2021 Lexus RX Hybrid

Lexus, Toyota’s upscale sub-brand, is among the few luxury automakers that successfully merges technologically-advanced designs with consistently great reliability. Interiors are quiet and finished with finely-crafted materials. The engines are generally smooth and powerful. Many of its cars and SUVs are available with more fuel-efficient hybrid powertrains. Lexus continues to sell sedans, with its ES, IS, and top-shelf LS models. Most of its SUVs have done well in our testing, including the NX, RX, and TX. The brand’s first all-electric vehicle, the RZ, is a luxury version of the Toyota bZ4X EV. Lexus also sells two-door coupes and convertibles, the RC and LC. Multiple Lexus models have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendation for used cars.

For 2016, the redesigned AWD RX 450h combines a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors and a battery system to produce 308 hp, and can propel itself solely on electric power at low speeds. A FWD model is only available for the 2016 model year. The RX 450h gets an excellent 29 mpg overall in our tests. Ride comfort is plush, whether buyers get the base car on 18-inch tires or one of the more uplevel versions with 20-inch tires. Handling is sound and secure but not sporty. Inside, the RX is very quiet and well-finished. In 2020, the awkward mouse like infotainment controller is replaced with an awkward touchpad, but thankfully the SUV also gained a touch screen. BSW and RCTW are standard for 2016-2017, optional from 2018-2020, and standard thereafter. FCW, AEB, ACC, LDW, LKA, and LCA are optional for 2016 and standard starting from 2017.