Lexus RX 450h Luxury: Tops in class and classy to boot

This review first appeared in the December 2024 edition of the Cruisin' News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

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Sacramento, California -- Having driven the Lexus RX sport-utility vehicle in its various forms over the years, I had a pretty good idea what to expect with the 2024 offering.

Turns out I underestimated the enjoyment factor.

The 2024 Lexus RX 450h Luxury is a technology-laden, rolling five-star hotel room, with a hybrid bonus.

Dressed in gleaming dark blue "Nightfall Mica" paint, the sleek tester radiated class.  Interior comfort was excellent.

It's the type of vehicle you don't want to get out of once your given driving chores are completed.

And yet, given what it has in the luxury segment, the tester was priced at a relatively reasonable $75,755.

If this is your purchase power point, I envy you.

My week in the sport-ute was completely enjoyable, a luxurious pleasure experience. It cruised down the freeway with butter smoothness, but it was remarkably agile when quick maneuvers were required.  The turning radius was surprisingly tight.

Power comes from a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder plug-in hybrid/electric engine. The system, linked to a continuously variable transmission, is rated at 304 horsepower.

That's a fair amount of oomph, and a welcome power boost that rescued me a couple of times during tight entrance ramp maneuvers along Interstate 80.

In the vehicle rollout, Lexus touted the PHEV addition to the midsize crossover SUV, and in this case, the hype was entirely appropriate.  The power package is seamless, smooth and strong.

In practical terms, the PHEV system is good for 35 miles per gallon in combined city/highway driving; that number swells to 83 mpg in gas-electric mode.

This being a Lexus, top technology features were plentiful ... ditto comfort/convenience perks.

I particularly enjoyed the panoramic glass moonroof, automatic road sign recognition/assist system, top-notch wood/leather trim, intuitive parking assist and wireless phone charger.

Something beyond the norm?  How about a curve speed management system?

I suppose one can get jaded driving so many vehicles in the $60,000-plus price range, but with the reputation Lexus has established over the years, I believe it's important to meet expectations in the luxury SUV segment.

This 2024 Lexus RX 450h Luxury sport-ute not only meets that threshold, but surpasses it.