Discover the 2024 Lexus RX: Where Luxury Meets Innovation
I’ve spent enough cold mornings and late-night freeway slogs in Lexus crossovers to know when the brand nails the brief. The 2024 Lexus RX is exactly that: quiet, polished, and just techy enough to make your life easier without feeling like you’re beta-testing someone’s app. It’s the luxury SUV I keep recommending to friends who want comfort first, but still care about efficiency, safety, and a little sparkle for Friday nights out.
What’s new for the 2024 Lexus RX
Last year’s redesign carries through, and it’s the right recipe. Under the hood, the RX 350 runs a 2.4-liter turbo four with 275 hp and 317 lb-ft—plenty of low-end shove for on-ramps, even with a full load of weekend luggage. The RX 350h hybrid pairs a 2.5-liter engine with electric assist (246 hp total) and returns excellent real-world economy; I saw mid-30s mpg without babying it. Feeling spicy? The RX 500h F Sport Performance uses a punchier hybrid setup good for 366 hp and a 0–60 dash in the high five-second range. And if you’ve got a short commute, the RX 450h+ plug-in hybrid adds usable EV range (think school runs and errands in near silence) before the gas engine ever wakes up.
Inside the 2024 Lexus RX: quiet luxury done right
I noticed right away how hushed the cabin is—even on coarse highway surfaces. The seats walk the line between plush and supportive; after a three-hour cross-state run, I got out feeling more or less fresh, which isn’t always the case in this class. The latest infotainment ditches the old touchpad (thank goodness) for a responsive touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice assistant actually understands you, and the head-up display (optional) is clear in bright sun. There are still a couple of small quirks: the capacitive steering-wheel buttons can be a bit over-sensitive, and the wireless charger can be fussy with some phone cases. Not dealbreakers—just, you know, quirks.
- Available 14-inch touchscreen with easy, no-nonsense menus
- Excellent seat heating/ventilation and a proper heated steering wheel
- Mark Levinson audio option turns late-night drives into concerts
- Plenty of small-item storage; flat cargo floor is road-trip friendly
2024 Lexus RX safety and driver assistance
Lexus Safety System+ is standard and it’s robust: Pre-collision with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise with lane tracing, traffic jam assist, and proactive driver support that smooths out speed around corners. On a busy suburban loop, I let the RX do the fiddly throttle-and-brake work—it’s confidence-inspiring and not overly intrusive. That matters when the kids are arguing in the back and you’re just trying to get everyone to soccer.
Driving impressions: the Lexus RX sweet spot
On rough roads, the RX settles quickly; it’s quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back (silver lining?). The 21-inch wheels look great but add a hint of firmness—swap to the smaller wheels if you prioritize ride above all. Steering is light and accurate, and the RX 500h’s torque-vectoring all-wheel drive adds genuine poise in tight corners on a rainy morning. Towing is rated up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped, which is enough for a pair of jet skis or a lightweight camper.
Personalizing your Lexus RX: mats that match the mood
One small, satisfying upgrade I always recommend: great floor mats. AutoWin’s premium set lets you customize stitching, colors, even logos so the cabin feels yours without looking aftermarket. It’s a neat way to keep your Lexus RX tidy and luxe after a ski weekend or a beach run with sandy feet.
2024 Lexus RX vs the usual suspects
Numbers don’t tell the whole story, but they’re useful when you’re cross-shopping. Here’s how the RX stacks up from a buyer’s-eye view.
Model | Base Powertrain | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Combined MPG (est.) | Standout Trait |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 Lexus RX 350 | 2.4L turbo I4 (275 hp) | ~7.2 sec | 22–25 | Quiet ride, top-tier reliability |
2024 Lexus RX 350h | Hybrid I4 (246 hp) | ~7.8 sec | Up to 36–37 | Outstanding fuel economy |
2024 Lexus RX 500h | Performance hybrid (366 hp) | ~5.9 sec | ~27 | Strong punch, torque vectoring |
BMW X5 xDrive40i | Turbo I6 (375 hp) | ~5.3 sec | ~25 | Sporty dynamics, premium tech |
Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 | Turbo I6 mild-hybrid (375 hp) | ~5.5 sec | ~23 | Plush cabin, glossy tech |
Acura MDX | 3.5L V6 (290 hp) | ~6.5 sec | ~22 | Value, driver-focused Type S option |
Living with the 2024 Lexus RX
After a week of mixed driving (city crawls, a mountain detour, the usual coffee runs), here’s the bottom line: the RX feels like driving in slippers—supportive, calm, and oddly satisfying. Owners I chatted with cited low running costs and minimal dealer visits as high points. The RX’s reputation for longevity isn’t marketing fluff; with basic maintenance, seeing 150,000–200,000 miles isn’t unusual. And yes, it takes regular unleaded fuel—no need to hunt for premium unless you just enjoy donating extra dollars to the pump.
Verdict: the 2024 Lexus RX nails its mission
If you want a luxury SUV that prioritizes serenity and dependability, the 2024 Lexus RX is the one that makes daily life easier—quiet commute, easy tech, low drama. Pick the RX 350h if you care about fuel bills, the RX 350 if you want a simple, strong turbo, and the RX 500h if you enjoy a squirt of pace with your peace and quiet. Either way, it’s the premium SUV that shows up for you every day without shouting about it.
2024 Lexus RX FAQ
- Which 2024 Lexus RX should I buy? For most buyers, the RX 350h hybrid hits the sweet spot with mid-30s mpg and plenty of power. If you want the most performance, go RX 500h F Sport Performance.
- What’s the real-world fuel economy? In mixed driving, I saw around 23–25 mpg in the RX 350, 34–37 mpg in the RX 350h, and mid-to-high 20s in the RX 500h.
- Does the RX require premium gas? No. Regular unleaded is fine for most RX models—check your owner’s manual for specifics.
- How much can the RX tow? Properly equipped, up to 3,500 pounds—enough for small trailers and toys.
- Is the Lexus RX reliable long term? Historically, yes. With routine maintenance, many RX SUVs comfortably reach 150,000–200,000+ miles.