What's the difference?
The Lexus RX holds broad appeal. Families with a bit of money that don’t need a third seating row, older people who love the brand and want a bit of space, and people stepping up into the premium marque from a mainstream brand are all potential buyers.
The fifth-generation version that launched in early 2023 proved to be a significant step up over the previous RX.
Lexus made it more dynamically capable, and there’s been a sharpened focus on refinement, value-for-money and safety credentials.
We spent three weeks getting to know the most affordable RX - the entry-grade Lexus RX350h Luxury two-wheel drive - to see whether it’s worth putting it at the top of your premium family SUV shopping list.
The Lexus NX 450h+ F Sport is a well-specified and plush-looking medium SUV that has a plug-in hybrid powertrain - a first for the brand.
On paper, it seems to tick the boxes for size, luxury and efficiency but we've been testing the flagship grade to see if it's a winning combo in real life.
It’s hard to look past the value equation of the RX350h Luxury 2WD when comparing it to almost all its competitors. The pricing is on point, but there are some features missing.
However, there are very few (if any) rivals with a true hybrid powertrain (sorry, mild hybrids do not count), so the RX will capture buyers looking for environmental credentials and efficiency without going full EV.
The drive experience is much better than before and it’s all wrapped up in a very stylish package. The Lexus RX should not be ignored.
The Lexus NX450h+ F Sport is a gorgeous mid-size SUV that combines great specs and a fairly efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain. It’s a comfortable and easy ride which should appeal to a wide range of driving styles. It also looks good parked at the kerbside of a city street and with it ticking most of the boxes, it may become your new best friend.