Lexus RX

The RX has avant-garde exterior styling and lots of advanced safety features. Its 3.5-liter V6 is linked to an eight-speed automatic, delivering ample power and a commendable 22 mpg overall. The fuel-thrifty 450h hybrid gets an excellent 29 mpg overall. Inside, the RX is very quiet and well-finished. Ride comfort is plush, whether you get the base car on 18-inch tires or more uplevel versions with 20-inch tires. Handling, however, is ponderous and devoid of any sporty feel but ultimately secure. The mouselike controller and distracting interface require a steep learning curve. Rear passengers get lots of leg and knee room. The Lexus Safety System+, which includes automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning, is standard.

While it may not be as sporty to drive as more athletic competitors from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the RX offers a cabin that's just as quiet and plush but with Lexus's proven track record of peerless reliability. The V6 is refined and responsive, and returned 19 mpg overall in our tests. The hybrid model debuted for 2006 and delivered 23 mpg overall, but that mileage improvement comes at a big price increase over the non-hybrid. The 2010 redesign brought even better fuel economy for both versions but handling became more lackluster, with steering that gives little feedback. Emergency handling is ultimately secure, however. Inside is a well-finished, quiet and comfortable interior with room for five. The infotainment system uses a convoluted mouselike controller.

The 2010 redesign brought improved fuel economy for both the conventional and hybrid versions, while retaining the plush and soothing demeanor. However handling became more lackluster, with overly light and vague steering. Still though, the car remains secure when pushed to its limits. Ride comfort is a strong point and the cabin is quiet. Inside is a well-finished interior with comfortable seats and room for five. Cargo room is on the modest side and rear visibility is not ideal. The infotainment system, while gaining in terms of connectivity and capability adapted a convoluted mouse-like controller that interfaces with a center screen for audio, phone and navigation functions. We found this system distracting, less than precise and unintuitive.

While it may not be sporty to drive, the RX offers a cabin that's just as quiet and plush with the best of the best. The refined and responsive V6 returned 19 mpg overall in our tests. A hybrid model debuted for 2006 and delivered 23 mpg overall, but hybrid versions are fewer and far between on the used market. Regardless, the RX delivers a plush ride that makes it a very comfortable urban vehicle or long distance cruiser. The seats are comfortable; the rear is roomy despite a low cushion. Cargo capacity is rather modest and the coupe-like styling hampers rear three-quarter outward visibility. Overall though, the RX packs a lot of comfort and luxury for the price.