Lexus RX Finalist For MotorTrend SUV Of The Year Award

One of the more prestigious vehicle of the year awards is The MotorTrend Best SUV of the Year, and this year brought worthy competition from many brands. In fact, Motortrend’s staff evaluated 40 vehicles from 31 different automakers. One of those 31 automakers was Lexus with the first-ever crossover, the RX. 

Abiding by strict criteria when reviewing each vehicle, MotorTrend makes sure to stay unbiased. The list of criteria includes: efficiency, design, safety, engineering excellence, value, and performance of intended function, and every vehicle either has to be an all-new model, or significantly changed from the previous model year.nThe first-ever Best SUV of the Year started in 1999 and saw the brand new nameplate, the Lexus RX 300, which just so happened to also be the first crossover ever created. 

There are four different RX models, the 350 with a gas engine, and three hybrid models,  350h, 450h+ plug-in hybrid, and the 500h F-Sport. MotorTrend loved the amount of engine choices customers get to choose from saying, “The updated RX lineup smartly mixes traits we’ve come to expect from a Lexus with new ones you wouldn’t normally think to ask about. Including the new-for-2024 RX450h+ plug-in hybrid, the RX now has four powertrains to choose from. Below the RX450h+ tech flagship model is the standard, gas-powered RX 350, a similarly priced RX 350h hybrid, and an RX500h hybrid model that trades some efficiency for power and a half serving of sportiness.”

Powering the RX 350 is a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 that makes 265 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid version of the 350, the 350h has the same 2.5-liter inline-4 only with an electric motor instead of a turbocharger. The combined power and torque of the gas and electric motors together is 246 horsepower and 233 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid 450h+ also has the same 2.5-liter inline-4 combined with a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor that puts out a combined 304 horsepower. The EPA estimates that you can drive up to 37 miles on the electric motor alone before needing to recharge it. Last but not least, the sportiest of the RX lineup is the 500h F-Sport with a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4 that also has an electric motor. The combined output is 366 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.  

With its luxurious interior and comfortable seats, the RX is one of the most comfortable and relaxing crossovers on the market. With the optional 14-inch multimedia touchscreen and Mark Levinson Surround Sound system, plus standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you get a vehicle that can keep you relaxed and feeling like you have the best seat in the house on any drive. Behind the rear seats,the RX has 29.59 cu.ft of space in the hatch area, and with the seats folded, that increases to 46.19 cu.ft.

Standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 makes the RX very safe for all occupants. This safety system includes: Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pedestrian Detection, Proactivo Driving Assist (PDA), Road Sign Assist, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LoA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), Intelligent High Beam, and All-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Curve Speed Management (DRCC). 

MotorTrend judges were surprised at how sporty and relaxed the whole range was, saying, “A couple judges reported having some fun throwing the RX around in the corners, though most models are tuned for cruising more than athleticism. The RX is better off for this focus. Compliments flowed in praising (most of) the RX’s interior, from the high-quality materials to a dual-height cupholder.”

The 2024 Lexus RX starts from $49,950. 

At Lexus of Henderson, we take pride in offering vehicles that are in great shape inside and out. With more than 100 new and pre-owned vehicles for sale, our sales team and finance department will work to find you the perfect vehicle at the right price. Our service department will work tirelessly to ensure your car stays in the best shape possible. We look forward to serving you soon.