Best Lexus SUVs: Top 10
The history of Lexus began in 1983, when a team of the best engineers, designers and technicians from Toyota was formed to carry out a secret project that would forever change the automotive industry. The team rethought the very essence of a luxury car brand, creating a marque that surpassed the best in the industry.
This project received the code name Flagship (F1), and its result was a sedan with such torque that it could reach a speed of 250 km/h while remaining quiet – the noise level at 96 km/h did not exceed 60 decibels. At that time these figures seemed impossible. Six years later, the team’s efforts transformed into the Lexus LS400, which rolled off the production line and made a triumphant debut in Germany.
To refine the luxurious interior of the LS, designers worked tirelessly on creating a premium cabin, drawing inspiration from the finest examples of luxury architecture and beyond the automotive field.
Moving forward, Lexus repeatedly redefined the luxury automotive industry with a number of innovations, such as the world’s first hybrid SUV, the RX400h. Lexus was and remains an innovative, cutting-edge, progressive and youth-oriented brand, whose products embody the best of design, technology, culture and fashion.
But our article is not just about luxury cars from Japan, but about those with which you can travel off-road in luxury. So, which used Lexus SUV is the best to buy – let’s find out.
TOP 10 Best SUVs from Lexus
Our ranking includes:
- Lexus RX (AL10) 2008–2015
- Lexus RX (AL20) 2015+
- Lexus GX (J150) 2009+
- Lexus LX (J200) 2007–2021
- Lexus LX (J300) 2021+
- Lexus NX (AZ10) 2014–2021
- Lexus NX (AZ20) 2021+
- Lexus UX (ZA10) 2018+
- Lexus RX L (AL20) 2017+
- Lexus GX (J120) 2002–2009
- Lexus RX (AL10) 2008–2015
Let’s look at each model in more detail to choose the best used Lexus SUV to buy.
The first generation Lexus RX (XU10) was launched at roughly the same time as the original BMW X5, in 1998. Over the years, each version of the Lexus RX has maintained an elegantly restrained style and a compact two-row format whose dimensions have not changed much. Today, this places it between the upper end of the compact class and the lower end of the midsize class, as competitors have grown larger. It sits between the compact NX and the midsize three-row TX. In the latest generation, the RX lost its ubiquitous V6 for the first time – it was replaced with a more efficient turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The 2015 Lexus RX 350 is one of the most popular luxury crossovers. Its smooth ride, high-quality interior trim, long list of available luxury features, renowned reliability, above-average cargo capacity and spacious cabin for five passengers make it an attractive choice in the luxury crossover segment.
The 3.5-liter AL10 V6 engine is exceptionally smooth, but overall its performance is not particularly exciting. Lexus offers a sportier F Sport version, but even it does not significantly improve the overall impression. The RX is sufficiently spacious, but is only available in a five-seat configuration. Despite this, for many car enthusiasts the Lexus RX (AL10) is the ideal combination of luxury, space and utility.
Lexus RX (AL20) 2015+
The third generation Lexus RX was a significant step for the brand, although the model also had its drawbacks. With this generation, the company managed to secure its position in the market. And then came the most famous RX of all – the Lexus RX AL20.
The Lexus RX AL20’s suspension is tuned quite well, but according to owner feedback, the early models did not handle high-speed cornering well enough. Many also complained about the multimedia system, which was clearly outdated. But given the category of buyers of such vehicles, it is unlikely that many would notice this shortcoming.
It is equipped with two gasoline engines and a hybrid powertrain. The 2.0 l-4 Turbo 8AR-FTS engine with 235 horsepower is very good. It is reliable, but not the best choice for the RX considering the amount of technology used in its design. Another internal combustion option is the 3.5 V6 2GR-FKS with 290, 295 and 300 horsepower. Power increased slightly compared with the previous generation, and this engine remains the most reliable and engaging to drive. As in the previous generation, the standard RX350 is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission from Toyota, which is quite good, and the RX350 F-Sport with an eight-speed automatic transmission from Aisin.
The Lexus RX AL20 surpasses all other vehicles in the RX lineup. It is the most iconic RX in the family, whose appearance matches the technology under the hood. In 2024, while other compact luxury crossovers are focusing on sporty character, the 2024 Lexus RX is oriented toward a pleasant and comfortable ride. The standard engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder unit producing 275 horsepower. Three hybrid versions are also offered, which provide more power. The cabin is spacious for both passengers and cargo, but if you need a third row of seats, you will have to look at the new TX SUV, which replaces the extended RX-L in the Lexus lineup.
