Lexus SUV

The Lexus SUV is Toyota’s premium division. Its cars vary from tiny sedans to full-size SUVs. The carmaker also produces a number of hybrid cars, including hybrid versions of the NX, UX, and RX. Lexus SUV automobiles are well known for their high dependability scores and stylish interiors. Lexus SUV also provides various athletic F-Sport vehicles, albeit they don’t always equal the sporty rivals from BMW, Acura, and Cadillac.

2023 Lexus UX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus UX Hybrid ranks towards the bottom of our luxury hybrid Lexus SUV rankings due to a poor engine and difficult-to-use infotainment controls.

Pros and Cons

Competition of 2023 Lexus UX Hybrid

Choosing between the nonhybrid Lexus UX and the hybrid UX comes down to whether you want all-wheel drive or not. The hybrid has all-wheel drive, whilst the nonhybrid simply has front-wheel drive. Both have comparable designs, functionality, and handling. The gas-only UX has a cheaper retail price, but the hybrid UX features better acceleration (due to its electric motors) and cargo space that is approximately 4 cubic feet bigger.

The Lexus RX Hybrid is more expensive than the UX 250h, but if you have the extra cash, it’s the superior option. Because of the inclusion of a touch screen, it has greater power, more room, and a little easier-to-use infotainment system (the Remote Touchpad is still there though).

Interior

The 2023 Lexus UX Hybrid isn’t the most luxurious hybrid, but it’s still a high-end vehicle. The fit and finish are excellent, and there are several high-quality materials. The passenger room is adequate for a compact SUV, but luggage capacity is limited by class standards, and the infotainment system may be difficult to operate. There is 21.7 cu/ft of storage space in the back, in addition to the 40.4 cu/ft behind the front seats, in the UX Hybrid’s cargo area. However, this is somewhat more space than the nonhybrid UX 200, it is less than some other hybrid SUVs provide.

Electric Vehicles for Urban Use

Seating

The UX Hybrid has five seats. Upholstery made of synthetic leather and front seats with eight-way power adjustment are also included as standard equipment. In the front, there are seats that can be heated as well as vented, and the steering wheel can also be heated.

Both rows are spacious, and two average-sized individuals may sit comfortably in the rear. The front chairs are supportive and pleasant even after several hours of driving. Additionally, a lower anchor may be borrowed from either side of the vehicle while it is not being used.

Performance

The 2023 Lexus UX Hybrid is extremely fuel efficient. It also features a smooth ride and stable handling. However, its slow acceleration detracts from its overall performance.

Engine: combined output of 181 horsepower from a gasoline-powered engine with four cylinders displacing 2.0 liters and two electric motors.
It comes equipped with all-wheel drive. Automatic Transmission With Continuously Variable Gearing (CVT).

It has enough power to go about town, but it struggles to accelerate quickly, especially on the highway. When you press the gas pedal, the engine drones.

Handling and Braking

The UX Hybrid rides well, with little road imperfections reaching the interior. Because of its compact size, it is easier to maneuver in confined spaces. The F Sport variant adds a few enhancements to make it more nimble, such as a retuned suspension.

2023 Lexus NX

The 2023 Lexus NX offers calm handling as well as an airy and luxurious interior. The NX’s poor performance in the premium compact SUV segment is mostly attributable to the superiority of rival models, rather than to any flaws in the NX itself.

Pros and Cons

Competition of 2023 Lexus NX

The Acura RDX and Lexus NX are both appealing. This premium small Lexus SUV is spacious, stylish, comfortable, and loaded with driver-aid systems. Both are also far less expensive than their European competitors. The NX has an edge due to its simpler infotainment system and somewhat higher-end cabin. The RDX, on the other hand, has sportier handling and a greater cargo room. Both are excellent choices in this category.

The Genesis GV70 is a newbie to its class, and it’s creating quite a name for itself. The inside of the GV70 is stunning, with the outstanding build quality. It’s comfortable to drive while remaining quick and athletic, and its turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engine range packs a lot of punch. The Genesis also has a little greater cargo space than the NX. Genesis, on the other hand, does not easily win. The NX starts lower than the GV70 and features simpler infotainment controls.

