2024 Lexus RX 350h: Car And Driver Review
Hey guys! Let's dive into the 2024 Lexus RX 350h, a hybrid SUV that's been making waves. Car and Driver has put it through its paces, and we're here to break down their review and give you the lowdown on what makes this luxury vehicle tick. From its fuel efficiency to its smooth ride, the RX 350h aims to blend comfort and practicality. So, buckle up as we explore everything you need to know about this compelling hybrid option.
Overview of the Lexus RX 350h
The Lexus RX 350h is part of the renowned RX lineup, known for its reliability and luxurious features. The 2024 model continues this tradition with a hybrid powertrain that emphasizes fuel economy without sacrificing performance. It's designed for those who want a premium driving experience with an eco-conscious edge. The RX 350h combines a gasoline engine with electric motors, delivering a smooth and efficient ride that's perfect for daily commutes and long road trips alike. Lexus has also packed it with advanced technology and safety features, making it a well-rounded choice in the competitive hybrid SUV market.
What sets the RX 350h apart is its blend of luxury and practicality. It offers a comfortable and spacious interior, adorned with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The seats are supportive and offer ample legroom, ensuring a pleasant experience for both driver and passengers. The cabin is also well-insulated, minimizing road noise and creating a serene environment. On the outside, the RX 350h boasts a sleek and modern design that's sure to turn heads. Its elegant lines and distinctive Lexus styling cues make it stand out from the crowd. Under the hood, the hybrid powertrain delivers a balance of power and efficiency. The electric motors provide instant torque, resulting in quick acceleration and a responsive feel. At the same time, the gasoline engine kicks in to provide sustained power for highway driving. This combination allows the RX 350h to achieve impressive fuel economy ratings, making it a great choice for those who want to reduce their carbon footprint.
Beyond its performance and aesthetics, the RX 350h also offers a wide range of advanced technology features. The infotainment system is intuitive and easy to use, with a large touchscreen display that provides access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are standard, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. The RX 350h also comes with a suite of driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These technologies help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind on the road. In addition to its many features, the RX 350h is also backed by Lexus's reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction. Lexus has consistently ranked high in customer surveys, earning a loyal following of drivers who appreciate the brand's commitment to quality and service. With its combination of luxury, efficiency, and reliability, the 2024 Lexus RX 350h is a standout choice in the hybrid SUV segment.
Car and Driver's Take
Car and Driver provides an in-depth review, highlighting both the pros and cons of the 2024 Lexus RX 350h. Their experts delve into the vehicle's performance, interior quality, technology, and overall value. They conduct rigorous testing to assess its acceleration, braking, handling, and fuel efficiency. Their insights are invaluable for anyone considering purchasing this hybrid SUV, offering a balanced perspective based on real-world driving experiences. Car and Driver's reviews are known for their objectivity and thoroughness, making them a trusted source for automotive information. They put vehicles through a series of tests, both on the road and on the track, to evaluate their performance in various conditions. This allows them to provide a comprehensive assessment of a vehicle's strengths and weaknesses. In the case of the RX 350h, Car and Driver likely examined its hybrid powertrain's efficiency, its ride quality, and its handling characteristics. They also assessed the interior's design and materials, as well as the user-friendliness of the infotainment system. Their review would also touch on the RX 350h's safety features and driver-assistance technologies, evaluating their effectiveness in real-world driving scenarios. By combining objective testing with subjective impressions, Car and Driver provides a well-rounded view of the RX 350h's overall value and appeal.
According to Car and Driver, the RX 350h excels in several key areas. Its hybrid powertrain delivers impressive fuel economy, making it a great choice for those who want to save money on gas and reduce their carbon footprint. The ride quality is also praised for its smoothness and comfort, thanks to the well-tuned suspension system. The interior is lauded for its luxurious materials and comfortable seating, providing a premium experience for both driver and passengers. Car and Driver also appreciates the RX 350h's user-friendly infotainment system and its suite of advanced safety features. These technologies enhance the driving experience and provide added peace of mind on the road. Overall, Car and Driver views the RX 350h as a well-rounded and compelling option in the hybrid SUV market. However, their review also points out some areas where the RX 350h could be improved. For example, they note that the acceleration is not as brisk as some competitors, particularly when the battery is low. They also mention that the infotainment system can be a bit slow to respond at times. Despite these minor drawbacks, Car and Driver still considers the RX 350h to be a top contender in its class, thanks to its blend of luxury, efficiency, and reliability.
