Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2024 Lexus RX 350h, and we're checking out what Car and Driver has to say about it. If you're in the market for a luxury hybrid SUV, this review will be super helpful. We'll cover everything from performance and fuel efficiency to interior comfort and tech features, all while keeping the insights from Car and Driver front and center. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2024 Lexus RX 350h

The 2024 Lexus RX 350h is Lexus's latest offering in the highly competitive luxury hybrid SUV market. It's designed to blend fuel efficiency with the luxurious features and comfortable ride that Lexus is known for. The RX 350h is part of the broader RX lineup, which includes both hybrid and non-hybrid models, but the 350h specifically targets buyers looking for better gas mileage without sacrificing a premium driving experience. According to Car and Driver, the RX 350h stands out for its refined powertrain, smooth ride, and upscale interior. The exterior design has been updated to reflect Lexus's modern styling cues, making it both elegant and contemporary. The 2024 model year brings subtle improvements over previous versions, focusing on enhancing the overall driving experience and incorporating the latest technology. The RX 350h comes standard with all-wheel drive, adding to its appeal for those who live in areas with inclement weather. Safety features are also a strong point, with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included as standard equipment. Overall, the 2024 Lexus RX 350h aims to provide a well-rounded package that appeals to a broad range of luxury SUV buyers. Car and Driver notes that while it may not be the sportiest option in its class, it excels in providing a comfortable, quiet, and efficient ride, making it a strong contender for those prioritizing these qualities. So, if you're looking for a reliable and luxurious hybrid SUV, the RX 350h might just be what you need!

Performance and Driving Experience

When it comes to performance, the 2024 Lexus RX 350h offers a balanced and efficient driving experience. The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to deliver a total system output of 246 horsepower. While this isn't the most powerful option in the luxury hybrid SUV segment, it provides ample power for daily driving and smooth acceleration. Car and Driver highlights the seamless integration of the hybrid system, noting that the transitions between electric and gasoline power are virtually imperceptible. This contributes to a relaxed and refined driving experience, which is a key selling point for Lexus vehicles. The all-wheel-drive system provides added confidence in various driving conditions, ensuring stable handling and traction. In terms of ride quality, the RX 350h excels at absorbing road imperfections, delivering a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension is tuned to prioritize comfort over sporty handling, making it ideal for long commutes and road trips. Car and Driver points out that the steering is light and responsive, making the RX 350h easy to maneuver in city traffic. However, it's not the most engaging vehicle to drive on winding roads, as the focus is more on providing a smooth and predictable experience. Fuel efficiency is another strong suit of the RX 350h. The hybrid powertrain allows it to achieve impressive gas mileage, especially in city driving. This can result in significant savings at the pump compared to non-hybrid SUVs. Car and Driver praises the RX 350h for its ability to deliver both luxury and efficiency, making it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious buyers. Overall, the 2024 Lexus RX 350h offers a well-rounded performance package that prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and ease of use. While it may not be the sportiest option in its class, it excels at providing a smooth and refined driving experience that is perfect for everyday driving.

Interior and Comfort

Stepping inside the 2024 Lexus RX 350h, you're immediately greeted by a luxurious and well-appointed cabin. Lexus has paid close attention to detail, using high-quality materials and providing a comfortable and refined environment for both the driver and passengers. Car and Driver emphasizes the attention to detail in the interior, noting the use of soft-touch surfaces, elegant trim, and comfortable seating. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, making them ideal for long drives. The RX 350h offers ample space for both front and rear passengers, with plenty of legroom and headroom. The rear seats can also recline, adding to the comfort for those in the back. The cabin is also well-insulated from outside noise, creating a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. This is particularly important for a luxury vehicle, as it enhances the overall sense of refinement. Car and Driver mentions that the RX 350h excels at providing a serene driving experience, thanks to its quiet cabin and smooth ride. In terms of features, the RX 350h comes standard with a wide range of comfort and convenience items. This includes a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a premium sound system. Higher trim levels add even more luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, wood trim, and a panoramic sunroof. The design of the dashboard is clean and modern, with controls that are easy to reach and use. The touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to access various functions. Car and Driver appreciates the user-friendly interface, noting that it's a significant improvement over previous Lexus infotainment systems. Overall, the interior of the 2024 Lexus RX 350h is a standout feature, offering a combination of luxury, comfort, and technology that is sure to impress. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the RX 350h provides a comfortable and refined environment for all occupants.