Lexus GX (J150) 2009+
he 2009 Lexus GX combines elegant styling and luxury and is fully prepared for off-road challenges. The 2009 Lexus GX 470 is based on the 2009 Toyota 4Runner and blends Lexus luxury with Toyota reliability. The GX can carry up to eight people with the optional third-row seats and boasts excellent off-road capabilities.
The 2009 Lexus GX 470 is built on a truck-based platform, which gives it excellent towing and off-road capability. But it also means a rougher ride and more body roll compared to competitors. Like the 4Runner, the GX has poor fuel economy, and the third row of seats is not as comfortable as that of competitors. In addition, the GX has less cargo and passenger space. Overall, the Lexus J150 is an excellent choice for those who are looking for both luxury and off-road capability.
Standard features for the 2009 Lexus GX 470 include adaptive suspension, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and a sunroof. Available options at purchase included an upgraded stereo system, navigation, Bluetooth and a rear-seat entertainment system.
The midsize SUV received an update in 2024. It has a new platform, an updated powertrain and a host of modern features. Its rugged exterior, inspired by the Land Cruiser’s design, is perhaps the only thing that links it to its outdated predecessor. The new GX550 is built on the same body-on-frame platform as the Toyota Sequoia and Toyota Tundra and will be available with a twin-turbo V6 engine – with or without a hybrid system.
Lexus LX (J200) 2007–2021
The idea of a “luxury SUV” no longer seems as strange as it did when Lexus first introduced the LX series in 1995. Today, premium SUVs have become commonplace, and if a carmaker does not have one in its lineup, it misses out on a significant share of the market.
The 2021 LX 570 does not belong to such SUVs. Although it wears the Lexus badge and has a beautifully appointed interior, underneath the body is the platform of a true off-roader. The body-on-frame Toyota Land Cruiser is known for its ability to tackle mud, sand and virtually any other rough terrain, and it is this vehicle that is the LX’s close relative.
The model is one of the most unusual examples in the automotive world – an SUV with a V8 engine that can handle the toughest roads and off-road conditions, yet with an interior typical of a luxury sedan.
The third generation Lexus LX stayed on sale long enough to outlive two major Lexus design overhauls. The first update came in 2013 and the second in 2016. With each facelift, Lexus made minor tweaks so that the LX looked as modern as the rest of the lineup.
Models from 2013 to 2015 have the first version of Lexus’s spindle grille, where the lower grille is now combined with the upper one into the familiar hourglass shape, although it is still divided by a body-colored horizontal bar. The lower air intake became more pronounced, and the more aggressive fog-light openings are now more recessed. The headlights retained their shape, but their lenses were redesigned and they received an LED daytime running light strip along the lower edge.
Lexus LX (J300) 2021+
Under the LX’s elegant exterior hides a real off-road monster – the Toyota Land Cruiser SUV. The LX is Lexus’s largest full-size body-on-frame SUV. The previous model, the LX 570, got its name from the engine displacement (5.7 liters). The name LX 600 indicates progress over the outgoing 570 model, although the number no longer corresponds to the engine’s displacement. The internal designation of the model is J300, as it is a renamed version of the Toyota Land Cruiser J300.
The J300 is unequivocally a new model. The LX has been fully redesigned for the first time since 2007, and these changes are radical. Lexus has moved the vehicle to Toyota’s New Global Architecture truck platform (TNGA-F). The new LX has abandoned the proven but low-efficiency 5.7-liter V8 in favor of a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6. The cabin has undergone serious upgrades, and in addition, the Lexus LX now supports Apple CarPlay.
Lexus NX (AZ10) 2014–2021
The Lexus NX is a midsize premium SUV/crossover that sits between the smaller UX and the larger RX in the Lexus SUV lineup. This model appeared in 2014 and was produced until 2021, including a refresh at the end of 2018.
Initially, the NX was offered with purely gasoline or gasoline-electric hybrid powertrains, but in the last years of production it was available only as a hybrid version known as the NX 300h.
Throughout its life, the NX received mixed reviews, with ratings ranging from below average to very good. It earned particular praise for its build quality and interior, which were considered among the best in this segment. However, the NX was criticized for its lack of driving dynamics and handling, a weak infotainment system and a stiff suspension compared with class-leading competitors.
