First Look Review: The 2024 Lexus RX Hybrid is sporty, comfy & efficient

The Lexus RX Hybrid, the first hybrid SUV in its segment, received a full redesign and entered its third generation in 2022. In August 2023, following a small update, it transitioned to MY2024. More recently, the 2024 Lexus RX Hybrid began arriving at U.S. dealerships, and I had a chance to experience the car in Los Angeles (2024 Lexus RX 500h F Sport Performance AWD variant) and find out what’s new in the updated mid-size SUV:

Design

The 2024 Lexus RX Hybrid carries over the 2023 car’s design as it’s still fresh. However, Lexus offers the 2024 RX Hybrid in a new color – Cloudburst Gray. The new paint is a USD 500 option and is available across the range. Another change in this aspect is that the Copper Crest color, unlike in the old model, is available in the Premium and F Sport Handling grades as well.

I think Lexus designed the 2024 RX to look not only sporty and bold but also mature and elegant. The muscular hood and the upright nose project a sense of strength and confidence. The slim, three-projector headlights add to the vehicle’s planted look. If I were to highlight the most significant enhancement over the previous generation, it would be front grille. The Spindle design integrates seamlessly with the body.

As for the side profile, my favorite design detail here is the body-colored overfenders. At the back, the wide combination lights are connected via a light stripe, emphasizing the vehicle’s width.

Interior

The 2024 Lexus RX Hybrid has a rather simplistic interior that doesn’t reflect luxury overtly but rather in a subdued manner, with brilliant craftsmanship and minute details. I’ll admit that it’s one of the better-looking interiors in the segment, but its dashboard is a bit too plain, and I’m not too fond of the asymmetric outer-end AC vents.

I think where the 2024 RX Hybrid truly shines is in decor and quality. When I sat in the new model at the 2023 LA Auto Show, I found a generous use of soft-touch materials, featured on the steering wheel, dashboard, and center console, which gave me the feeling of sitting in a premium SUV. I liked the aluminum trim, which I think goes well with the aluminum pedals.

My favorite feature inside the 2024 RX Hybrid is the slick and intuitive infotainment system. It comes with a 14-inch touchscreen, knurled temperature adjustment dials, and a power button that doubles as a volume knob. The HD touchscreen has crisp graphics and a simple menu structure. The locally developed infotainment system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto compatibility, cloud navigation, and OTA update support.

Moving to comfort and space, as a six-foot-fall person, I didn’t need to be extra careful with my head during ingress or egress. However, while exiting I did feel that the electronic door release system could take some getting used to.

While seeing the exterior of the 2024 RX Hybrid, I was concerned about the rear-diagonal visibility because of the thick rear quarter pillars. When I checked that when I was sitting in its driver’s seat, I realized that it wasn’t much of an issue.

I found the 8-way power front seats with heating and ventilation functions in the front quite comfortable. I had a good amount of headroom and under-thigh support, but I missed the extendable cushion available in other configurations of the 2024 RX. The compact steering wheel felt pretty grippy and offered the convenience of power tilt and telescopic adjustment for the column. There was plenty of storage space in the storage box under the armrest in the center console.

In the rear, too, I had no issues with ingress or egress. I had plenty of leg space behind the driver seat, which was still in my set position, and a good amount of legroom as well. I liked the under-thigh support, and I had decent headroom, too. However, I think adults taller than 6’2″ may not find themselves very comfortable here.

I liked the fact that Lexus offers heating and ventilation functions in the rear seat. More importantly, thanks to an available power recline function, I was able to conveniently adjust the backrest of the rear seat to the most comfortable position for my back.

The 2024 RX Hybrid has 29.59 cu. ft. of cargo space, which customers can increase to 46.19 cu. ft. by folding the rear seat backrests. While the 2024 Lexus RX doesn’t boast one of the highest cargo volumes in its class, it’s worth mentioning that it comes equipped with a convenient kick-activated power tailgate. Additionally, the inclusion of a spare wheel is a practical feature that adds to its overall utility.

Driving impressions

The Lexus RX Hybrid has received no mechanical changes for the 2024 model year, so it’s safe to assume that it feels the same to drive as last year’s car. The EPA-est. fuel economy (combined) has remained at 36 MPG for the 246-horsepower 350h AWD variant and 27 MPG for the 366-horsepower 500h AWD variant.

The RX Hybrid’s 350h variant is engineered for comfort and efficiency. Including those who have driven the car would tell you that it feels quick initially, as its electric motor assists the engine 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine at low speeds, but the performance graph falls at high speeds. The 350h fares much better in driving dynamics, though, and it doesn’t exhibit much body roll.

The turbo’d 500h variant, which includes rear-wheel steering and adaptive suspension, is quicker and more engaging. In addition to the ample power, the steering has a confidence-inspiring weight to it and delivers precise turns. The adaptive suspension makes the RX Hybrid more nimble at high speeds and helps it combat road undulations better. The top-end variant has bigger (15.74 in. vs. 13.4 in.) front discs. The friction brakes and regenerative braking system work together well.

Price

The 2024 Lexus RX Hybrid’s prices range from USD 51,800 to USD 63,800 (incl USD 1,350 DPH fee).

TopElectricSUV says

If I was in the market for a luxury mid-size SUV, the 2024 Lexus RX Hybrid would be my BMW X5 alternative. Featuring a sporty exterior, high-quality interior and delivering an impressive fuel economy, I find it to be an excellent value-for-money option in its category.

2024 Lexus RX Hybrid FAQs

This first look review has contributions from our reader.