The durable Japanese luxury SUV that rarely needs repairs

The hybrid car market is experiencing a steady increase in demand in the US, especially compared to the EV segment. With the tax credit for clean vehicles gone, manufacturers are predicting a drastic drop in demand, prompting them to focus on their gasoline-electric hybrid models. In the premium segment, Lexus has already cornered the market Toyota’s more than 30 years of experience and development.

Lexus distinguishes itself in the premium segment because it uses Toyota’s powertrain technology. As a result, you do not benefit from the best performance, but the models excel in terms of efficiency and reliability. The Lexus RX 350h is a good example of how you can combine luxury with reliability. That is why this is the brand’s most popular model.

The Lexus RX is a mid-size premium SUV that is part of the… brand portfolio for more than twenty yearsand has therefore built itself a solid reputation by offering its owners the best balance between opulence and austerity without compromising on quality. The new generation model is no exception and is a perfect option to consider if you value a product that meets all requirements at a relatively competitive price. It’s also a good option if you value value retention, as the RX has consistently benefited from good resale figures, especially thanks to its reliable reputation. Esteemed publications recognize this, which is why it benefits from such high reliability ratings, meaning you’ll virtually never need to make repairs during your ownership experience.

The Lexus RX Hybrid requires minimal maintenance

Toyota’s HEV system is built to last

According to the Edmunds Using the True Cost To Own tool, we see that you can expect to spend $63,119 on the Lexus RX SUV over the course of five years and 60,000 miles. This includes $22,120 in depreciation, $9,377 in maintenance and $1,127 in repairs.

According to AutoEdge, the Lexus RX Hybrid will cost you $57,867 over five years and 90,000 miles. This includes $25,704 in depreciation, $12,910 in insurance, $6,415 in fuel, $10,246 in financing and $2,592 in maintenance.

The Lexus RX350h achieves impressive ratings in all its tests thanks to its balanced design. JD power gives the model an overall score of 85/100, consisting of 85/100 for quality and reliability, 82/100 for the driving experience, 84/100 for resale and 87/100 for the dealer experience. iSeeCars backs this up with an overall score of 8.3/10, including 8.6/10 for reliability, 8.2/10 for value retained and 8.0/10 for safety.

The publication also indicates that you can expect the RX 350h to last 14.7 years or 170,975 miles before you encounter any significant mechanical problemswith a 31.7 percent probability of reaching 200,000 miles. iSeeCars also highlights that the RX 350h will lose $22,409 or 43.8 percent of its value after five years or 100,000 kilometers, which is more than 10 percent better than what its main rivals are struggling with.

Efficiency and reach estimates provide additional attractiveness

Although it is not economical, it balances performance and consumption well

The Lexus RX 350h doesn’t benefit from the best EPA-estimated figures, with the agency reporting it will get 37/34/36 fuel economy on the city/highway/combined cycle and travel 619 miles on one tank of gas. You won’t benefit from any savings on fuel costs over five years, as you’ll spend $1,700 on gas each year and $2.81 to drive 25 miles.

The RX 500h gets 27/28/27 mpg and travels 765 miles on a single tank. You’ll find yourself spending $2,750 more on gas every five years compared to the average car, $2,250 per year on gas and $3.75 to drive 25 miles. Both models feature a 17.2-gallon tank, which costs about $70 to fill.

Two powertrain options to meet different needs

Lexus offers its RX Hybrid with a basic and sporty option

The RX 350h hybrid features the Toyota Group’s naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three permanent magnet motors. This sends out a combined 246 horsepower and 233 pound-feet on all four wheels using a direct drive eCVT. You can expect this model to complete an acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 190 km/h.

The 500h F-Sport Performance adds the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and one electric motor. A six-speed automatic transmission sends a combined 366 horsepower and 406 pound-feet to all four wheels, allowing you to go from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. Both models can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

$52,025 will put you in the driver’s seat

The Hybrid RX is fully equipped across the range

Prices for the Lexus RX 350h range start at $52,025 (excluding delivery) for the base model, which includes ambient lighting, multi-zone climate control, NuLuxe leather upholstery, eight-way power front seats with heating and Black Cascade interior trim. Additional features include a 12.3-inch digital information display, a 9.8-inch central infotainment system, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Lexus premium sound system.

On the outside, you get bi-LED headlights and LED taillights, heated door mirrors with auto-folding rear-view mirror and an auto dimmer for the driver’s side, 19-inch alloy wheels in dark gray metallic and a power tailgate. Upgrading to the Premium derivative increases the starting price to $54,200 before delivery, and adds features such as heated wood and leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, front seat ventilation, driver seat memory functions, open-pore black wood and Ash Bamboo interior trim, an electronically operated sunroof and a wireless smartphone charger.

A plethora of optional packages for customizability

If you want to make your RX Hybrid ownership experience a little more comprehensive, there are three specific packages you can add. The first is the $1,670 Convenience Package, which adds a panoramic view monitor, traffic jam assist and advanced parking.

The Technology Package costs $350 for the base version, $1,375 for the Premium+ and $475 for the rest of the series. This adds a wireless charger to the base model, a smartphone-powered digital key to all models, a 10-inch head-up display to the Premium+ and a digital rearview mirror to all models. The final package is the Kick Sensor With Tow package for $870. This adds a power rear door with a kick sensor and a tow hitch receiver.

The Premium+ and Luxury have high demands

You can do that for $57,690 choose the Premium+ versionwhich adds themed ambient lighting, a smog-sensing automatic recirculator for the climate control, perforated leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, a larger 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the option to specify the panoramic sunroof.

The Luxury is the flagship of the range, with an MSRP of $62,745. For this you get the panoramic sliding roof as standard, a premium metallic finish for the 20-inch wheels, triple beam LED headlights with cornering lights and a head-up display. The $56,530 F-Sport Design mimics the Premium trim, but with some specifically sporty interior and exterior finishes.

The 500h F Sport rivals modern sports cars

For $65,400 you can get the range-topping 500h F-Sport Performance, which includes all the features of the Luxury and the exterior details of the F-Sport, along with a significant increase in power and suspension upgrades. Lexus charges a flat delivery fee of $1,450 for all variants of the RX hybrid.

Source: JD power, iSeeCars, Edmunds, AutoEdgeAnd the EPA