2024 Lexus RX350h Luxury review

Lexus is well-versed in the luxury hybrid car market. It’s been nearly 20 years since the Japanese marque debuted its first luxury hybrid vehicle, but other prestige brands have been playing catch-up. And in recent years, we've seen a variety of hybrid variants of some of Australia's most beloved luxury cars introduced.

The all-new RX debuted in 2023, and so far Australians have been impressed. Last year, the only models to outsell the RX within the large luxury SUV segment were the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the Land Rover Defender and the BMW X5. 

I’m in the range-opening version of the Lexus RX350h this week. Will this entry-level model have enough luxury finishing touches to keep up with its diverse list of competitors? 

The RX350h is the entry-level variant in the RX line-up. The model I’m testing is the RX350h Luxury AWD hybrid model, which costs $93,434 plus on-road costs, or $104,313 drive-away using a NSW postcode. 

This particular car is book-ended by the lowest trim, the Luxury 2WD, which is priced at $90,060 plus on-road costs, and the highest trim Sports Luxury AWD, which costs $113,334 plus on-road costs. All use the same 2.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, with all-wheel drive versions adding an additional rear electric motor to allow four-wheeled traction.

The RX350, the mid-spec model in the RX range, comes with a petrol engine only and has both F Sport and Sports Luxury variants, which are $100,660 and $106,660 plus on-road costs respectively. 

The highest spec in the line-up is the RX500h, of which only F Sport Performance trim is available. This model comes with a 2.4-litre turbocharged hybrid engine and costs $127,434 plus on-road costs.

Even with luxury extras added and its drive-away price taken into consideration, the RX350h remains one of the more affordable large luxury SUVs on the market. The RX range competes with prestige models like the BMW X5, Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and the Range Rover Sport, all of which have higher price tags.

From lowest to highest, the mild-hybrid Audi Q7 starts at $117,284. The plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90, the Recharge Ultimate T8, starts at $128,390. The BMW X5 xDrive 50e PHEV starts at $149,900. The Range Rover Sport mild-hybrid diesel starts from $146,000, while the PHEV P460e, starts at $188,716 – with all prices listed before on-road costs.

So those are the luxury rivals that are at the spikier end of the price scale. Other mass-market brands have large SUVs that cross into the RX's luxury space, with the electric Kia EV6 GT from $99,590 and EV9 Earth from $106,500. The Mazda CX-90 range tops out at $94,630 before options.

Even internally the RX350h faces competition from its parent company, Toyota. The RX350h and Toyota Kluger share platforms and the same engine, though the Kluger starts at $60,920 for the entry-level petrol-based GX and increases to $82,860 for the highest-spec Hybrid Grande. Both models are considered large SUVs, though the Kluger comes with seven seats and has bigger dimensions. As a result, the Lexus RX does look like a smaller-sized large SUV. 

My test model comes in a Sonic Iridium metallic – which translates as silver to the untrained eye – though there are nine different paint colours to choose from. The metallic options cost an extra $1750, while premium Graphite Black attracts no surcharge. 

The Luxury trim that I’m driving comes with a 14-inch touchscreen display, Panasonic 12-speaker audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, leather-accented trim, two-way lumbar support front seats, eight-way power-adjustable front seats, interior illumination, E-latch interior door handles, tri-zone air conditioning, five USB-C ports and one USB-A port. 

On the exterior, you get 19-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lamps, a shark fin antenna, rear privacy glass and roof rails, acoustic glass, rain-sensing wipers and an electric tailgate. 

The higher-trim Sports Luxury version also comes with a heated steering wheel with a woodgrain look and touch controls, a smart key card, head-up display, heated and ventilated rear outboard seats, four-way power lumbar support front seats and 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a wireless phone charger, 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, leather-accented seat trim, an instrument panel with wood ornamentation and rear sunshades. The only change to the exterior compared to the Luxury trim is the 21-inch alloy wheels. 

My test model comes with the $5500 Enhancement Pack included, which adds a lot of features that come standard in the Sports Luxury trim: a panoramic sunroof, leather-accented seat trim, smart key card, head-up display, wireless phone charger, steering wheel with touch controls and a high-grade instrument cluster. This increased my drive-away price to $110,088 using a central Sydney postcode.

Standing at 4890mm long, 1920mm wide and 1695mm high, I’ve already mentioned that it stands smaller in stature than the Toyota Kluger, but it also has smaller dimensions than its more costly rivals, the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Land Rover Range Rover Sport. 

There’s nothing overtly opulent about the RX350h, but the whole cabin does feel polished. The interior of my test model comes with all-black upholstery and woodgrain-effect panelling. You can also opt for three other two-tone colour schemes, black with cream, hazel or a dark chocolate brown. All of the interior colour options come at no extra cost. 

Lexus employs the Tazuna concept in the interior of its cars. This design philosophy is based on the driver being intuitively connected with the vehicle; all functions should be within reach of the driver, and shouldn’t require the driver to take their eyes off the road. 

