The 2017 Lexus RX 350 ranks 4 out of 21 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Lexus RX 350 ranks in the top quarter among luxury midsize SUVs because it offers an attractive and spacious interior, good power, and impressive standard features, but some competitors can say the same thing.
Pros Generous list of standard features Comfortable and spacious rear seats Lower base price than many competitors
Cons Difficult-to-use infotainment system Limited cargo space
As a style-conscious statement of indulgence, the Lexus RX shines like never before. Its looks are polarizing and it's not all that fun to drive even in F Sport form, but the RX continues to excel in many ways. Almost ubiquitous with the term "luxury crossover," the Lexus RX was redesigned last year with a far more lavish look and feel inside and out. It's a daring breath of fresh air for the model that essentially pioneered this premium, upscale segment. We like the current Lexus RX, even though it's not quite as polished to drive as some rivals. With its solid feel and eye-catching looks, the RX rates a 7.3 out of 10 on our scale.
Pros Eye-catching design Refined interior Solid power Available hybrid Standard safety tech
Cons Polarizing looks Expensive with options F-Sport rides very firmly No third row
Don’t let the RX’s daring style fool you—it’s still the plush-riding crossover it’s always been, but a technological leap forward from its segment-defining predecessor. A 295-hp V-6, eight-speed automatic and front-drive are standard; all-wheel drive is optional. There is a hybrid, but with optional all-wheel drive, we managed 22 mpg; its combined EPA rating is 30. The cabin uses rich-looking interior materials throughout; the F Sport gets comfortable and supportive seats, among other upgrades. The Lexus RX, which has reigned as the best-selling Lexus model and the top seller among all luxury crossovers and SUVs for nearly two decades, went under the knife for some major work in 2016. It kept the passenger-car mechanicals, raised seating position, posh interior, and cargo-friendly five-passenger SUV body style but cranked the styling volume up to new heights with an outsize snout, a floating roof, and a riotous surface treatment. Voting with their wallets, the car-buying public seems to prefer this new RX, as sales have increased versus the more sedate-looking previous version.
The heart of the new Cayenne E-Hybrid plug-in is its powertrain, which follows a now familiar recipe: Take the root model’s engine and transmission—in this case a turbo 3.0-liter V-6 from the Cayenne tuned to 335 horsepower—then add a big battery and an electric motor.
Pros A hybrid that tows 7716 pounds, smooth transitions from electric to gas and back.
Cons So nice that Porsche might become a company known more for hybrids than sports cars.
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne twists performance DNA with a strand of off-road talent, and bridges the gap between “Porsche” and “SUV” perfectly.
Pros Yes, performance; yes, SUV Smart interior ditches pounds of buttons All the custom touches Five adults fit, no problem
Cons Tech wizardry aside, still a big SUV Ride, steering can be too stiff Oh wow, check out the prices
The 2019 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid ranked #1 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Porsche Cayenne Hybrid has a score of 9.3 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 8 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Excellent handling Lots of power Posh interior User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Short on cargo space High base price