Car and Driver's review also delves into the specific performance metrics of the RX 350h. They likely tested its acceleration from 0 to 60 mph, as well as its braking performance from 70 mph to a complete stop. These tests provide objective data that can be compared to other vehicles in the same class. Car and Driver also evaluates the RX 350h's handling characteristics, assessing its ability to corner and maneuver in various driving conditions. They may also conduct tests on a closed course to simulate real-world driving scenarios. In addition to performance testing, Car and Driver also examines the RX 350h's fuel economy in both city and highway driving. They use their own testing methods to verify the manufacturer's claims and provide a more accurate assessment of real-world fuel efficiency. This information is particularly valuable for those who are considering the RX 350h as a fuel-efficient alternative to traditional gasoline-powered SUVs. Overall, Car and Driver's review provides a wealth of information that can help buyers make an informed decision about whether the RX 350h is the right vehicle for their needs.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
The 2024 Lexus RX 350h shines when it comes to performance and fuel efficiency. Its hybrid powertrain delivers a combined output of around 246 horsepower, providing ample power for most driving situations. The electric motors offer instant torque, resulting in quick acceleration from a standstill. This makes the RX 350h feel responsive and agile, especially in city driving. The gasoline engine seamlessly kicks in to provide sustained power for highway cruising. Car and Driver likely tested the RX 350h's acceleration and found it to be competitive with other hybrid SUVs in its class. However, it's important to note that the RX 350h is not designed to be a performance vehicle. Its focus is on providing a smooth and comfortable ride with excellent fuel economy.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the RX 350h achieves impressive numbers. It's estimated to get around 36 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in its class. This is a significant improvement over the non-hybrid RX 350, which gets around 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The RX 350h's fuel efficiency is due to its hybrid powertrain, which combines a gasoline engine with electric motors and a battery pack. The electric motors assist the gasoline engine during acceleration and can also power the vehicle on their own at low speeds. This reduces the amount of fuel that the gasoline engine needs to burn, resulting in significant fuel savings. The RX 350h also features regenerative braking, which captures energy during braking and uses it to recharge the battery. This further enhances fuel efficiency and reduces wear on the brake pads. Overall, the RX 350h's fuel efficiency is a major selling point, making it an attractive option for those who want to save money on gas and reduce their carbon footprint.
The RX 350h's hybrid powertrain is also designed to be smooth and quiet. The transitions between electric and gasoline power are seamless, and the engine noise is minimal. This creates a refined and relaxing driving experience. The RX 350h also features an EV mode, which allows you to drive solely on electric power for short distances. This is ideal for driving in stop-and-go traffic or in residential areas where you want to minimize emissions. However, the EV mode is limited by the battery's charge level and the vehicle's speed. When the battery is depleted or the vehicle exceeds a certain speed, the gasoline engine will automatically kick in. Despite these limitations, the EV mode is a useful feature that can help you save even more fuel and reduce your environmental impact. Overall, the RX 350h's performance and fuel efficiency are a winning combination, making it a top choice in the hybrid SUV market.
Interior and Technology
Stepping inside the 2024 Lexus RX 350h, you're greeted with a luxurious and well-appointed interior. The cabin is crafted with high-quality materials, including soft leather, genuine wood trim, and brushed metal accents. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing ample cushioning for long drives. The rear seats also offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable space for passengers. The overall design is elegant and modern, with a focus on creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. Car and Driver often praises Lexus interiors for their attention to detail and their use of premium materials, and the RX 350h is no exception.
The RX 350h is also packed with advanced technology features. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a large touchscreen display, which houses the infotainment system. The system is intuitive and easy to use, with clear graphics and a responsive interface. It offers a wide range of features, including navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium sound system. The RX 350h also comes with a suite of driver-assistance technologies, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to enhance safety and provide added peace of mind on the road. The RX 350h also offers a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, allowing you to keep your eyes on the road. Other notable technology features include a wireless charging pad, a panoramic sunroof, and a power liftgate.
The infotainment system in the RX 350h is particularly noteworthy. It's one of the most user-friendly systems on the market, with a logical menu structure and a responsive touchscreen. The system also supports voice commands, allowing you to control various functions without taking your hands off the wheel. The navigation system is accurate and provides real-time traffic updates. The premium sound system delivers crisp and clear audio, making it a pleasure to listen to music or podcasts while driving. The RX 350h also offers a mobile app, which allows you to remotely control various functions, such as locking and unlocking the doors, starting the engine, and checking the vehicle's status. Overall, the RX 350h's interior and technology are top-notch, making it a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable vehicle to drive.
Conclusion
The 2024 Lexus RX 350h is a compelling hybrid SUV that offers a blend of luxury, efficiency, and reliability. Car and Driver's review highlights its strengths, including its fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain, comfortable ride, and luxurious interior. While it may not be the sportiest SUV on the market, it excels in providing a refined and comfortable driving experience. If you're in the market for a hybrid SUV that prioritizes fuel economy and comfort, the RX 350h is definitely worth considering. It's a well-rounded vehicle that's sure to impress with its combination of features and its reputation for reliability. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the RX 350h is a great choice for those who want a premium driving experience with an eco-conscious edge. So go ahead, give it a test drive and see for yourself what makes this hybrid SUV so special.