In reality, this means the cabin design may appear a little rudimentary to some: there are traditional climate controls and a volume dial, which in some other modern cars you might find buried in the infotainment system. For me, though, this is only a good thing. I think dials and buttons are much more user-friendly than a minimalist cabin. 

The materials used in the cabin are mostly plastics, but they’re soft-touch, and as a result, the cabin feels premium. Not quite as impressive as some of its more costly rivals, but still everything feels well made. The only part of the cabin I’d call out as being impractical would be the central storage unit, which is covered in piano black and shows up every scratch and ding. 

The 14-inch infotainment display is the central focus of the cabin. Below the climate controls, volume dial and air vents are two USB-C ports and a shelf – a useful spot for sunglasses or keys. There is a rubberised dock to charge your phone wirelessly (a reminder that this is only because I have the Enhancement Pack) or another USB-C and USC-A port if you’d rather plug in.  

The central storage unit houses two cupholders that easily fit two large coffee cups. There is also a gear stick and a series of buttons, including a button that switches the car entirely into its short-range EV mode. A deep central storage bin offers plenty of space. If you’re looking for extra storage space, you’ve also got an average-sized glovebox and two fairly cavernous door pockets. 

Despite being slightly smaller than some of its rivals, the car doesn’t feel light on space. There’s plenty of room for the front seat passengers, even with tall passengers in the second row. The leather-covered seats are spacious and sculpted, and can be adjusted in several different ways for you to find your optimal position. 

The leather-covered steering wheel comes with touch controls courtesy of the Enhancement Pack. The digital instrument display is clear and can be tailored to various displays depending on your preference. A head-up display, again courtesy of the Enhancement Pack, can also be adjusted to suit your preferences. 

Rather than traditional door handles, the RX350h uses push-button E-latch door handles. These door handles are designed with safety in mind: sensors on the outside of the car stop passengers from opening the car door if a cyclist or traffic is approaching. There is also an emergency latch on both the inside and outside of the car. 

The second row of the car feels as spacious and comfortable as the front. It may not have the third row that some other large SUVs have, but the second row is ample enough to easily accommodate three passengers. 

My in-laws are visiting from overseas, so during my time in the RX, all five seats of the car have been utilised daily. Long drives with two adults and a bulky child seat in the second row haven’t been a problem whatsoever – and there’s still room for storage. The door pockets come with space for large drink bottles, and when it's not in use, the middle seat pulls down to reveal two cupholders and an additional storage spot that is handy for storing snacks or phones. 

There is plenty of leg room for second-row passengers. The head room is a little compromised thanks to the sunroof. At 171cm tall I had no issues, but taller passengers might struggle. There are also two USB-C ports and separate air vents.  

There’s 612 litres of boot space or 1678L with the second-row seats down. This is bigger than the Kluger, which has 552L of boot space when the second row is in use but the third row is not.

The RX350h has a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display with integrated voice commands, so you needn’t divert your focus from the road to use it. 

Despite its impressive size, the system is relatively understated and simple to navigate. The graphics are sharp and the system responds quickly, but there’s nothing fancy or too high-tech about the system, which I say as a positive remark. A handful of shortcuts on the screen make the user experience even more efficient. Lexus has come under scrutiny in the past for its outdated technology, so this straightforward, clear infotainment system is a good step forward for the Japanese brand.  

The car supports wireless or wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I tried wired and wireless connections and found both worked seamlessly for me in the car. When I chose not to connect, an embedded navigation system was easy to use, and the digital radio system sounded crisp through the Panasonic sound system. However, audio buffs might like to know that the Sports Luxury trim comes with a prestige Mark Levinson audio system. 

Lexus owners can make use of Lexus Connected Services, which allow you greater access and connectivity to your car, all from the comfort of your couch. App users can lock or unlock their car remotely, check the status of their lights and control the climate, meaning you can heat or cool your car before you get in – perfect on these frosty mornings.

The technology gives owners access to three safety and security benefits: SOS emergency call, automatic collision notification and stolen vehicle tracking, all of which are complimentary for the first three years of new vehicle ownership.

The Lexus RX range has been awarded a five-star safety rating by ANCAP. This rating doesn’t expire until December 2028.  

Adult occupant protection received a 90 per cent score, 89 per cent for child occupant protection, 89 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 93 per cent for safety assist technologies. 

The car has dual frontal, side chest-protecting and curtain airbags, as well as a driver's knee airbag. A centre airbag provides added protection to front-seat occupants in side crashes.  

The Luxury trim includes almost all the same safety features as the higher-trim Sports Luxury model and its higher-spec siblings, the RX350 and RX500h. 

The Lexus RX range is fitted with the Lexus Safety System+, a comprehensive suite of safety features including a pre-collision system with intersection collision avoidance support, emergency steering assist and low-speed acceleration suppression.  