Interior

The inside of the 2023 Lexus NX is premium, featuring largely higher-end materials. Adults can sit comfortably in both rows, and the new infotainment system is one of the easiest to operate in this market. However, overall cargo space lags below most competitors. The luggage space of the Lexus NX is smaller than that of other premium compact SUVs. With the rear seats folding, there are 22.7 cubic feet of room. When the chairs are collapsed, there is a total of 46.9 cu/ft of space. The liftgate may either be manually operated or electrically operated without the driver having to get out of the vehicle.

Seating

There are five available seats in the Lexus NX. The chairs up front are quite comfortable and supportive, with enough headroom and legroom for taller passengers. The back seats aren’t as roomy, but two people can fit with room to spare.

Standard features include heated front seats and synthetic leather upholstery. There are options for heated back seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and genuine leather upholstery.

Performance

2023 Lexus NX features outstanding handling and a comfortable ride, and its optional turbocharged engine provides enough power. The standard four-cylinder engine is fuel-efficient yet sluggish. All-wheel drive is an option, front-wheel drive is more common. An automatic gearbox with eight gear ratios. The NX 250’s 203-horsepower engine is enough for getting around town, but it begins to feel out of breath at higher speeds. The turbocharged engine in the NX 350 has some turbo lag, but it’s a better match for the SUV and allows for faster, quieter acceleration.

MPG Estimates

For a premium small Lexus SUV, the Lexus NX 250 offers excellent fuel efficiency.

• NX 250, FWD: 26/33 city/highway mpg
• AWD NX 250: 25/32 mpg
• AWD NX 350: 22/29 mpg

Handling and Braking

The Lexus NX offers a pleasurable driving experience. It offers rapid and well-weighted steering, confident braking, and little body leanness while entering or leaving corners. Because the suspension is tight, tiny bumps and dips are sensed while harsher road impacts are gently absorbed.

2023 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid boasts good fuel efficiency estimates and a comfortable ride, but it lacks the size of comparable premium hybrid SUVs and the infotainment system may be difficult to operate.

Pros and Cons

Competition of 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid

The Lexus NX has many similarities with its hybrid sibling. Both premium Lexus SUV provide comparable amenities and load space. The biggest distinction between these two is in terms of fuel economy. The NX Hybrid has higher mpg ratings, but it will only save you roughly $500 in yearly fuel expenditures, requiring you to drive it for around six years to recoup the savings from purchasing the Lexus NX.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is an excellent automobile. It offers comparable fuel economy estimates as the Lexus, but better storage space and a softer ride. Along with the Lexus 450h+, there’s a plug-in model (the RAV4 Prime). The Toyota is the better deal unless you want a fancy label.

Interior

The 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid boasts a stylish interior with quality materials. Passenger space is decent too. However, cargo capacity is limited for the class, and while the infotainment system has been improved over previous years, there are still some glitches to sort out. Behind the rear seats, the NX Hybrid offers 22.7 cubic feet of room, which is plenty for a premium compact SUV. However, its total volume of 46.9 cubic feet is inadequate, especially when compared to comparable premium hybrid SUVs.

Seating

The NX Hybrid has seating for up to five individuals. The front seats are heated and can be adjusted in eight different ways on a power slider, and the inside is upholstered in synthetic leather. Among the available features are sport front seats as well as genuine leather upholstery.

And front chairs are supportive and pleasant even after several hours of driving. The rear seats are also well-cushioned, and while the room isn’t huge, two average-sized persons may sit comfortably in the back.

Performance

The 2023 Lexus NX Hybrid offers strong powertrains and a nice driving experience. It also gets decent mileage. However, the ride can be harsh at times, reducing its attractiveness as a driving vehicle.

The 350h has a 2.5-liter inline-four engine and three electric motors for a combined 240 horsepower.
The combined output of the 450h+’s 2.5-liter inline-four and three electric motors is 304 horsepower. You may expect all-wheel drive to be the norm. Transmission with a Continuously Varying Ratio (CVT).

The hybrid powertrain helps this Lexus SUV get off to a brisk start, but the CVT can generate a drone under strong acceleration. The plug-in hybrid is more powerful, slashing almost a second off the zero-to-60-mph acceleration time.

