Name: Lexus RX (2022 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: Lexus RX
Rating: 73

Summary

The Lexus RX is a large five-seat upmarket SUV, available with either a petrol-electric hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain. This is the fifth-generation model which arrived in the last months of 2022.

Described by the Carbuyer team as a “striking and efficient luxury SUV”, this latest iteration of the RX has been widely praised by the British media for its interior refinement, leisurely driving experience, and its efficient engine range that also offers strong performance.

“It feels suitably expensive”, concludes Car‘s Luke Wilkinson. “However, it’s a bit one-dimensional.” Despite the SUV’s luxurious nature, several reviewers comment that rival models like the BMW X5 or Land Rover Discovery Sport offer a broader range of abilities, particularly when it comes to driving dynamics.

For buyers focused on interior comfort however, UK outlets agree that the RX will certainly not disappoint. As The Telegraph‘s Andrew English sums up his review, “Comfortable, beautifully built and reasonably economical – this luxury SUV is not one to be dismissed.”

As of January 2024, the fifth-generation Lexus RX holds a New Car Expert Rating of A with a score of 73%.

RX highlights

Intuitive infotainment
Spacious, well-built interior
Efficient engines provide strong performance

RX lowlights

Rivals are more engaging on the road
Range gets expensive
Small boot for large SUV class

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV
Engines: petrol-electric hybrid, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £62,125 on-road

Launched: Winter 2022/23
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.6 / 10
“The new Lexus RX is more efficient than ever, with much improved technology on board, but it comes up short in terms of practicality.”
Author: Alastair Crooks, Ellis Hyde
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Model reviewed: 2.4-litre petrol/electric hybrid RX 500h
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus RX takes a different approach to the premium SUV genre and it’s worth a look over the usual German offerings. With the 500h there’s plenty of impressive technology which is both the car’s strength and weakness, but there’s no arguing it feels like a quality product throughout.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
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Model reviewed: 450h+ (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“Lexus’s large SUV offers plenty of luxury and tech, but it’s not as family-friendly as its size would suggest.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
Read review

Model reviewed: RX 350h
Score: 7 / 10
“In what will likely be more affordable 350h self-charging hybrid form, the RX isn’t as refined or efficient as the 450h+ plug-in, but it gives access to the car’s easy-going attitude and more advanced tech.”
Author: Sean Carson
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Fifth-generation Lexus RX builds on foundations of its predecessors with sense of assured luxury and spread of hybrid options, including a plug-in.”
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“It’s classy and luxurious, but that might not be enough for keener drivers.”
Author: Matt Saunders
Read review

Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid RX 350h Premium Plus Pack
Score: 7 / 10
“The Lexus RX is a serene and comfortable cruiser with plenty of standard equipment. The regular hybrid version handles better than the plug-in, still gets decent economy and has a cheaper list price. However, it will be an issue for many that it’s barely any cheaper on a PCP, and rivals with slicker tech and more conventional powertrains might prove hard to resist.”
Author: Illya Verpraet
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Model reviewed: 2.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ Takumi
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus RX 450h+ is clearly a lot of money, but it’s considerably less than a comparable BMW X5, Mercedes GLE or Range Rover Sport, and it even undercuts the Volvo XC90 T8.”
Author: Illya Verpraet
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Business Car+

Model reviewed: 450h+ Premium Plus Pack
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus RX is cheaper to buy and run than the equivalent Volvo XC90, and it’s also more fuel efficient.”
Author: Sean Keywood
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Car+

Model reviewed: RX 450h+
Score: 6 / 10
“The Lexus RX is a perfectly recommendable luxury SUV. It’s comfortable, refined, efficient and it feels suitably expensive. However, it’s a bit one-dimensional – and there’s a growing expectation for cars in this class to do more than just one thing well.”
Author: Luke Wilkinson
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The Lexus RX is a striking and efficient luxury SUV; however, rivals are much more practical.”
Author: Tom Jervis, Andy Goodwin
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Carwow+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Lexus RX is a large hybrid SUV that features a cool design and high-end features, but isn’t quite as practical as its alternatives.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“More luxurious and upmarket than ever, the latest Lexus RX continues on the hybrid path set by its predecessors. It undercuts some key rivals on price, too.”
Read review

Parkers+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The Lexus RX is a great luxury SUV. It’s comfortable, refined, efficient, spacious and it comes with loads of clever technology to keep you both entertained and safe on the road, although it’s not as well-rounded as the BMW X5 or the Land Rover Discovery Sport.”
Author: Luke Wilkinson
Read review

The Telegraph+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Comfortable, beautifully built and reasonably economical – this luxury SUV is not one to be dismissed.”
Author: Andrew English
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Top Gear+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Lexus RX is a handsome player in the big SUV arena, but it’s hard to play the value card this high up the price chain.”
Author: Tom Ford
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The RX scores well for its strong refinement, plush interior and punchy performance. Reliability will be a strong point, too, and the option of a regular hybrid is great for those without easy access to a charger.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 90%
Child protection: 87%
Vulnerable road users: 89%
Safety assist: 91%

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of January 2024, the Lexus RX has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 32
Average repair cost: £456.17
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The Lexus RX has an above average reliability score, according to warranty claim data provided by our partner MotorEasy. This data refers to these fifth-generation models, and older (pre-2022) versions.

While MotorEasy warranty holders haven’t submitted many Lexus RX claims, it is clear to see that suspension and braking system issues are the most common (with the older generations). While braking system faults are likely to cost around £220 to correct, suspension issues are more expensive, costing just under £430 on average.

If you’re looking at a used Lexus RX, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Hybrid models	41 mpg	D	35 – 45 mpg	C – D

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Hybrid models	155 g/km	B	143 – 184 g/km	B – C
Plug-in hybrid models	25 g/km	A	25 – 25 g/km	A – A

Battery range	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Plug-in hybrid models	42 miles	D	42 – 42 miles	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	44	D	42 – 46	D – D

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£453	D
Year 2	£1,037	D
Year 3	£1,557	D
Year 4	£1,757	C
Year 5	£2,281	C
Overall	£7,085	C

The Lexus RX is a reasonably expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Despite its hybrid powertrain, the RX 350 still uses plenty of petrol. We don’t have verified fuel consumption data for the plug-in hybrid RX 450h, but it’s likely to only be a few mpg better. Amazing-looking results on paper are unrepresentative as the official EU/UK government lab tests are basically useless at assessing plug-in hybrids.

Insurance and servicing costs are also high, although interestingly the RX’s servicing costs are likely to become slightly more competitive after the car’s first three years – which is better news for those people looking at buying a used RX.