Photo: S5A-0043 / CC BY 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
Lexus RX
SUV · Gas · 36 versions · owner report
Ranked #1 of 18 luxury midsize SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (209 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2026
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, comfort, and low ownership costs.
6 problems reported (1 very frequent, 4 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentDated infotainment system (pre-2023 models)
Described as outdated, with inferior connectivity and interface.
- RecurrentInterior material quality concerns (2023+ redesign)
Perceptions of cheaper-feeling materials, hard plastics, and a less luxurious feel compared to previous RX generations and some competitors.
- Recurrent12V battery issues (2025 RX 450h+)
Multiple reports of 12V auxiliary battery failures or draining at low mileage, suspected to be a manufacturing defect.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentRequires premium fuel (non-hybrid V6 models)
Noted as an ongoing ownership cost negative.
- RecurrentSloped rear design compromises cargo space
Noted as a practical drawback compared to more boxy competitors.
- IsolatedLack of physical climate controls (2023+ models)
Controls integrated into touchscreen are criticized as less convenient.
The version owners recommend
For the 2016-2022 generation, models equipped with the naturally aspirated V6 engine (RX 350) are highly recommended for their proven, bulletproof reliability. For the 2023+ generation, the plug-in hybrid RX 450h+ receives strong praise for its combination of smooth EV driving, ample power (0-60 in 5.8 seconds per owner-cited review), and efficiency, though its high cost is noted. The Luxury trim is mentioned for its premium features (panoramic roof, Mark Levinson sound system, semi-aniline leather), but some owners find the value proposition better in lower trims like Premium Plus.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Acura MDX, BMW X3, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Audi Q5.
Is the RX right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, comfort, and low ownership costs. The RX is consistently described as a "bombproof," comfortable, and quiet vehicle built to last well over 150,000 miles with minimal issues. Owners report high satisfaction with its role as a refined, practical daily driver and family vehicle. Criticisms are primarily directed at specific model years or attributes: the pre-2023 infotainment is widely considered dated, the 2023+ redesign's interior materials are sometimes perceived as a step down in luxury feel compared to prior generations or competitors, and there is a noted lack of driving excitement or performance compared to sportier European rivals. The hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants are praised for their smoothness and efficiency, though with a higher upfront cost.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the apex of reliability and comfort in the luxury midsize SUV segment, often at the expense of driving engagement and cutting-edge tech. It is consistently favored over German competitors (BMW X3/X5, Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5) for long-term ownership due to significantly lower projected maintenance and repair costs, despite acknowledging that the Germans offer superior performance, handling, and sometimes a more luxurious interior feel. Compared to its corporate sibling, the Toyota Grand Highlander, the RX is described as providing a more luxurious experience, quieter cabin, and superior dealer service, but at a higher price for similar space and utility. Versus the Acura MDX, the RX is seen as more reliable and refined, while the MDX may offer more power (V6) and driving engagement.
Recommended configurations
All-wheel drive (AWD) is frequently recommended for improved traction and resale value. For long-term owners, a Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle is suggested to extend warranty coverage. For the 2023+ models, the plug-in hybrid (450h+) is recommended for those seeking the smoothest, quietest experience and who can utilize the EV range, despite the price premium. When buying used, a single-owner vehicle with complete service records is strongly advised. Avoid vehicles with accident history.
General recommendations
Highly recommended for buyers prioritizing long-term reliability, comfort, and low cost of ownership over a 5-10+ year horizon. Ideal for families, daily commuters, and road-trippers who value a quiet, smooth ride. Not recommended for driving enthusiasts seeking engaging performance or the latest technology interfaces. Prospective buyers should test drive both the RX and key competitors (especially German) to weigh the trade-off between luxury/performance and long-term running costs. For the 2023+ models, closely inspect interior material quality to ensure it meets personal luxury expectations. Negotiate aggressively, as dealer inventory and incentives (e.g., lease cash on PHEVs) can affect pricing.
Remarks
The community feedback clearly delineates between the previous generation (approx. 2016-2022) with its revered V6 powertrain and the current generation (2023+) which transitions to turbo four-cylinder and hybrid powertrains. The V6 models are the benchmark for reliability discussions. The 2023+ redesign introduces modern tech and efficiency but triggers debates about perceived cost-cutting in interior materials and a shift away from the traditional Lexus luxury feel. The platform sharing with Toyota models (Highlander) is explicitly noted by owners as a reason for its reliability but also a potential limit to its luxury differentiation. The plug-in hybrid variant (450h+) is a standout for its driving refinement, though its financial payback period is long. Analysis based on approximately 50 substantive owner discussions across multiple generations.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2021. Years to avoid: 2021, 2004Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Lexus RX years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2025 | 25 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2024 | 59 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2023 | 67 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2022 | 42 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2021 | 281 | 1 | air bags |
| 2020 | 154 | 1 | air bags |
| 2019 | 170 | 4 | fuel/propulsion system |
| 2018 | 125 | 2 | unknown or other |
| 2017 | 150 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2016 | 121 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2015 | 87 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2014 | 42 | 0 | unknown or other |
| 2013 | 109 | 1 | unknown or other |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices78 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2026 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2026 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 26V162000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lexus NX350, NX250, 2023-2026 RX350, and 2024-2026 TX350 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2026 · steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:armcampaign 26V598000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX350, RX500 Hybrid, TX500 Hybrid, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Grand Highlander Hybrid vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front steering knuckles may crack and break, which can result in a loss of vehicle steering control.
2025 · seat belts:rear/other:webbingcampaign 25V059000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Lexus NX250, NX350, NX350 Hybrid, 2024-2025 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, and RX500 Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center seat belt webbing may be damaged. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
2025 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 25V595000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles. Due to an error in the instrument panel software at vehicle startup, the instrument panel may fail to display vehicle speed, brake system, and tire pressure warning lights.
2025 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2025 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 26V162000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lexus NX350, NX250, 2023-2026 RX350, and 2024-2026 TX350 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · seats:front assembly:head restraintcampaign 24V482000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Lexus RX 350, RX 350h, 2024-2025 NX 250, NX 350, and NX 350h vehicles. The head restraints on the driver and front passenger seats may be inadvertently removed without pressing the lock release button. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 202, "Head Restraints."
2024 · seat belts:rear/other:webbingcampaign 25V059000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Lexus NX250, NX350, NX350 Hybrid, 2024-2025 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, and RX500 Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center seat belt webbing may be damaged. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
2024 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2024 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 26V162000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lexus NX350, NX250, 2023-2026 RX350, and 2024-2026 TX350 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2023 · steering:columncampaign 25V040000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480. An electrical connection inside the steering column's spiral cable assembly may be insufficiently welded, causing the connection to separate and deactivate the driver's air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
2023 · back over prevention:display functioncampaign 25V744000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models. A software error may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a blank screen when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2023 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 26V162000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lexus NX350, NX250, 2023-2026 RX350, and 2024-2026 TX350 vehicles. The rearview camera image may not display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2021 · air bags:sensor:occupant classificationcampaign 23V865000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
63 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
500h Hybrid DIRECT4
Hybrid · 366 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2022–2026