Driving Range and Charging

According to Lexus, the NX plug-in hybrid offers a 36-mile electric range. Recharging the battery using a 240-volt outlet and the usual 3.3-kW internal charger takes about 4.5 hours. A 6.6-kW charger is available and can reduce that time to 2.5 hours.

Handling and Braking

The NX Hybrid handles better than its predecessor. The steering is somewhat crisper, and there is less body roll while turning. However, it is not as nimble as other competitors, and the ride may be unsettling on rough pavement. The regenerative brakes can also be grabby.

2022 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Lexus RX Hybrid boasts a sophisticated interior, a plethora of technology, and a strong powertrain, but it isn’t as capacious, fuel-efficient, or nimble as its competitors.

Pros and Cons

Competition of 2022 Lexus RX Hybrid

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid performs admirably in the hybrid SUV segment. Though not a luxury SUV, the Toyota offers a spacious interior and costs thousands less than the Lexus. The Highlander Hybrid also has standard seating for eight people, a larger luggage room, and higher fuel efficiency than the RX Hybrid. These important features contribute to the Toyota being a better purchase than the Lexus.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a well-rounded car that is a viable alternative to the Lexus RX Hybrid. The RAV4 is only available as a five-seater, but it boasts far greater luggage space than the RX and fuel efficiency that approaches 40 mpg. It’s also an excellent buy, with a starting price of less than $30,000. Both the RAV4 Hybrid and RX Hybrid offer responsive powertrains, a similar feature set, and well-appointed interiors.

Interior

The inside of the 2022 Lexus RX Hybrid is outstanding, with adequate seating and luggage room, but the cargo space is disappointing, the available third row is undersized, and the updated infotainment system has some annoying controls.

16 cubic feet of luggage space is available behind the rear seats of the two-row RX Hybrid, and 32.6 cubic feet of space is available when the second row is folded down. These numbers don’t seem to add up for a car of this size. In the three-row RX Hybrid L, there is a total of 58.5 cubic feet of space available in the first row, with 23 cubic feet available in the second row, and 7.5 cubic feet available in the third row.

Seating

There are either five or six seats available for occupants in the Lexus RX Hybrid’s cabin. The inside is upholstered in synthetic leather, and it has front seats that are power-adjustable in 10 different ways. Additionally, the steering wheel and shift knob also have leather wrappings.

The interior is upholstered in semi-aniline leather, front seats, as well as the back seats in the two-row vehicle, are comfortable and provide enough head- and legroom. The available third row is tight and should be reserved for little individuals. Furthermore, the third-row seats in the three-row variant offer less legroom.

Performance

The 2022 Lexus RX Hybrid delivers a well-rounded performance package that includes a smooth engine, a pleasant ride, and decent fuel efficiency.

Powertrain: the combination of a 3.5-liter V6 and three electric motors yields 308 horsepower.
You may expect all-wheel drive to be the norm. Transmission with a Continuously Varying Ratio (CVT).

Although it is not the quickest SUV, the Lexus RX Hybrid features powerful and smooth acceleration. In addition, the CVT can produce considerable droning and disagreeable noise in the powertrain.

Handling and Braking

The all-wheel-drive RX Hybrid has a comfortable ride and handles well in corners, but it’s not the most athletic car in this class. F Sport versions and those with a handling package are a touch more responsive.

2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX is capable of venturing off the established road, but it falls short in other areas.

Pros and Cons

Competition of 2023 Lexus GX

The Lexus RX is a better alternative for luxury midsize SUV buyers than the GX. The RX is available as a two- or three-row vehicle, with approximately the same amount of seating room as the GX and a cheaper starting price. Furthermore, the RX offers a soft ride, quick acceleration, and decent fuel efficiency. The GX offers better off-road capability and more cargo space, but that isn’t enough to choose it over the RX.

The Acura MDX, a three-row SUV, has one of the class’s biggest load volumes, a long list of standard equipment, a strong engine, and decent fuel economy. The ride quality of the MDX receives mixed ratings, although it is still more relaxing than that of the GX. Furthermore, the Acura does all of this at a lesser cost. The MDX is a better buy than the GX.

Interior

The 2023 Lexus GX offers upgraded cabin materials, but the overall interior design is dated. For the most part, the entertainment system and passenger space are satisfactory. The load space in the GX is typical for a premium midsize SUV. Behind the third row, there is 11.6 cubic feet of space.