The all-new Lexus NX was unveiled in June 2021. Today it remains one of the most popular used vehicles, receiving average to low scores across all categories.
Lexus NX (AZ20) 2021+
In 2021, Toyota Motor introduced the second-generation compact crossover Lexus NX – the AZ20. The new model is built on the modular TNGA GA-K platform, which is also used for the RAV4 and Camry. The exterior is executed in Lexus’s signature style, with complex surface transitions, intricate headlights and taillights, and a huge front grille.
Inside, the new Lexus Interface multimedia system is installed, with a 9.8-inch screen as standard and a 14-inch screen as an option. The digital instrument cluster has a 7-inch display, and an additional 10-inch head-up display is also available.
The model range of the new NX includes four versions: NX250, NX350, NX350h and NX450h+. The first two are gasoline models paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The NX250 is equipped with a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine producing 203 hp, and the NX350 with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 275 hp. Drive can be front-wheel or all-wheel.
The NX350h is a parallel hybrid that combines a 2.5-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors (one on each axle), with a total output of 239 hp and an all-wheel drive transmission.
For Lexus NX models starting in 2022, a redesign was carried out. The base gasoline engine became a 203-hp naturally aspirated 2.5-liter unit paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. A more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder version with 275 hp was also offered, as well as a hybrid version using the base engine with electric assistance for a combined output of 239 hp.
Lexus UX (ZA10) 2018+
The best used Lexus SUV for young people. Even the name of this model is aimed at attracting young SUV fans living in cities: “U” stands for Urban, and “X” for Crossover. However, it should be noted that the more compact dimensions of the vehicle have also attracted another part of the population – older people who are looking for a smaller-sized car.
The UX is a completely new vehicle, and the first thing that impresses is its engine. It delivers excellent performance and produces a slightly sharp yet refined sound. When the powertrain is switched to sport modes, this sound becomes louder. The UX is quiet when driving on the highway and during relaxed city driving. Noise increases only during hard acceleration, but not to a level that bothers the driver. Performance also matches the engine sound, and the UX feels “lively” right from the start. At 60 km/h, the continuously variable transmission (CVT) switches to a traditional pulley-and-belt mode, and the engine runs smoothly. But up to that point it accelerates more energetically.
Acceleration dynamics are provided by the CVT’s mechanical first gear and a torque converter instead of a clutch. In first gear the UX accelerates just like starting off in a manual transmission car. The UX consumes fuel at about 9.7 l/100 km. If you are planning to buy the hybrid Lexus UX 250h, you can expect fuel consumption of 5.8 l/100 km.
Lexus RX L (AL20) 2017+
There are many SUVs in the Lexus lineup, but there has been a lack of three-row RX SUVs. In October 2017, the Toyota brand corrected this by introducing a midsize version with an extended rear overhang.
The vehicle known as AL20 is the fourth-generation RX, which appeared in 2015 as a 2016 model. Based on the proven K platform, this luxury crossover increased in length to accommodate an extra pair of seats. However, its wheelbase remained the same as the two-row RX (2,790 millimeters or 109.8 inches).
To accommodate the extra row of seats, only the rear overhang was extended. Nevertheless, the available space turned out to be minimal. In other words, the two additional seats will not be comfortable enough for adults, especially on long trips. For true comfort, we recommend that buyers consider the full-size Lexus LX.
The SUV is available in two versions. The first is the RX 350L, which is equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 295 hp and 363 Nm of torque. The top version, the RX 450hL, is equipped with a powertrain producing 308 hp.
Lexus GX (J120) 2002–2009
Our review concludes with the best used Lexus SUV known by the code name J120. One of the most popular Toyota models in history is undoubtedly the Land Cruiser and its relative, the Lexus LX. While North America enjoyed the Land Cruiser, Toyota offered a slightly smaller version in overseas markets called the Land Cruiser Prado. Thanks to the Land Cruiser’s popularity in North America, starting in 2003 Toyota began importing the Prado under the Lexus brand: this was the GX470 (J120).
The Lexus GX 470 of the J120 generation appeared in 2002. While the larger Land Cruiser was offered both as a Toyota and a Lexus LX, the GX 470 was sold only under the Lexus brand, although it shared most of its components with the Land Cruiser Prado for overseas markets.
Today you can still buy a GX, and it has changed very little. The purpose of the GX 470 was to offer most of the Land Cruiser’s advantages in a slightly smaller, less expensive and slightly more fuel-efficient package.
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