Technology and Features

The 2024 Lexus RX 350h is packed with the latest technology features, designed to enhance the driving experience and keep you connected on the road. The centerpiece of the technology suite is the touchscreen infotainment system, which is available in various sizes depending on the trim level. Car and Driver highlights the improved user interface of the infotainment system, noting that it's now more intuitive and responsive than previous versions. The system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car. This enables you to access your favorite apps, make calls, and send messages using voice commands or the touchscreen. In addition to smartphone integration, the RX 350h also offers a range of other tech features, such as a premium sound system, wireless charging pad, and head-up display. The premium sound system provides crisp and clear audio, enhancing the listening experience for both music and podcasts. The wireless charging pad allows you to conveniently charge your smartphone without the need for cables. The head-up display projects important information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. Safety is also a top priority in the RX 350h, with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included as standard equipment. This suite of safety features includes automatic emergency braking, lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Car and Driver praises the effectiveness of these safety features, noting that they can help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. The RX 350h also offers advanced driver-assistance systems, such as lane tracing assist and road sign assist. Lane tracing assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, while road sign assist displays speed limits and other important information on the instrument panel. Overall, the 2024 Lexus RX 350h is a technologically advanced vehicle that offers a wide range of features designed to enhance the driving experience and keep you safe on the road. From its intuitive infotainment system to its comprehensive suite of safety features, the RX 350h is well-equipped to meet the needs of today's drivers.

Fuel Efficiency and MPG

One of the standout features of the 2024 Lexus RX 350h is its impressive fuel efficiency. As a hybrid SUV, it's designed to deliver excellent gas mileage, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money at the pump. Car and Driver highlights the RX 350h's fuel efficiency as one of its key strengths, noting that it outperforms many of its competitors in this area. The hybrid powertrain combines a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to maximize fuel economy. The RX 350h is rated by the EPA to achieve up to 36 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. These numbers are quite impressive for a luxury SUV, and they can translate to significant savings over time. In real-world driving, the RX 350h often exceeds these estimates, especially in city driving where the electric motors can do more of the work. This makes it an ideal choice for commuters who spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic. Car and Driver notes that the RX 350h's fuel efficiency is particularly impressive considering its size and weight. It's a testament to Lexus's engineering expertise that they have been able to achieve such excellent gas mileage without sacrificing performance or comfort. In addition to its fuel-efficient powertrain, the RX 350h also incorporates other features that help to improve fuel economy. This includes regenerative braking, which captures energy during braking and stores it in the battery. It also has a drive mode selector that allows you to choose between different driving modes, such as Eco mode, which prioritizes fuel efficiency. Overall, the 2024 Lexus RX 350h is a fuel-efficient SUV that offers a compelling combination of luxury, performance, and economy. If you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on gas, the RX 350h is definitely worth considering. Car and Driver agrees, noting that it's one of the most fuel-efficient options in its class.

Pricing and Trims

When considering the 2024 Lexus RX 350h, understanding the pricing and available trims is essential to making an informed decision. The RX 350h comes in several trim levels, each offering a different set of features and equipment. Car and Driver provides a detailed breakdown of the various trims and their corresponding prices, helping buyers to choose the one that best fits their needs and budget. The base trim of the RX 350h offers a solid foundation of standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. Moving up to higher trim levels adds more luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, wood trim, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system. The price increases accordingly as you move up the trim levels, so it's important to consider which features are most important to you. Car and Driver notes that the RX 350h is competitively priced within its class, offering good value for the money. However, it's also important to factor in the cost of optional features and packages, which can add significantly to the overall price. In addition to the trim levels, the RX 350h also offers a range of standalone options, such as different wheel designs, exterior colors, and interior trims. This allows buyers to customize their vehicle to their exact specifications. When comparing the RX 350h to its competitors, it's important to consider the overall package, including features, performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Car and Driver provides a comprehensive comparison of the RX 350h to other luxury hybrid SUVs, helping buyers to make an informed decision. Overall, the 2024 Lexus RX 350h offers a range of trims and options to suit different budgets and preferences. By carefully considering your needs and priorities, you can choose the trim that best fits your lifestyle. Car and Driver's detailed analysis of the pricing and trims can be a valuable resource in this process.

Car and Driver's Verdict

So, what's the final word from Car and Driver on the 2024 Lexus RX 350h? Well, they generally give it a thumbs up! Car and Driver appreciates the RX 350h for its blend of luxury, comfort, and fuel efficiency. They highlight its smooth ride, quiet cabin, and well-appointed interior as key strengths. While it may not be the sportiest SUV in its class, it excels at providing a refined and relaxing driving experience. They also praise its impressive fuel economy, which makes it an attractive option for those looking to save money on gas. However, Car and Driver also points out some potential drawbacks. They note that the infotainment system, while improved, could still be more user-friendly. They also mention that the RX 350h's handling is not as engaging as some of its competitors. Overall, Car and Driver concludes that the 2024 Lexus RX 350h is a solid choice for buyers who prioritize comfort, luxury, and fuel efficiency. It's a well-rounded SUV that offers a lot of value for the money. If you're in the market for a luxury hybrid SUV, the RX 350h is definitely worth considering. Just be sure to weigh its strengths and weaknesses against your own needs and preferences.