Lexus RX350h review finds strong value and super quiet ride

The first entrant into the luxury hybrid SUV realm, the Lexus Rx350h, delivers efficiency cocooned in opulence.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350h in Sports Luxury specification.

You’re looking at the linchpin of Lexus in Australia.

Since being launched, the RX has been a star for the prestige marque Down Under.

Smaller SUVs have since arrived to steal its thunder, yet the RX was the original high-riding wagon that struck a chord and has since been a sales success in the Lexus stable.

Hybrid models are the star of the all-new RX show – with the addition of the 500h F Sport Performance model. It’s the most powerful hybrid SUV ever to reach Australian Lexus showrooms, courtesy of a turbocharged petrol engine that works in parallel with hybrid technology.

While the 500h sits atop the range, the most popular variants are the 350h, which run a near identical underskin set-up to the Toyota Kluger. Our family tested the Luxury all-wheel drive model, which starts from less than $100,000.

The Lexus RX 350h Sports Luxury

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Previously, I’d always felt Lexus had an older gentleman vibe.

GRANT: Typically going to golf? You’re right, the luxury brand has worked hard to create a name for itself and not be regarded as “an expensive Toyota”. Mercedes-Benz has done a fine job of becoming more modern and avant-garde.

KEL: The new RX looks nice with refined lines in profile. It’s an imposing grille, similar to half an hourglass.

GRANT: While the engine, transmission, chassis and wheelbase are all shared with the Kluger, the Lexus has regality over rudimentary. Interior fit and finish is what you’d expect, soft leather, refined curves across the dash and a hushed cabin synonymous with the brand.

KEL: Just getting in and out is different. The electric door handles look conventional, but each has a button sitting behind the handle to open the door from the outside. When inside you have to push the small lever.

GRANT: After a couple of days, the touch-sensitive “e-latch” system became second nature. Collectively, it certainly fills the large SUV silhouette, with its wheelbase now the same as the larger LX model.

KEL: Stepping inside, it feels resolute with materials that will last.

GRANT: One of the industry’s most respected surveys, undertaken by analytics expert J.D. Power in the United States, again ranked Lexus as number one for build quality and reliability this year.

Interior features in the Lexus RX 350h Sports Luxury

WHAT DO YOU LIKE?

KEL: Getting around was so quiet and luxurious.

GRANT: Lexus takes sound deadening to the next level. And rather than running on low-profile rubber, our Luxury variant had large tyre walls to preference poise over performance.

KEL: Cabin operations were simple with a 14-inch touchscreen for the infotainment, along with fast access to aircon controls, along with cupholders that could handle my drink bottle or a takeaway coffee.

GRANT: Thankfully, the Lexus mouse-style operation of the main screen via a control on the console has been banished. That used to cause me monumental frustration.

KEL: Heated and ventilated front seats were brilliant, along with the panoramic sunroof, which was awesome during this week’s cold snap to let the sun inside.

GRANT: Those features were courtesy of the enhancement pack, which also included wireless phone charging, real leather trim, head-up display and a better instrument cluster for the driver – for an extra $5500. Which is still good value for money when up against the likes of a BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE or Audi Q7.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: Getting used to the steering wheel thumbpads was initially challenging.

GRANT: Also part of the optional enhancement pack, you needed to pay close attention to the head-up display to find the right operations for cruise control and the infotainment. Polarised sunglasses made that difficult on occasions and I’d opt for conventional sunnies if I had the RX permanently in the driveway.

KEL: There were four USB ports upfront and wireless charging. The main one for Apple CarPlay was USB-A and three others were USB-C for charging … it just seemed like a lot of wires and slots in a small space.

GRANT: Some people have a lot of devices. That said, when you have wireless charging there should also be wireless CarPlay or Android Auto otherwise it defeats the purpose unless you just use bluetooth.

Average fuel consumption in the Lexus RX 350h on test was 6.8L/100km.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Luxurious and easy, whether on the highway or around town, the RX was super comfortable.

GRANT: That’s what this large SUV does best. Haul five adults in opulence. The hybrid system has an electric motor driving the rear wheels and the petrol engine supporting another motor at the front.

KEL: The performance was fine, neither super quick nor slow, I felt it delivered a happy medium.

GRANT: Anyone chasing firepower would be better served by the 273kW turbo flagship, but they will need to part with more than $130,000 once on-roads are settled.

KEL: For family life, it’s power and performance that I wouldn’t use.

GRANT: That’s why this 350h model accounts for the vast majority of sales, and we averaged 6.8L/100km using premium unleaded. That’s pretty impressive for a large SUV. Changing direction quickly could cause some body roll, yet with easy throttle usage and settled steering it maintained poise when the going got twisty.

KEL: For some reason, I found the RX difficult to park. It may have been the size, but I certainly had to make use of the cameras and pay close attention when pulling into spots.

GRANT: It is nearly 5m long. That equates to a large boot, which easily accommodated our weekly grocery shopping, while among my favourite features was the ability to drop the rear seats 60-40 with electric toggles in the boot.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Despite having two growing boys, I found the RX too large for my purposes. Driving efficiency and impressive luxury levels didn’t disappoint, I just think I’d be better suited to the smaller NX.

GRANT: The RX does a lot outstandingly well. Value for money remains strong with an impressive features list and the ride quality takes comfort to a new level. Prestige qualities are high, although excitement levels are low. Those chasing luxury will be ecstatic, anyone wanting thrills should join the 500h F Performance queue.