The car also has lane-tracing assist and lane-departure warning, automatic high beam, road sign assist, driver monitor camera, safe exit assist, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, anti-theft system, front and rear parking support brake and parking sensors. 

The comprehensive suite of technology is mostly helpful and unobtrusive. Even though visibility in the car is good, the rear-view camera and sensors provide extra reassurance. The collision warning and driver attention warning can be a little overzealous, but I would rather these alerts be overzealous than non-existent. If there are certain alerts you don't want, you can alter your settings via the infotainment system. 

Lexus offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Servicing intervals are annually or every 15,000km, whichever comes first. Lexus offers capped-price servicing across its model range. For new RX models, this will cost you $695 each visit for the first five years. Hybrid models are covered by five years battery warranty, which extends up to 10 years with an annual battery health check.

Lexus is renowned for its exemplary owner benefits. One particular benefit is access to the Lexus Encore program, which includes around-the-clock roadside assistance, fuel discounts, invitations to exclusive events, and complimentary pick-up and drop-off from the service centre and a loan vehicle for the first three years of ownership.

One leading insurer quoted $2812 to annually insure the Lexus RX350h Luxury based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates will vary based on your location, driving history and personal circumstances.

Lexus claims a combined fuel consumption of 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres. Upon testing, I returned a fuel reading of 6.2L/100km. 

What did that look like in reality? After a week in the RX350h, I had notched up nearly 530km of driving. That’s my daily commute plus a couple of long road trips to show off some New South Wales coastline to my visiting in-laws. Because the car will prioritise electric propulsion when you’re going at 50km/h or less, I didn’t spend that much time driving in EV mode. Even so, after all that driving and starting on a nearly full tank, I still had a quarter tank of petrol left in the tank at the end of my tenure. 

Lexus recommends using only premium unleaded petrol to fuel the 65-litre fuel tank. 

The Lexus RX350h is a 2.5-litre hybrid petrol engine vehicle that produces a combined 184kW of power (between electric and petrol motors). Meanwhile, other prestige rivals from marques such as BMW and Audi have larger engines and produce bigger power and torque outputs. 

This Lexus is all-wheel drive but it's not a serious off-road vehicle. For urban owners with little chance of travelling on sand or gravel, the two-wheel-drive variant would suffice – and save $3374 off the purchase price.

The car drives well, but I will say from the off it doesn’t always feel like a luxury car. I would hope a luxury model soaks up bumps on the road, but in this model, the suspension is a little bit firm. It doesn’t have much rebound off the road, which makes the ride a bit aggressive. 

This makes the car a bit firmer and dartier, but given its size and weight, it handles corners well. 

There is some road noise, which again I wouldn’t expect from a luxury car. I can also hear some of the plastic in the back squeaking. However, there’s not a lot of engine vibration felt in the cabin, which does contribute to the overall comfort of the car. 

What I will say is that the car has got a bit of pep in its step, and you don’t have to step hard on the accelerator to get it going. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) delivers a nice linear power, so it doesn’t require much throttle to get up to speed, but nor is it jumpy when you put your foot down.

There is a lot of car to move around for a fairly small engine, but it doesn’t feel heavy. Once you’ve found a comfortable speed on the road, the car holds its own, but there isn’t much more to it. A more powerful car might feel a bit more dynamic. The steering is light and the brakes are erring on sensitive. 

Overall, I would deem it a sturdy, stable drive, which may not make it overly exciting, but it is a good, hardy option for a family car. 

The RX can tow up to 1500kg braked or 750kg unbraked, which means it can comfortably tow a small boat or jet ski, or a bunch of bikes. So while it may not be an off-road option, it can still transport a fair bit of equipment for a family trip away.

The Lexus RX350h Luxury is a dependable family car with just a touch more panache to it than its popular Toyota sibling. 

I’d argue it doesn’t have the same wow factor as some of its prestige rivals, but it also doesn’t have the same price tag. I will say, without the optional Enhancement Pack, I’m doubtful of how ‘luxury’ the car would feel. A head-up display, panoramic sunroof and wireless charging feel like details I would expect in a luxury car that costs over $100K regardless of where it sits in its respective range. 

What does feel premium, though, is the level of comfort for passengers: the space offered in both rows is ample and the seats are comfortable. The new technology is straightforward to use and an impressive step forward for the brand. The drive is perhaps a bit lacklustre and errs on the side of bumpy, but it’s a sensible drive and suits a family. 

The Lexus RX350h is available in Lexus dealerships around the country. Ahead of making any purchase decision, our recommendation would be to test-drive some of the car's closest competitors. I would also suggest driving the higher trim, the RX350h Sports Luxury, as it comes fitted with many details that come as costly extras in the Luxury trim.

Check out the Lexus website to take a closer look at the RX range to find stock. You can also locate your nearest dealer here. You can also find Lexus vehicles for sale at Drive Marketplace.

If you want to stay updated with everything that's happened to the Lexus RX350h since our review, you'll find all the latest news here.