Lexus Rx

The Lexus RX has been the luxury automaker’s best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for two decades. So it behooves them to maintain what buyers expect whenever it’s time for a model redesign or refresh. At the same time, attracting new buyers with new styling, new features, and modern upgrades is important.

The Lexus RX has been the brand’s top-selling vehicle in the U.S. for quite some time. It got its start at a soft and cushy grocery getter, but over the years has become a much more enjoyable vehicle to drive, while still maintaining its luxurious styling and amenities.

A while back, I had the opportunity to drive the latest-generation Lexus RX series, and thought it was a dramatic upgrade from the prior generation. But the one variant I didn’t spend meaningful time with was the hybrid model, the RX 450h.

For years, the Lexus RX series SUV has been incredibly popular, thanks to its comfort, practicality and tranquil cabin. However, it wasn’t exactly the vehicle to drive if you were looking for an engaging experience behind the wheel.

Let’s be honest, most hybrids are not thought of as very exciting. In keeping with 95Octane’s motto of “Cars that Don’t Suck,” we decided to cover a hybrid that adds some excitement and sportiness to the genre.

In all honesty, I’ve never been a big fan of the current-gen Lexus RX. Its styling was just too conservative, and the driving experience too disengaged for me. Sure, it’s practical and reasonably upscale, but exciting, it isn’t.