First Look Review: The 2024 Lexus RX PHEV feels like a complete crossover

The 2024 Lexus RX PHEV started arriving at U.S. dealerships in late 2023. The new plug-in hybrid SUV is a part of the fifth-generation Lexus RX family, which includes gas and hybrid models as well. In November 2023, I checked out a Nightfall Mica unit that was on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Here are my first impressions of the RX Plug-in Hybrid.

Design

The 2024 Lexus RX PHEV has a sporty and suave design and is one of the boldest models in its segment. I think that the front end is confident and powerful, but one with elegance and finesse. While the raised hood and sharp graphics of the slender headlamps make it appear athletic and aggressive, the well-executed spindle grille gives it a touch of class and sophistication.

On the sides, I like the planted stance, the sculpted surfaces on the door panels, and the color-keyed wheel arch moldings. I feel like the profile could’ve looked better if the rocker panel and the lower-body cladding below the front and rear quarter panels were in body color like on the 2024 Lexus TX PHEV.

At the back, Lexus has used an end-to-end tail light strip on the 2024 RX PHEV to emphasize its width. Tight and consistent panel gaps give the impression of high-quality manufacturing, which has long been a forte of Lexus.

Interior

The 2024 Lexus RX PHEV has an upscale interior with premium materials and a slick locally developed infotainment system. While I think the dashboard is nothing out of the ordinary, overall, the cabin is classy and oozes quality. Lexus has used plenty of premium materials on the commonly seen and touched parts of the cabin. I particularly liked the black open-pore wood trim, featured on the steering wheel, center console, and passenger-side dashboard.

Lexus equips the 2024 RX PHEV with a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which features wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, cloud navigation, and OTA updates. I already loved the UI of this system since I saw it in pictures at the time of the reveal. In addition to sharp graphics and intuitiveness, I liked its smooth animations and quick load times.

The knurled temperature adjustment dials with parts of the 14-inch display showing the set temperature give the infotainment system a premium look while also offering more convenience, and there’s a physical volume knob, too. If you were to ask me, this infotainment system is the best interior feature of the 2024 RX PHEV. The 7-inch digital instrument cluster, unfortunately, is small and its UI looks outdated compared to the competition.

I’m six feet tall, and I had no issue with ingress or egress in the 2024 RX PHEV. When I sat in the 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 4-way power lumbar adjustment, I felt that I had decent headroom, and under-thigh support was excellent, thanks to an extendable cushion. The side bolsters were supportive but not too aggressive such that they’d affect comfort for people with a bigger build.

All-around visibility in the 2024 RX PHEV was good. The steering wheel with an electrically adjustable (tilt and telescopic) column felt solid to hold. When I opened the storage box under the armrest in the center console, which I was able to do from both sides, I saw that it was pretty deep and could accommodate lunchboxes or tablet computers for the kids.

In the back, a power reclining function allowed me to change the angle of the seat’s backrest, and in my most comfortable position, my head was at a comfortable distance from the headliner. I had plenty of legroom and knee room, and felt that the under-thigh support was excellent. The bench seat with heated and ventilated outboard positions was quite wide, so I think three average-sized adults could comfortably sit together in the rear of the 2024 RX PHEV.

The 2024 RX PHEV has a kick-activated power tailgate and offers 29.6 cu. ft. of cargo volume, expandable to 46.2 cu. ft. by folding down the backrest of the rear seat. Lexus doesn’t equip the plug-in hybrid SUV with a spare tire.

Driving impressions

The 2024 Lexus RX Plug-in Hybrid is available in a single variant, 450h+, with eAWD as standard. Its powertrain produces 304 horsepower, giving it a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph. An 18.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack allows it to travel 37 miles in EV mode, during which it can achieve a maximum speed of 84 mph.

Credible media reviews of the RX PHEV indicate that it’s a pillowy cruiser with a smooth and quiet ride. At the same time, the new plug-in hybrid can manage sharp turns on twisty roads, too, provided it’s not challenged with rash driving. Those who’ve used it would also agree that the steering is quick to respond and so are its friction brakes. The regenerative braking system works with the latter seamlessly.

The plug-in hybrid powertrain of the 2024 RX 450h+ packs sufficient power. It speeds up from rest smoothly and the sound of its engine start is barely noticeable. With nearly 40 miles of electric range, it’s possible to use it practically as an EV in urban conditions.

Price

The 2024 Lexus RX PHEV retails at USD 70,080 (incl. USD 1,350 DPH fee).

TopElectricSUV says

The 2024 Lexus RX Plug-in Hybrid flaunts a distinctive exterior and boasts a comfortable interior. Owners laud the RX PHEV for its well-refined powertrain that strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency. Additionally, its chassis is setup to offer both a smooth ride and enjoyable driving experience. The SUV’s impressive electric range and appealing pricing vis a vis the competition make it a top recommendation in the plug-in hybrid luxury SUV segment. The primary shortcoming I noticed is the lack of DC fast-charging support, though this may not be that big of an issue for most customers.

2024 Lexus RX PHEV FAQs

This first look review has contribution from our reader.