The Most Reliable Luxury Midsize SUV Lags Behind the Competition
Next time you are out driving around your local grocery store parking lot, take note of any SUVs you see a lot of. If there is one luxury SUV that is ubiquitous to Trader Joe’s, Target, and Publix parking lots, it is the ever-reliable 2023 Lexus RX. Even though this Lexus SUV is quite popular among drivers, there is good reason for it. The RX is the pinnacle of dependable luxury SUVs, combining refinement with unwavering reliability. With a track record that rivals the constancy of the North Star, the RX has earned its reputation for longevity through meticulous engineering and quality craftsmanship. Sure, there are faster and more exciting SUVs in the segment, but that isn’t everyone’s priority.
What is the most reliable luxury midsize SUV?
If you didn’t think the 2023 Lexus RX was the most reliable luxury SUV, it’s OK. The midsize segment is one of the most populated with suitable options, and adding luxury SUVs only makes the pool bigger. However, Lexus has been cementing its spot in the good graces of vehicle rankings for many years. Unfortunately, it fell to the bottom of the recent U.S. News rankings after some new additions hit the market.
Either way, the Lexus RX remains one of the most reliable vehicles on the market. J.D. Power gave it a predicted reliability score of 85 out of 100, one of the highest scores given this year. Lexus and Toyota basically invented the reliability game, and while some brands have come close in recent years, no one has taken the crown yet.
Lexus even managed to increase the cargo space without increasing the overall length of the SUV. It now has 30 cubic feet behind the second seat and 46.2 cubic feet behind both seats. So why is the 2023 Lexus RX at the bottom of the pack for luxury midsize SUVs? The competition is fierce, modern, and a little more sophisticated than it used to be.
Is the 2023 Lexus RX a good luxury SUV?
The good news is that the Lexus RX is an excellent midsize luxury SUV. Lexus offers the RX in five trim levels this year, listed below. While the 2023 RX costs $47,800 for the base 350, the fully loaded RX 350 F SPORT Handling costs $57,000. Compared to the pricing of other luxury SUVs, Lexus offers a reasonable middle ground.
2023 Lexus RX Trims | MSRP |
RX 350 | $47,800 |
RX 350 Premium | $49,800 |
RX 350 Premium Plus | $52,400 |
RX 350 Luxury | $55,800 |
RX 350 F SPORT Handling | $57,000 |
Lexus offers the RX in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Front-wheel drive versions get 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive versions get 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. While that is good fuel economy, Lexus offers the RX in a hybrid powertrain. The Lexus RX remains an exceptionally good SUV, no matter how you slice it. Yes, the competition is good too, but that doesn’t dull the shine of the RX.
What is the best-selling luxury SUV?
The sales numbers prove the RX is still the best-selling luxury SUV in the Lexus lineup, and that likely won’t change anytime soon. Those looking for a reliable luxury midsize SUV that you can drive until the wheels fall off and probably hand off to another family member will be satisfied with the 2023 Lexus RX.
On top of a reasonable price, this luxury SUV is overall very comfortable. It isn’t going to win any races and doesn’t have the flashiest style, but the Lexus RX gets a lot right. All five seats in the SUV are comfortable and spacious enough, even the middle seat in the back. Lexus always uses high-quality materials throughout the cabin, and the windows do a great job blocking noise.
One of the things about Lexus and Toyota vehicles is that once the automaker figures out the winning formula, it doesn’t stray from it very much. That makes these luxury SUVs reliable and sensible but not the most exciting. At the top of the luxury SUV pack are the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the 2023 BMW X5. These offer the best technology and powerful engine choices for drivers who want more excitement. For the rest of us, the 2023 Lexus RX checks all the boxes.