Liftgate of the vehicle does not open like a standard hatch but instead has side hinges that allow it to open to the side like a vehicle door. This, paired with the relatively high lift over height, may make loading and unloading freight problematic, albeit you may open the back windshield to drop in smaller objects.

Seating

The seven-person capacity of the three-row GX may be expanded to eight with the addition of the standard bench seat. First two rows of seats are spacious and suitable for adults, while the third row is cramped and best suited for youngsters. The front seats are heated and cooled, and the driver’s seat may be adjusted 10 different ways with power. Optional features include front and second-row seats that are heated, third-row seats that fold and recline automatically, and a heated steering wheel with wood accents and leather upholstery.

Performance

The only performance feature of the 2023 Lexus GX is its exceptional off-road prowess. Everything else, including engine power, fuel efficiency, and road manners, is disappointing. The powertrain is four-wheel-drive.
We’re talking about an automatic gearbox with six speeds.

The engine in the GX receives mixed reviews. Most critics agree that the available power is enough for daily commuting, although some observe that this big SUV can seem underpowered at times. Smooth shifts are provided by the transmission.

Handling and Braking

The GX has lots of off-road ability, but it comes at a cost. It has a lot of body lean at turns, and steering feedback is scarce. When the roads are smooth, this Lexus is comfortable to drive on, but when they become bumpy, so does the GX, which is amusing given that the GX is capable of handling off-road conditions.

In addition to the usual four-wheel drive, the Luxury grade has an Off-Road package. It has crawl control, skid plate, transmission cooler, a Multi-Terrain Monitor (which employs cameras to provide a view of the terrain underneath the GX), and Multi-Terrain Select (which includes driving modes for rock, rock and mud, mogul, and loose rock).

2022 Lexus LX

The 2022 Lexus LX ranks towards the bottom of the premium big SUV class, thanks in part to some unrefined driving qualities and underwhelming seating and load space.

Pros and Cons

Competition of 2022 Lexus LX

The Land Rover Range Rover stands apart in the class – and most of the rest of the industry – for its luxurious interior, strong off-road capabilities, and noisy powertrain selection. It also has a roomier second row and drives better on pavement than the LX. The Range Rover, on the other hand, does not have a three-row option. You’ll spend a lot of money on any of these SUVs, so why not spend it on something better, like the Range Rover?

The BMW X7 is a better value bet than the Lexus LX. The X7 costs roughly $12,000 less than the LX, but it has seating for seven as standard, as well as comparably remarkable amenities and craftsmanship. The X7 has improved handling and ride comfort, as well as more second-row room. These SUVs have comparable luggage sizes behind their second and third rows, but the X7 has larger maximum room when all rear seats are folded. There’s no reason to choose the LX over the X7.

Interior 

The 2022 Lexus LX offers an elegant interior with user-friendly electronics, but its cargo capacity is inadequate for the class, and its sitting room is just average.

The two-row Lexus LX has a 46-cubic-foot trunk space behind the back seats and a 71-cubic-foot trunk space with the rear seats folded down. For the Luxury trim, there is 41 cubic feet of space behind the second-row seats of a two-row Ultra. Behind the last row of seats in a three-row vehicle, there is 11 cubic feet of space, 44 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and 64 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down.

The LX’s load space isn’t competitive with other premium large SUVs. The liftgate can be opened without using your hands, although a powered one is standard equipment.

Seating

The 2022 LX has seating for four to seven persons. The base model is a two-row, five-seater, while the highest Ultra Luxury trim is a two-row, four-seater. The rest of the trims are three-row, seven-seaters.

The front chairs are comfy all day and give an appealing posture. The second seat has a decent passenger room, while the third row is somewhat cramped.

Performance

The 2022 Lexus LX has a powerful engine, but its ride and handling may be difficult. The segment’s fuel economy is average. The vehicle has an all-wheel-drive system. 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Lexus LX boasts a powerful engine and commanding acceleration. The new automatic transmission also impresses with its clean changes and overall polished performance.

Handling and Braking

The LX’s four-wheel-drive ride is typically comfy, but it jostles about too much over road bumps. Around corners, there is also obvious body lean.