Lexus RX

The RX got a 2016 makeover, with avant-garde exterior styling and advanced safety features. Its 3.5-liter V6 is now linked to a new 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 interface require a steep learning curve. Rear passengers get lots of leg and knee room. All 2017 models get Lexus Safety System+ as standard equipment, which includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Options include blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

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.

The Camry-based RX300 was launched in 1999 as the first car-based luxury SUV. We found it pleasant to drive, with sound handling and a 3.0-liter, 220-hp V6 that performed well. The AWD RX300 lacks a low range, making it appropriate just for adverse weather conditions and moderate off-pavement use, not serious off-roading. The front seats are firm and supportive. The rear seat is too low. Cargo volume is modest. Stability control was made standard for 2001.