrid model, the RX450h+, features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, three electric motors, and standard all-wheel drive. This is the same powertrain that’s offered in the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Lexus NX450h+ SUVs, but it makes two extra horsepower in this application, bringing the total to 304 ponies.
The RX450h+ plug-in hybrid comes with an 18.1-kWh battery pack and a 6.6-kWh onboard AC charger. Lexus says it can be recharged in about two and a half hours on a 240-volt connection and a full battery is said to offer up to 37 miles of electric-only driving, per the EPA. In our testing, the RX450h+ managed 30 miles of highway driving before the battery depleted.
The EPA’s data shows that the most efficient RX model is the RX350h which carries claimed ratings of 37 mpg city and 34 mpg highway. The RX500h is said to be good for 27 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
The plug-in RX450h+ model earned ratings of 36 mpg city and 33 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, the RX500h F Sport Performance returned 28 mpg, matching its EPA estimate and the RX450h+ managed 30 mpg. For more information about the RX’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
All RX Hybrids are two-row, five-seat affairs, with plentiful passenger space in both the front and rear seats.
If you need a third row, consider the larger TX Hybrid. The RX Hybrid’s interior design is modern and attractive, with textured fabric sections on the upper door panels, rich-looking ambient lighting, and open-pore wood trim on RX350h models. The RX500h F Sport Performance features more heavily bolstered front seats, black interior trim, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and aluminum pedals. The cargo area is generously sized too, and we managed to squeeze 11 carry-on suitcases behind the second row.
The rear seats fold flat and with them stowed the RX offered space for 25 carry-ons in our testing.
Before you decide to buy a car, read its history for free.
WhatsApp us